Re: A la recherche du tom . perdu

I do not think this newsgroup is in decline. However, if this newsgroup
*is* in decline, it is not because the lunatics have taken over the
asylum. Nor is it in decline because the famous few, who were attacked
and demoralized, have abandoned the group. Just as humidity killed the
snowman, complacency kills discussion. I don't know about other people,
but I find it amusing to hear people say such things as, "Oh we
discussed that a few years ago." Their meaning is clear: all debate has
ended because the brilliant minds from the brilliant past made their
brilliant observations and consensus was achieved ... brilliantly. What
a crock! I've read some of the posts from that glorious past and they
really weren't so glorious. Some were cogent and lucid, yes, but we
need to stop thinking that all the songs have been correctly
interpreted and start saying what we want to say about the songs and
other topics. Will there be repetition? Of course. Will there be
disagreement? Absolutely. Will many stupid things be said, primarily by
me? I'd bet on it! Will there be nuggets of gold in the debate?
Definitely. And though we may find at the end of the line that all
that's gold doesn't shine, these leavenings will see us through. Debate
about the meaning of Shakepeare's plays and sonnets has not ended. Can
we really believe that all debate about Dylan's work has ended mere
years after they were written simply because, a few years back, there
was a wonderful community of Dylan enthusisasts? The party is not over;
let's allow new eyes to see Dylan's work, and welcome their comments.
Telling people that the debates are over and they have nothing to offer
will surely kill any newsgroup any time, any place, anywhere.

Temporary

.

Relevant Pages

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