The Gradual Interview

[dlbpharmd]

That seems to be the way he is. A lot of his responses don't come across that well, but having seen the videos (and of course you have met him, so would have a better idea of his real personality) I would say that his persona is different to what he writes - similar but different! Words can't always convey what the real person is trying to express (just look at my post now ).

As private as he is, I tend to doubt that we see the "real personality" even in his videos...to me he seems very different 2004 v 2007...hard to say since I wasn't there myself. Just my .02.

You know, I thought so also. I wasn't there for 2004 but I was in 2007, and he did seem different although I couldn't put my finger on it (still can't.)

[danlo]

Just what in the heck is base online human nature?

[Menolly]

Well, to me for instance...

The submitter of the question most likely came upon the GI and thought "ooo! An opportunity to directly ask SRD about his use of rape in his multiple series, which has always disturbed me." Never even considering it has been asked time and again, and to search through the GI for it first. So, she probably submits her question, and maybe then reads through the GI.

That to me would be a base online human nature occurrence.

[wayfriend]

You know, I thought so also. I wasn't there for 2004 but I was in 2007, and he did seem different although I couldn't put my finger on it (still can't.)

My impression is that SRD doesn't take naturally to public speaking. I think he even talked about that a bit in 2007 videos. When it's not natural, it's something you struggle at, and so you're better on some occassions than others, and you refine you're technique over time.

I would have to think, after you take away the frustration of answering the same questions over and over, he is more of his natural self writing his responses than he is at speaking them. So his GI persona may be the truer view of the man, even though an on-line persona is nothing like an RL persona.

[aliantha]

I suspect, too, that he was more relaxed in '07, having met at least some of the attendees before. I think we (in '07) were less in awe of him, perhaps, than the '04 crowd. For instance, I can't really imagine the '04 group shouting "THOOLAH!"

[Menolly]

You know, I thought so also. I wasn't there for 2004 but I was in 2007, and he did seem different although I couldn't put my finger on it (still can't.)

My impression is that SRD doesn't take naturally to public speaking. I think he even talked about that a bit in 2007 videos. When it's not natural, it's something you struggle at, and so you're better on some occassions than others, and you refine you're technique over time.

Yeah...
...I think that was in response to my stupid comment about doing appearances more often so that he can come up with "pat" answers.

...it really was a throw away comment, which is why I refused to go up to the podium...

I suspect, too, that he was more relaxed in '07, having met at least some of the attendees before. I think we (in '07) were less in awe of him, perhaps, than the '04 crowd. For instance, I can't really imagine the '04 group shouting "THOOLAH!"

I so wish there was video of him first seeing "the" tatoo...

[danlo]

Selfish and a tad ignorant? Is that what you mean? I'm sure she isn't a Watcher or she would have known better <holds nose up in the air>.

Sorry about the video they were charging by the hour you know.

[Menolly]

Selfish and a tad ignorant? Is that what you mean? I'm sure she isn't a Watcher or she would have known better <holds nose up in the air>.

*giggle*
Perhaps, although selfish was not what I meant.
Ignorant, yes, most likely.

Sorry about the video they were charging by the hour you know.

Yes, I know. I didn't mean the professionals, but am stating the wish one of us in the audience had amateur video going for the non-official interview stuff.

[danlo]

I though Romeo brought one...if he did he missed his opportunity, alas...

[Menolly]

hmmm...

...perhaps I should break out the DVD Romeo sent of elohimfest and see if there is any amateur video of the dinner on it. I don't recall any, but it has been a while since I viewed it.

[danlo]

No there isn't-it's the same DVD I sent him to burn copies for all the Festers and to use on the SRD website.

[Seareach]

He gives a good excuse for the tone of his response when he says he's fatigued. But I think the mild "reprimand" for repeating the issue could have been worded slightly gentler...

...no offense meant to SRD. My opinion on the response is all.

I didn't read that as being a reprimand at all. He does say "don't take this personally". I take what he says as a global comment. I don't believe it's a reprimand directed at the writer of the question. I guess it's our own personal interpretation of tone.

Great answer though. IMO the best explanation he's given for that theme in his writing.

[dlbpharmd]

Agreed...the DEFINITIVE answer. Now, whenever someone asks this again, just cut and paste.

[StevieG]

How sick of answering this one must he be? (apologies if "Mike" is on KW... )

Mike: I, like others, have been anticipating the sequels to Thomas Covenant. I realize the time it must take to develope the stories. But seriously - 3 years apart between books? Where will you be in 2013? Where will I be?


That the future is unknown is a fact that we all have to live with. The best laid plans etc.. But I look at it this way: I can't make good things happen by planning for them; but I can *prevent* good things from happening by *not* planning for them. So I make my plans; and then I try to carry them out.

But why three years between books? Because I NEED that much time to at least approximate achieving my intentions. No one regrets that inconvenient truth more than I do. But it is what it is. I could only work faster by expecting less from myself; and I decline to do that.

(06/18/2009)

[Vraith]

He gives a good excuse for the tone of his response when he says he's fatigued. But I think the mild "reprimand" for repeating the issue could have been worded slightly gentler...

...no offense meant to SRD. My opinion on the response is all.

I didn't read that as being a reprimand at all. He does say "don't take this personally". I take what he says as a global comment. I don't believe it's a reprimand directed at the writer of the question. I guess it's our own personal interpretation of tone.

Great answer though. IMO the best explanation he's given for that theme in his writing.

Yea, no reprimand intended I don't think...and he obviously had something to say he hadn't said and thought was important, or it would have been private response: I've gotten a couple from him. They were all pretty funny, and not at all dismissive, just not of interest to everyone.

[Seareach]

totally off topic: I *love* your avatar Vraith! Made my day, it did!

[Vraith]

And I love yours when my wife isn't watching..

[ummm...I didn't mean that quite as guttery as it sounds..but I will not repent]

[rdhopeca]

It's funny, you know, I've never brought this up, but in the last Efest 07 video where he talks about Foul and Covenant and the Creator etc etc and the "authorial trick" he wasn't going to play, there is a spot in the beginning of that vid that looks highly edited, and therefore suspect...almost as if those of you in attendance were told something the rest of us were not meant to hear....

[rdhopeca]

It's funny, you know, I've never brought this up, but in the last Efest 07 video where he talks about Foul and Covenant and the Creator etc etc and the "authorial trick" he wasn't going to play, there is a spot in the beginning of that vid that looks highly edited, and therefore suspect...almost as if those of you in attendance were told something the rest of us were not meant to hear....

Your silence is deafening.

[aliantha]

<crickets chirping>

I just saw this. I'd have to go back and watch the video to see if anything was left out. Never bothered to do that, since I was there. Can't imagine Romeo and/or danlo left anything crucial out, however.