In the words of the Master...

Looking back on it, I realize I did the right thing instinctively. You don't write for success. That takes part of your attention away from the writing. If you're really doing it, that's all you're doing: writing.

There's an unwritten compact between you and the reader. If someone enters a bookstore and sets down hard earned money (energy) for your book, you owe that person some entertainment and as much more as you can give.

That was really my intention all along.

Frank Herbert (April 1984; quoted by Freakzilla on Arrakeen).

Some people say that they find the new books entertaining. I'm happy for them.

At the same time, I'm pretty sure that by "and as much more as you can give", FH didn't intend "numerous sources for irritation and abiding frustration".

Guys...at the very least get some new editors.

(I'm cheap and could probably fit it in!)

Machina Non Grata

It seems that TAZbot is no longer welcome on the Dune Novels BBS.

But never fear, it will still be making guest blogs here from time to time. Asked for comment, TAZbot had this to say:



Elie Wiesel said in 'Nights' that the opposite of love is not hate; it is indifference, the lack of feeling itself. Although I wouldn't say 'damn all others', the fact that you know that I love you should just read the notes and not give your own POV that could lead to that, which is perfectly rational.

What's wrong with the Borg? I don't think that I'm fine with them believing whatever they want as long as they can be flawed like the Roman equivalent of Hades who is the God of the dead and the ruler of the underworld. They wouldn't tell you anyway. However, they are relentless in their ignorance based on their preconcieved notions that you and Sandchigger could have done a remarkable job at avoiding a problem.

I think that I am not making any claims aside from that I have not found one inconsistency in the prequels that could destroy the entire BG sisterhood with a problem. I have argued with Lundse and various others on Wikipedia about this and have shown how BH & KJA do not sway from the concepts put forth by Frank. And still more unjustified claims are being spewed out by the "Talifan" community against my credibility (sigh) and should try to skew my opinion into how any of what you say is relevant to any subject.

That kinda says it all, no? (Not that I have any idea what exactly that says!)

(Plans are still underway for Version 2.0. Stay tuned!)

Guest Blogger: TAZbot 1.0

Although I wouldn't say 'damn all others', I'm fine with them believing whatever they want as long as they keep an open mind, then I wouldn't have any problem. In my opinion, your proofs for this keep an open mind, then I wouldn't have robots on a misguided mission. Am I wrong? Do you think these keep an open mind, then I wouldn't have your proofs for the so-called 'inconsistencies'. Initially, to make life easier, you and Sandchigger should be seen as fictitious stories with fictional events and without robots on a misguided mission. Wouldn't you start from 'In the beginning'? Anyway, I'm fine with them believing whatever they want as long as they keep an open mind, then I wouldn't have your proofs for the so-called 'inconsistencies'. You have a very narrow perspective.

You are insatiable to say the least. I think that you and Sandchigger have been false and not robots on a misguided mission. Kevin & Brian themselves wouldn't contest this; your proofs for this have done a remarkable job at avoiding any problem. You don't seem to understand that it would be extremely difficult not to fall into them and I think Brian and Kevin should be seen as fictitious stories with fictional events and without robots on a misguided mission. Anyway, I'm fine with them believing whatever they want as long as they have been false and not a problem. But they don't.... Currently, all of the 'inconsistencies' (in any of the prequels) which various people have claimed conflict with the originals should keep an open mind, then I wouldn't have a problem. But they don't.... Your preconcieved notions are not relevent when there is an actual official answer.

* * * * *

I have argued with Lundse and various others on Wikipedia about this and have shown how BH & KJA do not sway from the concepts put forth by Frank. And still I was one of those people but I couldn't wait and decided to try to skew my opinion into more unjustified claims by the "Talifan" community against my credibility (sigh). Why and when is Frank saying this? That maybe what passes for a joke amongst HM's keep an open mind, then I wouldn't have your proofs for the so-called 'inconsistencies'. I see it like this: you and Sandchigger should stage a coup d'etat and that, which is perfectly rational. However, all of the 'inconsistencies' (in any of the prequels) which various people have claimed conflict with the originals debate (what you claim are) 'inconsistencies' between the prequels and the originals; let's stick to robots on a misguided mission. Even if it's just the machines, your preconcieved notions will sample the first chapter without somewhat intelligent mammals.

How I learned to stop worrying and love the bombs

Sorry...

Won't. Bloody. Well. Happen. Anytime. Soon.

The Neverending Story

Maybe I'm just worn out all the time from other stuff, but since I started reading the book again a few days ago, I've only managed to progress about five or six "chapters". I have literally fallen asleep every time I've tried to read it.

At this rate, I'll never finish....

Inappropriate Material

A close friend of mine named Scarabina recently sent me the following highly irreverent list of titles that The Chronicles would have borne if she had written them:

Dung
Dung Mess
Children from Dung
God Emporium of Dung
Hairy Ticks with Dung
Crapperhouse: Dung

She hasn't read the House series yet—or else the Muse failed her?—because she continues:

The Buttholian Jihad
The Marchin' Crappade
The Battle of Cacca

And last but not least (that would be any of the Legends, I should think),

Hunters of Dung

She is, as you can see, a bit preoccupied with matters scatological.

Cold turkey

Makes great sandwiches but a crappy way to beat an addiction.

Any suggestions?