From: abenoit@sumax.seattleu.edu (CHAVALEH)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.poems
Subject: Re: A letter to a young critic
Date: 17 Nov 92 03:04:23 GMT
Organization: Seattle University



Philip Nikolayev appears to have gone on his merry way without bothering
to answer the article I posted yesterday.  In light of this quote:

>I haven't seen any sparring yet. So far, you have simply wasted
>my time by making allegations, affecting ironies, and avoiding
>reasoned argument. If you you wish to engage in any sort of
>dialogue with me, quit babbling and start talking. If you care to
>have an opinion, learn to present an argument. I give you one
>last chance. If nothing changes, I shall simply ignore you.

I would say that at the very least Niko owes me a response, since he has
such a thirst for reasoned discourse, as demonstrated additionally with:

>I care about some people's considered opinions.

Having deeply considered my opinion, I await his reply.

In the interim, I wish to supplement yesterday's article with the
following quote that, sadly, only appeared today and would have supported
my argument admirably:

>It is the moral duty of any rational reader of this group who
>cares enough about poetry, to chastise this thriving graphomaniacal 
>subculture, and thereby contribute to the good life.

Also:

>But the fact that you have a right to 'strive to be something' does not
>make you immune to the criticisms of those who find your existential
>heroism to be misapplied. 

I will continue to ignore the fact that the attitude itself of "If your
growing process is not aesthetically pleasing to me personally, please take it
elsewhere" is ethically reprehensible, and simply state that his position of
eliminating said poets/poetry has been proven.  Since it has been proven,
it would be much appreciated if Niko would address my article, as it
addressed that very position.

I continue to say, Niko, that support of good poetry is more than weeding
out the poetry that appears bad when it first appears.  It involves
helping to propagate it and you are hardly going to accomplish that by
such comments as:

>Go fuck yourself.

>This is no excuse for posting thoughtless pap.

>You are the victim of the imitative nature of your meagre imagination.


I do realize that these comments were addressed to Doug Quarnstrom and not
to some unsuspecting neophyte.  However, any neophyte can learn to
recognize malicious and insensitive commentary.  If Niko fails to see the
relevance, I refer him to the article I posted yesterday.  If he has
mistakenly deleted this missive that constructed with him specifically in
mind, perhaps someone could forward it to him in the spirit of peace?

>My purpose is much humbler than greatness. It is known as
>full humanity. 

Indeed.  I believe we would all be interested in how your rather unique
approach thus fulfills that purpose.  Since your methods thus far have
undoubtedly driven away quantities of good poetry that would enhance the
experience of full humanity (If you want proof, again, read the article.
It WAS created with you in mind, so you will undoubtedly find it user
friendly.), I believe you will be much pressed to answer.

PN
>>> Let me just tell you that all I seek here is to contribute to the
>>> good life.

Please do.  We are all waiting.  Still.

__
Newsgroups: rec.arts.poems