♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TRIBUTE FOR ONE. TAUNT FOR TWO.Satire with a Slap ... Pseudonyms for Anonymity
OUR HEROINE
Dame Buddha-Sis'
Open-minded Author
Even-handed Moderator
I’m just sayin’ that Herr Luther might have been onto something. — W • T • F!
THE PERPS
Phil-o-flaunt, The Grate (P-Grate)
Philosopher / Knight-of-the-pack
Lord Flaunt-LeRoy
… and the incomparable …
Bibli-o-saurus Rex (B-Rex)
Pitiable Jayszoo-Johnny-One-Note
Conversation Killer Nonpareil
“Here I stand" ~ Martin Luther
I post to p
oke a metaphoric pencil in the eyes of the dynamic duo that prompted fair Buddha-Sis’ to prematurely shutter her magnum opus.Henceforth I'll refer to these two varmints by pseudonyms:
Phil-o-flaunt, The Grate (P-Grate)
and
Bibli-o-saurus Rex (B-Rex).
CAUTION READERS: Let’s be frank, the following is a personal rant and I hardly care whether anyone reads this article except one – her. But even if she does, my heroine will not be able to comment. By virtue of my authorship rights, any of her comments will be redacted.
In equal measure, if either of the two proselytizing piranhas arrives, their comments will be stricken too. (Hey - fair is fair.)
Anyone else is welcome to say what he or she will. I may not answer, but please do not interpret my inattention as disrespect for your literary punditry. In my mind I have a dual purpose: lavish praise on her and disdain for them - not particularly for the perps as individuals or opinion-leaders, but specifically for their brutish on-line behaviors. This tale is a lampoon-with-cause ... satire.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
AT HER BEGINNING
Some weeks ago, our heroine posted on Gather an extraordinarily well-written three-part series along with a fully documented set of source references. I’m telling you this was/is goooooood stuff – truly exciting on-line über-literature. Unlike my petty prose, hers was/is a splendidly presented proposition embellished with striking images and – oh-so importantly – imbued with the author’s mind-boggling attention to each reader’s comments.
Buddha-Sis’ opened with
’Part I - Losing Your Mind: You Come First’- as a scientific treatise,
followed by ’Part II - Losing Your Mind: Other Traditions,’
then concluded with ’Part III - Losing Your Mind: Other Teachers.’
This is key – the author made clear that hers was a moderated discussion, stating: [when a comment] “is out of bounds. I respectfully request that you remove it.”
Fair enough, I thought. Here was a reasonable rule laid out for a potentially contentious discussion.
Birdman and Bucky settled in -
savoring the Gather-ing spectacle, expecting a kerfuffle.
Immediately, conversations abounded. Within days Buddha-Sis’ was forced to repost her Part I (Losing My Mind: You Come First) into a second edition. So many comments accrued that screen loading and scrolling became awkward. Through it all, each time an overly- zealous perp attacked another’s beliefs, Dame Buddha-Sis’ faithfully intervened, then reminded everyone … o-n-e … m-o-r-e … t-i-m-e … that proselytizing wouldn’t be tolerated.
Did I mention that our heroine answered nearly every comment? Yes, she did … and believe me folks it was something to see - a true Phelpsian achievement! Here was an attentive author who scribed a profound series then carefully nurtured and protected her progeny.
The result was near excellence in the communication arts and among our site's finest examples of freely flowing exchange. One of Gather’s seasoned veterans later opined: “Interesting stuff. Nice to see discussion. Harks back to the Golden Age of Gather.”
Badda Bing. I had to tip my cap and Bucky gave her series his highest rating:
TWO Squawks Up!
Soon, her second posting of Part I required yet another iteration – the third. By my informal tally, Buddha-Sis’ generated more than 500 comments … and this was only at the site of Part I (1st, 2nd and 3rd editions) of her three-part series! Who wudda thunk?
Not unexpectedly, during this magical movable feast, there arrived at our picnic two particularly predatory proselytes: first, Phil-o–flaunt, The Grate (P-Grate), and not long after, came the pugnacious pack librarian, the incomparable Bibli-o-saurus Rex (B-Rex).♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
RASCALS AT HER GATE
Be it known: Phil-o-flaunt, The Grate (P-Grate) is a way-above-average wordsmith. I sense a deeply seated personal experience percolating through his prose. In my opinion his comments are poetically artful. In fact, he keyed a pearl:”There is a very difficult thing to convey in words… It has to do with ‘realizing’ that the whole of what we are speaking of, is really about just one person. All the ‘others’ don't matter at all. If a million say this, or a billion do that, it doesn't change a thing. You are faced with a single reality, yours.”
B-Rex is an extreme case and not just any Tonto (apologies to Jay Silverheels). He wants it that way, likes it, and admits he can’t help it. In one of his recent articles B-Rex proudly puffed that he is powerless to do otherwise – apparently he lacks a free will. Go figure! Yeah, ol’ Rexy is well studied and power fed. Regurgitating what he’s consumed obsesses him.
To skirmish, B-Rex wields a quiver of quotes. I’d wager that if you casually quip, “There ain’t a god who can make da Phillies win the World Series this year,” B-Rex might automatically fire back, “The fool says there is no god. - Psalm 14:1.”
(Huh? And you thought that you were just talking’ baseball! Yup, THAT’S our Rexy!)
I’m telling you, B-Rex is a genuine Jayszoo-Johnny-One-Note and damned proud of it…absorbed by it …virtually reeks of it. And when he arrives on the scene there are telltale sounds like the ‘Low Rumble of Romans’ then the ‘Loud Ack-Ack of Acts’.
Then a hush suddenly falls over open dialogues. No longer free, threads soon wither and die.
Antagonists like P-Grate may be, at least, appreciated because they pontificate with their own words. (Most of us seem to favor reading original material on Gather.) B-Rex, however is of a different ilk. As the ultimate Tonto he suddenly appears in the comment balloons and shoots forth his quotable quiver - which leaves poetic P-Grate to ruminate boldly on Rexy’s plot points. Everything is cited chapter and verse. These two are a travelling show!
Thus the e-braying typically begins.If unchecked, this cacophony can go ‘til dawn and well into next morning - vaporizing everything in its path.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
END OF DAYS
The lament began when gentle Buddha-Sis’ apparently had enough, and the cool-headed dame terminated all discussion on Part I - after completing the 3rd edition. Tragically she also pulled the plug on Part II long before it had naturally run its course. As she locked Part II at 131 comments, Buddha-Sis’ carefully chose her words for the nettlesome hooligans:“As far as I can tell, your beliefs are set in stone. I have no idea why you would comment on an article like this, which encourages discussion of other viewpoints, if you weren't attempting to convert the rest of us to your beliefs.
If you want to convert others to your********* views, I suggest that you look to the examples of *** and *** *. They are ********* who listen to us non-believers, and talk eloquently about their own beliefs without condemning our lack thereof. This is what changes people. Information and empathy have to flow both ways. Your comments are no longer welcome on the articles in this series, as they run counter to the non-judgmental discussion forum I have worked hard to create.”
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
EPILOGUE
Our tale is unfinished because these characters still live and that literary orphan, Part III, is still breathing – for now. Though Gather is today a lesser place, other thought-provoking articles shall be written and, indeed, proselytizers shall predate.
Some quest to listen and learn, while
'Da Spell’ warps proselytes to swoon.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
P O S T S C R I P T
This tale needed to be told.
Gentle Readers: thank you, for sharing your time.
Buddha-Sis’: thank you, for opening minds and slapping hands.
See y’all ‘round the posts.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
… um … er …F I N I
Whoa!
Wait a minute, don't leave quite yet.
For proselytes looking for
champagne wishes and caviar dreams,
one final ☺♫♪ thought:
▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
recommend this
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Comments: 77 ( 4 removed by Kenneth P.G. ∎ 4th Movement in B minor ∎ )
http://friendsofdanh.gather.com.
Our goal is to help you further your exposure and to support other gather members.
Love it, Ken!
Thank you very much for visiting ... and for commenting favorably ... but I suspect that you didn't read the article carefully enough. Had you, it would have been clear that you will not (can not) see comments from Buddha-Sis' or Phil-o-flaunt here. Comments all three of these characters will be deleted. This is an article about them and not for them. Hey: my post, my ground rules.
If any of 'em wanna spout, let 'em write their own.
Thank you for dropping by. dude. It is poignant for me that both you and Sue B. are on this thread because we all shared this experience.
I just pissed me off and I had to get this screed off my chest.
You da man.
Thank you for the thumbs up and additional thanks for the spelling tip.
Unfortunately, "Jayzu vs Jayszoo" wasn't covered by my spell check. Don't be surprised if I make the change.
Thanks for writing this.. and also I am in a state of grief over hearing these articles are closed now to comments because they are amazing and beautiful..and I have not had time this last week but had intended to come back and comment for Ann encouraged me to move to read the others ... I just had too busy a week to do that yet.. so it is crushing and depressing to hear of what has happened and to see things spoiled.
Ann is right... the point is to have that conversation and keep the door open to growth and learning.. sad that is now closed in regard to the first two articles. Think I know who one of the perps is.
In a way.. a worse perp than the second who is so easy to see coming. The more insidious perp I find worse.
We can share our experiences.. it can be meaningful and trigger an opening for another but each will have their own... In my own life I have long ago stopped trying really to understand the mystery... when one encounters it as if it were a brick wall the strange reality of the real experience speaks so eloquently one will never again feel the need to argue or convince or try to convert...
If an invisible force picks a big man up and tosses him across a room.. well ... that is it...
it is real in a tangible way..
Still these discussions can help... and for years people shared with me their experiences..and they served as pointers but I could not believe it or feel it in the way they did.. until it all started happening... then it is another universe and it all changes from there.
I actually have trouble therefor even trying to discuss things of this nature any longer but these articles were great so am sad to see it go this way. Ok.. rambling on.. guess it all hits a sensitive spot for me. I was a long time victim of people trying to convert me to born again christianity (I was Anglican.. perfectly fine and noble tradition breaking from Rome so King Henry could have a different wife! actually it was a priest I knew.. a liberal guy.. a psychologist.. a student of Bishop Pike's in the sixties.. he was a remarkable guy.. that is why I was there as a kid and through him I learned of all the great world religions for he taught us that all came from God) and also had a scary run in with some Mormons. Sorry no offense to these religious groups but you must know you have some fairly insistent adherents!
Thanks for this article and I will echo Bucky's two squawks up and give a Gather 10.
Also very cool images and the whole thing is just brilliant Ken!
Love and light,
Isis
Yooooooohooooooo!
I truly enjoyed reading this creative rant!
http://friendsofdanh.gather.com.
Our goal is to help you further your exposure and to support other gather members.
and comment. All I gotta add is:
Oh, Baby...
Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla, bing bang
Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla, bing bang...
Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla, bing bang
Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla, bing bang
btw, I'm a bit disappointed because I wish I had even some tiny role in this play!
Speak of Ann's articles here... bet Ken would like it too!
Also since you are after all the King of the Universe, the Man with a Plan, transformer of space-time and a child prodigy grown up... and you might even qualify for Jim Morrison's old
Title: "I am the Lizard King, I can do anything!" you should definitely go for it!
Longing to hear in Seattle,
Isis (Isosceles Triangle)
Heheh, Scandinavian? I honestly hadn’t thought about THAT, but it just looked ‘cool’, and felt ‘right’, and this article is very much about my doing WHATEVER feels those ways.
Buddha-Sis’’s series felt like a mini-drama to me and I feel a profound sense of loss because those Bower Birds persisted in building their nests while we were having a fruitful dialogue. Sorry buddy that you felt left out of my satire. It would have been awkward to develop the full range of characters – along with pseudonyms – to preserve the integrity of the screed.
However, I loudly proclaim here and now:
HEY EVERYONE: BORIS WAS THERE AND PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN THE DRAMA! ‘TWAS HE WHO CONTRIBUTED THE 25 QUOTES THAT PROBABLY REALLY DISRUPTED THOSE BOWERS BIRDS.
Thanks for dropping by. Honored to see you.
Frankly, my first impulse to actually write about the positive communication dynamic on her series was when YOU proffered your classic comment to Buddha-Sis’. I just had to mention it within my piece - with regret that I couldn’t note it and you by name - because everyone was anonymous.
Again, I'm truly honored that you came here.
If Boris, or anyone, wants to open a dialogue here, they are welcome. In fact, I’d love it if PROSTYLTIZING became the topic – as long it is represented as an analytical discussion and NOT the practice.
Thanks for boppin’ bye.
I must explain, dear, that your yesterday’s comment was in many ways the most delightful of all.
Here’s what happened ...
I broke from the TV Olympics and lit up my computer to check e-mails - and was alerted that YOU had commented on this post. So I went to my just-published rant and read your simple observation, “Thanks Ken. This was intereting.”
I returned to my e-mails.
Immediately following in list of my alerts was the listing that you also commented on a recent post by ‘Bibli-o-saurus Rex’- his missive on blasphemy.
So I promptly clicked to there and read your succinct comment, “Hi Ken.”
Got to tell you, Dorothy, I spontaneously LAUGHED OUT LOUD!
Thank you, ma’am, for the thrill of it all.
As was prophesised, Boris G. hath returneth with more quoteth here:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977373180&nav=Namespace
While I was absent, one of The Perps appeared
at this post and left two comments. As an esteemed member
on Gather, he is certainly within his rights to wander wherever
he chooses. However, true to my word, and in keeping with
my article’s posted instructions, I have dutifully deleted them.
However, this man has the deft skills of a surgical wordsmith
and I tip my hat to his tenacious tact by reposting abridged snippets.
P-Grate writes:
”… You're a riot. … an open-minded, even-handed puddle ….”
Not-to-worry, in my opinion P-Grate is NOT the most disruptive
member of the dynamic duo. If, per chance, THAT pugnacious
pachyderm lumbers in, I will be forced to immediately get a shovel
and …
… completelyremove whatever B-Rex deposits.
Appreciate you comin’ by. YOU are always welcome and YOU may say whatever you wish.
In answer to your first query: Yes, indeed, the yellow puddle was suitably diffuse – mostly because most of it yet remained with the issuer.
I invite you to write your own satire
or
appoint Sue B. as your proxy.
I genuinely appreciate your writing, but, sorry guy, it won't be on display here.
This, like another much finer set of articles, is a moderated publication. You and B-Rex are just not welcome to comment HERE. Nor is Buddha-Sis'. As I stated in an earlier comment reply, My satirical article is about your behavior and NOT for your pleasure.
Thank you for arriving and thank you for the compliment. I too appreciate YOUR punditry and wished to further our recent discussion when suddenly someone (B-Rex) arrived and left a sticker in our pup tent.
I predicted calamity, and pronto, it quickly happened. That's what inspired my above ine:"Like Mentos™ mixed with Coke™, these two explosively react."
Unless P-Grate sends me a message from the depths, I can only sadly quote what hasn't evaporated. From the even handed, but diminished puddles of P-Grate, I present but these remnants of superlative morsels of wisdom for all to savor and cherish.
"Open minded Author ?
Even-handed moderator?
You're a riot....
It's amazing what some folks will come up with to justify defaming others, without allowing them to defend themselves..."
I am respectfully aware that many old-timers and serious Gatherers HATE comment deletion, and will boycott an author who does this. In my opinion, its use is justified with some nut cases, but to keep it to a minimum I will close comments if this gets squirrely.
I don't intend to exacerbate the situation and get myself black listed. I also mean no further insult to any of the characters in my satire.
For any intuitive reader, my intellectual position should be clear. My cautionary words, too. Please note that they are posted in BOLD CAPS with the image of sharpened tip leading your eyes to ‘em.
The fact that one of the three characters has blithely come forth whilst ignoring the cautionary details of my post may serve as Exhibit A for the too-forward behavior that I’m objecting to.
I’d wager that if you casually quip, “There ain’t a god who can make da Phillies win the World Series this year,” B-Rex might automatically fire back, “The fool says there is no god. - Psalm 14:1.”
That was my favorite part. :-)
I don't, however, agree with the comment deletion/ restriction of comments. Unless there are threats, incitement to violence, or the posting of private information about people, I'd say let them go on. They will probably demonstrate exactly what you're talking about, but it's fair to give them a chance to prove otherwise. (In this case, the comment that Sue B. reposted, for example, illustrates that persons modus operandi perfectly: quote other person, state that ideas expressed in the quote are completely wrong/ridiculous, offer no proof or further clarification, add accusation, ride off into sunset/change topic.)
For instance, I think of too forward as a first time guest who pours his own libation from MY bar.
Thank you for taking the time to drop by. I’m honored.
This youngster is learnin’ and doesn’t mind admitting it. Other than the grudging subject matter, my intent for this article was to practice the new HTML techniques that Kevin, or site master, passed on … and to play with Photobucket.
I genuinely appreciate ALL that you have to say and will seriously consider your sage advice IF I ever go this route again. However, for this particular screed, under these specific circumstances, I’ll choose to shut this puppy down rather than retreat for the line I have so painstakingly drawn.
In my considered opinion, two out of three of my characters are fine authors, and good reads – whether or not you agree with them. As for the third? Well let’s just say that I can go down to the local No-Tell Motel and rent a cheap room. There I can open the bed side table and pull out a particular book and peruse whatever HE would have said.
Again, a hearty thank you from here.
Sincerely,
~ Ken
I submit my evidence thus ?
CAUTION READERS: Let’s be frank, the following is a personal rant and I hardly care whether anyone reads this article except one – her. But even if she does, my heroine will not be able to comment. By virtue of my authorship rights, any of her comments will be redacted.
In equal measure, if either of the two proselytizing piranhas arrives, their comments will be stricken too. (Hey - fair is fair.)
Anyone else is welcome to say what he or she will.
.
.
.
.
You answer your own question with the following: “I think of too forward as a first time guest who pours his own libation from MY bar.”
As I explained at publication Sunday, “Be it known: Phil-o-flaunt, The Grate (P-Grate) is a way-above-average wordsmith.”
As I advised this afternoon, “P-Grate, sir > I invite you to write your own satire.”
Now this evening, I’ll add: in his own words and by his rules – whatever they may be, its only proselytizing when its an away game. At home its just musing and amusing for yourself.
YOU are entitled to think whatever you wish. I would expect no less of YOU.
Nor him.
My article speaks for me.
However, I would add that if what I herewith wrote (and how I’ve managed comments) prompted him/them to any level of introspection – or caused even one Gather reader to think to himself/herself “yeah, its THOSE guys,” then I have achieved my objective.
And as an added bonus – on Sunday I practiced my HTML and Photobucket.
Your HTML rocks. I was going to ask you how you did that scarlet A with the quote next to it.
But due to PC problems on long threads I could not stay active on P1 ... but when my PC healed for a while as it occasionally does, I began a long "catch up" on my note-pad, to later copy and paste to the article threads end ... but "low and behold" (hope that wasn't too close to a B-Rex quote), by the time I got to the end with all of that lengthy material to respond, the thread had been closed ... just as well I guess because had I posted, I also would have been for sure one of these characters at issue here.
But in keeping in character as a trouble maker in my own right/light, I had earlier selected a portion of a commenter here that I will not name because I am not good at Egyptian (Sacred?) Geometry ... :-)
"" We can share our experiences.. it can be meaningful and trigger an opening for another but each will have their own... In my own life I have long ago stopped trying really to understand the mystery... when one encounters it as if it were a brick wall the strange reality of the real experience speaks so eloquently one will never again feel the need to argue or convince or try to convert... ""
To which I would change slightly and assuredly say in my own case:
"" ... the real experience speaks so eloquently one will never again be able to rest without feeling the need to argue or convince or try to convert those who deal in falsehoods to the real truth of the BET as (+=-)>(+/-) ...
Of course I am one of those that feels extremely fervent about censorship, deletions and restrictions myself ... thus I would not normally come onto one of "these" threads ... except to voice my "complaint" about such ... and to also say that I will probably have second and third thoughts as to whether I ever become involved in "moderated" threads again for the same reasons ... I have written my own article(s) on that subject. Just my thoughts ...
BTW ... Hi Ken, clever post ... :-)
Take care, and may God bless you.”
This polite-yet-resolute comment was posted last night (Aug 26, 2008, 10:18pm EDT) by one of my story’s characters, Phil-o-flaunt, The Grate. Let’s be honest, shall we? P-Grate has comported himself remarkably well during this episode. But the other shoe will undoubtedly fall - soon.
For now, I’ve become convinced that all serious Gatherers (including P-Grate) deserve to be afforded an equal opportunity to comment freely. Hence, I’ve reposted to allow him to get in his licks and show everyone what a gentleman he is. Freedom of speech is not something to take lightly. One of my old tyrannical High School jailers, Über-Fuehrer Sr. Evangeline, would probably have it otherwise.
But I say, ‘Oh hell, just deal with it, Vangy.’
Golly, I can’t imagine actually knowing something – anything – that is not already in your quiver of tricks. By the scarlet ‘A’ I presume that you are referring to this HTML construct:
It is far better to grasp the Universe
as it really is
than to persist in delusion,
however satisfying and reassuring.
Tell you what, ma’am, I’ll e-mail you a private message, soon, and explain what’s behind the scenes. Amazingly simple, actually.
Thank you for visiting a second time and commenting. You, I believe, are a true heavy hitter. I’m humbled by your presence and deeply appreciative of your instruction.
Sir, I am truly grateful for your unexpected presence and comment. Since we first tangled over issues I’ve always admired your imitable writing style and resolute beliefs. I can’t put my finger on it precisely, BUT there always is a sense that you are imbued with an appealing sense of openness within dialogues. I must admit that I do not always understand what you write - because your style is uniquely your own - but I must confess that first seeing your constructs some months ago made me aware of individual communication styles on Gather and my need to look for a
Rosetta Stone
to fully decipher the meaning
of your thoughtful word engineering.
As a novice I’ve gone slowly to develop my own style. This satirical article, with its many visual notes, has been a milestone in my personal journey to embrace a communication style all my own.
For example there is a parrot on my right shoulder as I’m writing these lines. That little guy, Bucky, gives you and your work his highest rating:
TWO Squawks UP!
You GO, dude. Believe it!
Thank you, Jerry, for visiting. This comes from the hearts of two species.
No more, Ken.
I mean it. NO MORE!
Yes, MORE!
I was reading comments and you gave BORIS recognition for "being there". How about ME. AND I'M even on the PERPS side!!!! Can't you come up with something like - Hmmmm, Boy, this is hard! Katosauntis-Ridgis? Oh, that's silly. You ARE seriously creative!!!!!!
Howdy!
It distresses me to read in your comment what I think you may perceive – inadequate recognition of your role in this satirical scenario or more-serious comment thread.
To a certain extent I stand before you and plead guilty as charged. Mea Culpa.
I believe, however, that you were privately named in the body of my piece by mention of “********” during Buddha-Sis’’ parting statement to our hooligans. I think I also acknowledged you in my subsequent comments.
However, I don’t believe these two instances are adequate. After all, yours were the ‘fresh ideas’ that I was beginning to absorb when B-Rex lumbered onto our dialogue during Part II. That’s when I consciously chose to extricate myself. Hey, I knew that I couldn’t constrain my dislike for B-Rex or his hobbyhorse comments and I wanted to honor Buddha-Sis’’ request for a non-judgmental attitude – avoiding a role in having her shut down the exquisite discussion. Alas, later events caused the door to close anyway - and that’s when my intellectual fury reached my had-to-go-a-publishing stage.
As I recall, I was composing a comment that addressed Buddha-Sis’’ question about the possible anger feelings on the part of non-believers when they perceive a personal hole in their lives left by the absence of a god-belief. That’s the subject that I hope to reopen in Part III of the series … if she keeps the fruitful discussion open long enough. Please rejoin me there.
Kathleen, I suggested in a private e-mail that I have a specific purpose in attending Gather. That purpose can be summarized in one word, c-o-m-m-u-n-c-a-t-i-o-n. I desire to reach out and share ideas with a vast number of others. I want to familiarize myself with the techniques of the on-line arts. I particularly enjoy exchanging perspectives with folks who are NOT of my mind. Girlfriend, that’s how I learn.
Now my explanation may seem counter-intuitive to the tone of this satirical article … but not really. For sake of any particular conversation, I have no quibble with the faith-based positions of The Perps. My issue is with the argumentative styles of each and how it affects the communication flow in its totality. See those four ominous advisories for author-deleted comments at the top of my comment column? Those four inflamed pimples are evidence of P-Grate’s dogged determination to make himself heard – no matter the cost. He can’t help it. I better understand that now (here’s the evidence for it) and THAT was a question that I had before writing my satire.
You may think of yourself as one of ‘em but from my perspective you woefully fail the test of The Perps. You, Kathleen, present yourself to this reader as being r-e-a-s-o-n-a-b-l-e. The fact that we may fundamentally disagree on a range of issues is irrelevant. It seems to me that your mindset, as presented, makes a world of difference to our eventual exchange.
Your dictionary comment about ‘proselyte’ is worth noting. For that semantic reason and for sundry so-called ‘facts’ relating to this discussion, I purposely chose the writing style of satire. My model was roughly akin to the satirical approach within Jonathan Swift’s classic 1726 novel GULLIVER’S TRAVELS. ” On the surface, this book appears to be a travel log, made to chronicle the adventures of a man, Lemuel Gulliver, on the four most incredible voyages imaginable. Primarily, however, Gulliver's Travels is a work of satire. ‘Gulliver is neither a fully developed character nor even an altogether distinguishable persona; rather, he is a satiric device enabling Swift to score satirical points’ (Rodino 124)
This was my first-ever attempt at satire, and I think the piece is delivered with mixed results. It occurred to me, none of us internees in Sr. Evangeline’s English class ever questioned the factual veracity of Lilliput or Lilliputians. Our 1968 class simply dispelled belief, kept on reading, and entered into a multi-faceted discussion – just as the satirist wanted and Evangeline demanded.
I also chose to title my piece with the nonsense word,
‘P R Ø S T L Y T E S A M O K,’
reckoning that some would focus on the ‘prostlytes’ part and others would key on the ‘amok’ part. That bifurcation, I reasoned, would yield additional clues as to their perspectives and would reflect in readers’ comments. Hhhm. I guess you are among the former.
Kathleen, on a personal note thank you for following up. Come back if you wish but I really hope I’ll see you at Buddha-Sis’’ other post.
You know where it is.
Fond aloha,
~ Ken
That's a 'pisser' of a question, I guess.
So another word for a pisser of a question is a yellow puddle? Am I thick?
I did make some comment on #III, but I can't remember what. I'll have to go back and look. See you there?
It is an honor to have you drop bye.
Aloha -
Great piece of ingenuity here. Thanks.
Especially enjoyed the comic relief video at end
Ken, still so new to all things cyber, I bow my head... a humble tear or two...from my core.
I carefully read all of Buddah Sis's threads when I first came on board a few short weeks ago. I met the cast, and picked up on the initial Uglies, who's thoughts became action and the subject of your fine Theater of Creare shared here...
The slithering illness which uncoiled in our midst last week around the health decline of our now healing one, behaved as (I can't come up with a descriptive... everything despicable that has a gooey slime attached to it is compostable by nature and therfore inherently good) was so richly addressed here.
Perhaps it's good that I didn't slip into your salon before now. As a new comer I'da been unfairly biased by the brilliance.
My part of holding to my own terms around banishment wont permit me to glance in the "P"'s direction. Only ever met at Buddah sis's place anyway. Until there's some indication for a reasonable reconsideration of those terms, they be gone. Zot!
No Chipmunks? Oh the humanity!
I am sooooo impressed!