... Adam Kirsch on Literary Fame in the Time of Flame Wars. (Hat tip, Dave Lull.)
Most people are inauthentic, including most artists. Those who practice an art for its own sake and not for anything they can get out of it have always been rare and always will be. Whether they ever gain recognition is a matter of chance. But they weren't in it for that. So it doesn't really matter.
Who knew that all this time bloggers were cravenly seeking recognition? I just do things that are fun and interesting, invite the people who read my site or email to do the same, and participate in the dialogue (whether juvenile or thoughtful). And since all this is small beer, I'm about as recognized in the streets and the literary world as a relatively anonymous circus freak who knows how to invert his teeth. And I'm happy this way.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as typical of these predictable print vs. online pieces, Kirsch doesn't have the balls to name a single blogger. For a man who values thoughtful criticism with examples, he sure can't provide any. Maybe he's the one who seeks recognition?
ReplyDeleteOoooooh, Ed! We can team up together: I'll juggle; you'll do that teeth thang (but only after you do it just for me):). We can charge admission (that is, those bloggers who cravenly seek recognition will have to step into our ring of fire and admit to their prejudices and name names and do a better one-two trick than we do! [And, no, they cannot brandish their AK-47s, either!]
ReplyDeleteAs if . . .).
Here's gnashing at you, Freak!
— Yer Fave Freakettina