(no subject)

These things are somehow irresistable, as is posting the results.

SimilarMinds Compatibility Results megamole |||||||| 85% ||||||||| 88% finalfantasyfrk ||||||||| 86% |||||||| 76% uitlander |||||||| 76% ||||||||| 85% scarfboy |||||||| 79% |||||||| 82% griffen |||||||| 77% |||||||| 83% dragon_prince ||||||| 75% |||||||| 83% clanwilliam |||||||| 77% |||||||| 80% erynn999 ||||||| 74% |||||||| 76% wingedelf |||||||| 83% ||||||| 66% sinders |||||| 62% ||||||| 75% caldair |||||||| 75% |||||| 59% ciciaye |||||| 60% |||||| 58% similar complementary

How compatible are you and your friends?

(no subject)

I ran across this page while doing a search, and felt a strange need to send a message to the author; the book in question seems to differ in some crucial ways from many of the others the author has relegated to the "Bad Semi-Celebrity Autobiography" heap. It may have verged on the ranty, but I thought I made a couple of good points with wider application, so I decided to post here what I jotted down. (Messages such as this are unlikely to do much real good, but they make me feel a little better, at least.) Apologies in advance for any stultifying factor. *g*

Hello,

Just thought I'd offer a few thoughts on one you have listed among the Bad Semi-Celebrity Autobiographies. Fannie Belle Fleming's, a.k.a. Blaze Starr's, very likely loses a lot when read by those who are unfamiliar with the relevant cultural and storytelling traditions. Some things are expected to be read between the lines, while others are either understated or overstated for humorous effect--besides creating lack of understanding of purpose and message, this might leave people howling for entirely different reasons. Of course, I must admit to being a bit partial--besides having an even closer perspective on the way that extremely bright lady's mind works, and her intent, being a relative.

One major flaw I *do* see, based on the above observations, is that this could have been taken into account a bit more, so that it might be more accessible to a wider audience. (Assuming, of course, that she and Huey Perry intended it to be so.) I don't know that a more mainstream adaptation would have been as enjoyable reading for those accustomed to cultural storytelling traditions involving a lot of understatement, dry humor, purposeful exaggeration and presenting oneself as "the simple person who outwits people who think themselves more intelligent and sophisticated" for comedic effect. It's a tough call.

Regards,
Rachel McCraw

General crankiness probably played a part in my response, but learning to recognise and understand (if not fully appreciate) different cultural conceits is important if one is going to be doing much reading. It is entirely possible, despite a few sneering allusions I've received to the contrary.

Writing again...woohoo!

I seem to be able to settle myself down to writing again, more consistently than I had been doing. Now, just maybe, I can get into working on other-than-nonfiction projects once again. This may sound like a trivial concern, but writing has always been rather easy for me, and I'd had such a dry spell that I was beginning to wonder if I'd even turn out essays again. The improvement may have something to do with longer-term mood stability, or some completely unknown factor.

Yes, I do worry too much. :)