Mark wrote:
> I think entertainment per se is over-rated; being
entertained is a
> pretty
> passive activity. I think more highly of
engagement.
Hmmm.... speaking of which, David "The Wire" Simon has been
spouting off a rather memorable one-liner about that very
subject in various places, regarding writing fiction.
"Fuck the average reader."
I might think he was just being arrogant, except THE WIRE is
just so damn good. Yeah, it demands a little intelligence and
patience from its viewers, but the effort is definitely worth
it. I think I like the idea that art (whatever THAT is) asks
us to reach a little. That's probably preferable to being
pandered to. And ultimately more rewarding.
I should also point out Simon's not defending some sort of
elitist, three people on the planet can understand it
point-of-view. Quite the opposite, actually -- rather he
seems to be saying not to write down to people, and that
maybe "average readers" are smarter than they're given credit
for.
But that's my interpretation.
The ghost of Mickey Spillane, who proudly boasted he couldn't
spell
"cognac" and called his readers "customers" might
differ.
Kevin Burton Smith Thrilling Detective Web Site Fall 2007
Issue New fiction from Helms, Blackmoore, Alexander, Harwood
and SPILLANE!
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