MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - The Uglier Truth--Critics

Fat Abe · 02-25-2013, 11:04 PM

Never get into an argument with a critic. The dispute can last for years. When critics criticize each other, it can turn into fusillade of words flowing from newspaper and magazine columns, rat-tat-tat-tat. Who can forget the legendary war(s) between Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris? Any critic of note has a very deep knowledge of his/her field of interest. They can also rattle off facts and theories on a vast array of subjects. When John Simon begins his essay on Gore Vidal with the following rhetorical questions, you, the reader are prepared for stilettos to follow.

"Is he [Gore], as many claim, an essayist of distinction who has wasted his time writing undistinguished novels, plays, screenplays and, formerly, even teleplays? Or is he a novelist of distinction who can toss off a clever essay or write for the stage and movies merely to support himself in the style to which he has become accustomed?"

http://thecriticjohnsimon.com/paradi...of-gore-vidal/

There are always those who know more than you. To be in the sights of one of these snipers is not an experience any writer would cherish. My advice, duck. There is always a less intelligent person out there, and, maybe, he will like your book. Clearly, with readers being less accomplished than writers, the audience is very large, and I can assuredly state that someone will like your output. Possibly, grandma.

02-25-2013, 11:04 PM	#7
Fat Abe Man Who Stares at Books Posts: 1,826 Karma: 10606722 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: 50th State, USA. Also, PA, NY, CA, and elsewhere. Device: All of the Above	Never get into an argument with a critic. The dispute can last for years. When critics criticize each other, it can turn into fusillade of words flowing from newspaper and magazine columns, rat-tat-tat-tat. Who can forget the legendary war(s) between Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris? Any critic of note has a very deep knowledge of his/her field of interest. They can also rattle off facts and theories on a vast array of subjects. When John Simon begins his essay on Gore Vidal with the following rhetorical questions, you, the reader are prepared for stilettos to follow. "Is he [Gore], as many claim, an essayist of distinction who has wasted his time writing undistinguished novels, plays, screenplays and, formerly, even teleplays? Or is he a novelist of distinction who can toss off a clever essay or write for the stage and movies merely to support himself in the style to which he has become accustomed?" http://thecriticjohnsimon.com/paradi...of-gore-vidal/ There are always those who know more than you. To be in the sights of one of these snipers is not an experience any writer would cherish. My advice, duck. There is always a less intelligent person out there, and, maybe, he will like your book. Clearly, with readers being less accomplished than writers, the audience is very large, and I can assuredly state that someone will like your output. Possibly, grandma.