Fahrenheit 451 for my 505

[doreenjoy]

He's a great writer, but this interview made me think a lot less of him. Can't hold back the turn of the wheel or the progress of technology, and his bitter comments just sound like, well, bitterness. He sounded like Grandpa Simpson, writing a letter to the TV station because he didn't like the show using the word "bra."

All IMHO.

[DixieGal]

His fan base will be here for a long long time to come. F-451 is required reading in many US high schools. If you don't agree with how Bradbury wishes to control his work, then go read something else. They will never miss your purchase.

Quit speakind so disrespectfully to desertgrandma. If you can not agree with her, then you at least owe her the courtesy of being polite. Or say nothing and move on.

[doreenjoy]

Originally Posted by DixieGal

Quit speakind so disrespectfully to desertgrandma. If you can not agree with her, then you at least owe her the courtesy of being polite. Or say nothing and move on.

With all due respect to all posters in this thread, the same charge could be levied at many commenters here. I don't believe using the word "Twaddle" in response to a post is particularly polite.

[DixieGal]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

With all due respect to all posters in this thread, the same charge could be levied at many commenters here. I don't believe using the word "Twaddle" in response to a post is particularly polite.

No matter, I put him on my ignore list. If I don't see it, then it doesn't make me angry.

[Moe The Cat]

Originally Posted by khalleron

He doesn't dislike cars because they're not horses, he dislikes them because they're not spaceships ... And he's a magnificent writer - if you pass him by just because you don't agree with him about modern technology, you're doing yourself a disservice.

Interesting point, Khalleron. I hadn't thought of it that way ...

[Moe The Cat]

Originally Posted by DixieGal

Quit speaking so disrespectfully to desertgrandma.

DG's of Mobileread, unite!

Good words, DixieGal.

[Dr. Drib]

Let's all play like adults, please.

I think we can all take a few calm breaths and then continue to respectfully assess and comment on the impact (or not) of Ray Bradbury influence (or not) on culture, technology, and science fiction.

Let's ALL try to be respectful as we express our opinions.

Thank you,
Don
(Moderator)

[desertgrandma]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

Let's all play like adults, please.

I think we can all take a few calm breaths and then continue to respectfully assess and comment on the impact (or not) of Ray Bradbury influence (or not) on culture, technology, and science fiction.

Let's ALL try to be respectful as we express our opinions.

Thank you,
Don
(Moderator)

Interesting. I didn't notice any mod comments when the "twaddle" and "condescening twaddle" posts were made.

Now, when some come to my defense, you want us all to play nice?

[pshrynk]

Coming in to this late, please allow me to reiterate that we are asking everyone to please calm down and show respect to one another. It is possible to have differing opinions without things descending into irritability.

[Dr. Drib]

My earlier, moderated post above was to ALL of us (and a reminder to myself, as well, as strange as that may seem), so that we can ALL continue to enjoy this topic of discussion - a topic of richness and disagreement - as we discuss the thoughts and writings of Ray Bradbury.

Let's continue to enjoy this discussion.


Thanks,
Don (Moderator)

[=X=]

I've only ever read one of Bradbery's books and that was Fahrenheit 451. I find it sad and ironic that the author of such a book would be part of the establishment in which he wrote against.

I interpreted his message in the book to say--its not so much the book that is valuable but the story within. So the greatest way to transfer it's value is to pass it on regardless of whether they are read or listened to.

Here his stance against eBooks is a contradiction of his message, caused by his own accord. Sometimes we get caught up in or own stubbornness, nostalgia, and greed.


=X=

[Alexander Turcic]

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

Interesting. I didn't notice any mod comments when the "twaddle" and "condescening twaddle" posts were made.

Hmmm, somehow I feel this is directed towards my person or the team of this site.

We don't have a magic radar that would pop up immediately when someone uses a word from the English dictionary that could insult a person.

What I am saying is: If you feel offended or if anyone else feels offended, please use the report post feature. We *do* have this feature for a reason!

[doreenjoy]

Originally Posted by =X=

I've only ever read one of Bradbery's books and that was Fahrenheit 451. I find it sad and ironic that the author of such a book would be part of the establishment in which he wrote against.

I interpreted his message in the book to say--its not so much the book that is valuable but the story within. So the greatest way to transfer it's value is to pass it on regardless of whether they are read or listened to.

Here his stance against eBooks is a contradiction of his message, caused by his own accord. Sometimes we get caught up in or own stubbornness, nostalgia, and greed.


=X=

I agree with the first part of your post, but I think it's ornery-ness standing in the way of his acceptance of new technologies. Many authors dislike the notion of e-books because they think they'll lead to rampant piracy. There is some piracy, but as an e-pubbed author and e-publisher, I think it's minimal and does not unduly hurt the industry. When I look at the difficulties with distributing print books, it's not a big point in favor of the old guard.

Bradbury is entitled to a different opinion, but his opinion is not inherently more valuable than mine. I have quite a bit more experience with the e-book industry than he does.

And nothing he or anyone else says will slow the move to new and better methods of distribution. To paraphrase Bob Dylan, "please get out of the way if you can't lend a hand, for the times they are a-chagin'."

[netseeker]

Well, Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit at the age of 31/32, now he is 88 years old and it might be much harder for him to be able to keep up with all those new technologies, developments and evolutions. Anyway, as with the most authors his writings are almost "only" fiction. F i c t i o n, not necessarily his real opinion or his innermost thoughts...

Anyway, imho he's a great writer, i really enjoy his books and don't care too much about that interview.

[slayda]

Hey, I have a great deal of respect for DesertGrandma. She's a very good friend & I forgive her mistaken reverence for Bradbury's work. However I didn't like Bradbury back when I didn't know that 01 + 01 = 10 or anything about "ebooks" & his attitude about computer technology has nothing to do with my opinion. My wife has a similar attitude toward computer technology & I love her (even though she has a horse - normally I say DamnOldHorse and tell her it's all one word but that's another story).

Some 40+ years ago while an undergraduate at a Southern university with a great technological & computer reputation, some of us started an SF book/fan club. Bradbury was liked (or a better word is loved) by about half of the members and hated by the other half. (Probably the only author who evoked such strong feelings.) Interestingly, when we looked at the curriculum of our members - with only one exception the haters were technological in their studies and, again with one exception the lovers were liberal arts students. Maybe there is some lesson in those statistics or maybe it was just an interesting coincidence.

Anyway, books I love are not even liked by some people I admire and care for & vice versa. Just saying ... Viva le difference (and remember I can't even spell in English so kindly don't critisize my French spelling - a language I never even studied).