Bulletin Board
- Although my review essentially panned his book The Gospel of Anarchy, kudos to Justin Taylor for taking the time to comment on the review. Not only that, he is sincere and secure enough to have linked to the review on his web page rather than list only favorable commentary. As is becoming too rare in this world, a difference of opinion does not need to engender animosity or spite.
Bookish Linkage
- In light of the Bulletin Board item, I observe that, coincidentally, there has been quite a bit of material in the book blogosphere this week about how writers should respond to bad reviews.
- The top 50 essential non-fiction books for weirdos. I’ve read 12 so am not sure what weirdo category that puts me in.
- Salon puts a U.S. take on an award category by adding a new award: The Good Sex Award (in fiction).
- The NYTBR adds e-books to its bestseller lists.
Nonbookish Linkage
- Look out! Winner’s most prominent blogger, Doug Wiken, is contemplating a run for President. Take a look at his potential pool of potential campaign slogans and you’ll see why he could earn my vote.
- Jazz24 listeners produce The Jazz 100, “the 100 quintessential jazz songs of all time.” I must admit I am surprised, but not shocked, by No. 1. (via)
- Alan Taylor, who started the wonderful photo blog The Big Picture, has moved to The Atlantic, where he has started a new photography blog called In Focus. Perhaps needless to say, but it’s another “must” for your RSS reader. (via)
Criticism should be a casual conversation.
W.H. Auden, quoted in The Table Talk of W.H. Auden
“Look out! Winner’s most prominent blogger, Doug Wiken,”.
Thanks, but that is a rather low bar to hurdle ..perhaps one blog high.
I hope some of your readers enjoyed the “possible campaign slogans”.
In any case, I don’t understand why a few hundred South Dakotans have not jumped on this opportunity. Thune has opened the “everyman (or every woman)” door to the presidency.
As a fallible writer, I have to say that the headliner response to bad criticism is way too Buddhist for me.
Wish I could feel that way.
While I love understand writers (being one myself) not loving negative reviews, they are just as needed as posative ones. Good to see that a young writer like Justin understands this. And you were not that harsh, after all!