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Re: Why do you think mind-expanding literature is restricted to the classics? GarethBryne Send a noteboard - 23/02/2011 09:25:10 AM
Well, first of all as far as I am aware there is no one accepted definition of "classic". For instance some regard Dickens as a classical writer others do not. My own personal opinion runs to the mainly French, Russian and German writers who write what is usually considered worthy but boring and inpenetrable books. There are others like James Joyce for instance.

To answer your question, I guess that popular fiction *can* have mind expanding qualities (just as some popular music can), my point is though, that popular anything (such as art, sculpure, writing, music etc) does not have to pass the same criteria that are applied to the more classical styles, all that is needed is likeability and entertainment. In Australia we have an annual art prize called the Archibald Prize. Every year they have a poll of the workers who set up the exhibits and they choose their selection which is usually likeable and entertaining. The "Experts" then make the official choice which is inevitably worthy but boring to all but the most dedicated elite.

Lets just keep in mind that some people just want to be entertained and get value for money, not everyone is looking for mind expansion and those that are know where to find it!
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Can someone explain to me how Jordan is not a particularly good writer? - 21/02/2011 05:41:31 PM 3298 Views
I personally see it as more of RJ being a fantastic story teller, but not a well structured writer. - 21/02/2011 06:44:21 PM 1683 Views
Re: I personally see it as more of RJ being a fantastic story teller, but not a well structured - 22/02/2011 10:59:25 PM 1305 Views
What do you think about the Southern Gothic authors? - 23/02/2011 08:08:26 AM 1188 Views
Re: What do you think about the Southern Gothic authors? - 23/02/2011 10:51:57 AM 1276 Views
Oh, it really depends. - 23/02/2011 05:39:07 PM 1018 Views
thanks, I'll have a look *NM* - 23/02/2011 05:40:50 PM 813 Views
For the same reason that most people think they have above average intelligence. - 21/02/2011 11:13:34 PM 1642 Views
Thank you. - 21/02/2011 11:43:08 PM 1390 Views
Well Said! - 22/02/2011 02:42:22 PM 1302 Views
I can take a shot at that, since nobody else seems willing to. - 22/02/2011 07:29:20 AM 1707 Views
Do you enjoy reading Robert Jordan's ... - 22/02/2011 04:31:28 PM 1378 Views
Not particularly. - 22/02/2011 10:22:00 PM 1499 Views
Agreed. - 22/02/2011 10:37:08 PM 1256 Views
As far as I'm concerned, the only way to gauge whether an author is good or not is ... - 22/02/2011 03:58:17 PM 1232 Views
Amen *NM* - 22/02/2011 04:32:50 PM 800 Views
Re: Can someone explain to me how Jordan is not a particularly good writer? - 22/02/2011 06:27:11 PM 2095 Views
Brain overload! This is really well thought out. - 23/02/2011 10:22:37 PM 1283 Views
thank you for the insight into the outside view lol - 24/02/2011 04:34:57 PM 1340 Views
I think DomA answered the question best, but the "do you like it" argument is weak. - 22/02/2011 10:32:51 PM 1476 Views
Re: I think DomA answered the question best, but the "do you like it" argument is weak. - 22/02/2011 11:16:24 PM 1418 Views
The Necronomicon isn't actually a book, you know. *NM* - 22/02/2011 11:28:29 PM 717 Views
There are nine, actually... - 23/02/2011 12:04:55 AM 1480 Views
I hope I am misunderstanding you. - 23/02/2011 10:57:47 PM 1167 Views
Re: I hope I am misunderstanding you. - 24/02/2011 10:41:09 AM 1298 Views
If the core of the story is all that matters, why read a book - 24/02/2011 10:32:01 PM 1261 Views
Re: If the core of the story is all that matters, why read a book - 24/02/2011 11:23:42 PM 1095 Views
So wait, style is good? - 25/02/2011 12:32:07 AM 1487 Views
Re: So wait, style is good? - 25/02/2011 08:53:55 AM 1141 Views
I'm not trolling - 25/02/2011 11:57:18 PM 1165 Views
That depends... - 23/02/2011 03:00:35 AM 1387 Views
the "do you like it" is the most important criterion - 23/02/2011 10:45:17 PM 1247 Views
Re: the "do you like it" is the most important criterion - 24/02/2011 01:53:59 AM 1239 Views
Thumbs up - IMHO, all discussion can end here - 28/02/2011 05:45:34 PM 1371 Views
Not for quality of writing. - 24/02/2011 05:17:52 PM 1195 Views
Those who can do, the rest are critics. *NM* - 24/02/2011 07:55:50 PM 774 Views
I object, sir! People don't read WoT for the way it's told? - 24/02/2011 12:58:58 AM 1306 Views
If you don't mind me asking... - 24/02/2011 01:05:12 AM 1066 Views
Re: If you don't mind me asking... - 24/02/2011 02:19:17 AM 1198 Views
I still don't get it. - 24/02/2011 08:27:50 AM 1089 Views
Re: If you don't mind me asking... - 24/02/2011 11:29:14 PM 1135 Views
I don't mind that you ask, but I'm not going to engage in a defense of literature. - 24/02/2011 05:35:27 PM 1084 Views
Re: I don't mind that you ask, but I'm not going to engage in a defense of literature. - 24/02/2011 11:26:55 PM 1237 Views
I'm sure you have a wonderful job awaiting in fast food service. - 25/02/2011 01:57:15 AM 1288 Views
Re: I'm sure you have a wonderful job awaiting in fast food service. - 25/02/2011 08:56:06 AM 1189 Views
Jack @$$ snobbery at its best. WOW *NM* - 28/02/2011 05:48:43 PM 809 Views
... - 25/02/2011 01:07:22 AM 1145 Views
Maybe you should have used better prose? - 25/02/2011 01:23:17 AM 984 Views
It is not a serious question. - 25/02/2011 01:53:59 AM 1128 Views
How so? - 25/02/2011 02:59:05 AM 1264 Views
I have every right to use that tone. - 25/02/2011 03:08:14 PM 1221 Views
Is that so? - 25/02/2011 05:58:31 AM 1213 Views
I'm not fixated with Jordan. - 25/02/2011 03:13:56 PM 1227 Views
Then why do you keep trying to qualify the passage in relation to him? - 25/02/2011 06:29:31 PM 1276 Views
You're conflating two things. - 25/02/2011 07:32:59 PM 1249 Views
All right, now we're getting somewhere. - 26/02/2011 12:40:57 AM 1177 Views
you raise very good questions... *NM* - 26/02/2011 09:21:13 AM 713 Views
Okay, here you go. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt as to your sincerity. - 26/02/2011 03:20:44 PM 998 Views
Thank you, and I agree with all your explanations. *NM* - 26/02/2011 07:28:09 PM 730 Views
Glad to hear that. - 27/02/2011 03:42:33 AM 1084 Views
No problem, these things happen on the internet. *NM* - 27/02/2011 04:36:57 AM 787 Views
No, it is a serious question, just one that can never be seriously answered. - 25/02/2011 03:28:48 PM 1150 Views
Your opinion isn't as valid as anyone else's if that's your opinion. - 25/02/2011 04:44:57 PM 1311 Views
Jack @$$ snobbery at its best. WOW *NM* - 28/02/2011 05:51:48 PM 636 Views
double post. oh my! *NM* - 28/02/2011 05:52:17 PM 665 Views
Just makes you right twice *NM* - 28/02/2011 09:42:19 PM 767 Views
Re: ... - 25/02/2011 08:59:37 AM 1190 Views
And part 2, on the analysis of writing. - 24/02/2011 01:16:20 AM 1205 Views
Florid desciption is usually not a good thing. - 24/02/2011 05:30:30 PM 1160 Views
Re: I find this whole thing elitist and more than a bit silly - 23/02/2011 06:45:05 AM 1302 Views
Why do you think mind-expanding literature is restricted to the classics? - 23/02/2011 08:03:59 AM 1131 Views
Re: Why do you think mind-expanding literature is restricted to the classics? - 23/02/2011 09:25:10 AM 1318 Views
Of course people read for pleasure. - 23/02/2011 09:04:24 PM 1087 Views
Ok... - 24/02/2011 08:59:27 AM 1130 Views
"Yeah well, that's, like, just your opinion, man." Good argument. - 24/02/2011 03:43:24 PM 1201 Views
*NM* - 24/02/2011 05:37:02 PM 681 Views
I find your above average tastes and intelligence uninspiring. - 24/02/2011 08:42:03 PM 1069 Views
I'm curious to hear who Tom and DomA consider a "very good writer"? - 24/02/2011 05:49:13 PM 1187 Views
Among living writers? - 24/02/2011 08:16:08 PM 1250 Views
No Rushdie? - 24/02/2011 09:22:46 PM 1145 Views
I was considering mentioning Rushdie. - 24/02/2011 09:32:20 PM 1086 Views
My list would be similar... - 26/02/2011 07:24:11 AM 1356 Views
That was a very good list. - 26/02/2011 03:07:31 PM 1201 Views
Re: That was a very good list. - 27/02/2011 04:51:43 AM 1256 Views
Once I finish Hugo I'm probably going to read Druon. - 27/02/2011 02:30:03 PM 1038 Views
Oh, and another question - 27/02/2011 05:28:47 PM 1012 Views
Re: Oh, and another question - 01/03/2011 03:42:02 AM 1198 Views
One final question, if you'll indulge me... - 01/03/2011 06:43:23 PM 1076 Views
Well, until I have time to return to your previous post but... - 01/03/2011 07:45:13 PM 1223 Views
I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' - 27/02/2011 11:14:30 AM 1301 Views
You like Solzhenitsyn but not other Russian writers? - 27/02/2011 02:43:46 PM 1210 Views
Re: You like Solzhenitsyn but not other Russian writers? - 02/03/2011 11:47:19 PM 1314 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' - 28/02/2011 11:51:49 PM 1327 Views
Re: I think the two of you have taken too narrow a meaning of 'great' - 03/03/2011 12:01:30 AM 1233 Views
Link to DomA Post from up above: - 03/03/2011 12:20:11 AM 1471 Views
He's a great storyteller, but his prose is somewhat uninspiring. *NM* - 27/02/2011 07:28:00 PM 804 Views

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