Re: SUO: Re: Focus and Volume
Jon,
Jesus was also criticized for speaking in parables. So you're in good
company. But you must also realize that he got himself crucified.
Jon Awbrey wrote:
> Now, given my dedication and my duty to all of these disciplines,
> all of which are part of my every working thought, and have been,
> incrementally, if intermittently seriously, for thirty years now,
> I would have to be a pathological sado-masochist if that was the
> only mode of thinking that I ever engaged in or exercised others
> with. So there must be room for different styles of thought and
> expression, even within the straits of a single heart's desiring.
We recognize that you have done a lot of hard work and study,
and you often have valuable comments to contribute. But most of
us have other sources of entertainment, and many of us feel that
we are being "used" as a captive audience for a mode of entertainment
that is not of our choosing. You have a right to express yourself
as you like, but no one has a right to force their expressions on
communication channels that are intended for other purposes.
> Perhaps it is a question of alternative bases of culture, dialect, education,
> or just plain fancy, but where I come from it would be regarded as downright
> rude to read a story to somebody and then to tell what it means, before they
> should have a chance to think it over for themselves.
Most subscribers to SUO list do not regard it as a place for "story
telling" or entertainment. We all appreciate a good joke or an
interesting anecdote, but we have work to do. We subscribe to SUO list
because it is related to our jobs, and we can't afford to spend time
on puzzles written by people who want to "express themselves".
> All in all, I am genuinely sorry that you find so much
> permanent distraction in the secondary characterictics
> of style that are meant to be such transient diversion,
> but my observation of human nature, generally speaking,
> tells me that those who seek distraction usually do so
> for reasons of their own heart's desiring, and so that
> is a good place to look for a piece of the explanation.
We don't mind your diverting yourself in any way you see fit,
but many of us would rather not have the communication channels
filled with distractions that are not of our own choosing.
John Sowa