Jackhammer, I don't mean this to sound snippy at all, but appeasement in this case might not be ideal. I think we should stick to our guns and go for broke.
The way I see it is this, Anticipation and myself have already said we'd like to read it but we can't because we've got other things. So you know two books down the line you're getting two more readers than whatever you start with.
And I can't believe I'm agreeing with him this much, but he also made the point that no ones being forced to read this. As much as I apprecaite a gadfly sometimes you have to know when to give them a second thought, and when not to. In this case, I'd listen to Sam after we've done the Idiot.
Does he make a good case for not slipping into the doldrums? yes. Does that mean we should hit up Opera's top 10? no.
I don't see his comment as bitching about "the idiot" I see it as a "its not going to be strictly pretentious, is it?" And theres nothing wrong with that. Don't be afraid of his saber rattling. theres good logic in there.
I'd also like to attempt to refine the point if I haven't bored you yet. I'm currently reading this book on Lincoln. I bought it, I wanted it and I'm enjoying it. but its dense as holy hell and I'm really feining for some fiction right now. For one reason or another I'm way into books about Chicago.
I think this is the point. is the idiot beyond comprehension? no. Not to mention it becomes easier to grasp as other people talk about it. I don't know if we're all bringing up its potential lack of enjoyment, or its sludgy-thick material.
Even the eastern europe trash himself said its got about 900 characters. I'd say go forward with the idiot, discuss it then kick out a collection of short stories for the second book (coughThe Things they Carriedcough.)
An Ethan, don't be a god damned quitter. You're better than that. You're not above telling me to **** off, don't let the new upstarts scare you.
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