Date:         Mon, 4 May 1998 23:06:36 EDT
From: "Eubulides? Yes, I Lie!" <mbarker@MIT.EDU>
Subject:      FILLER: A Good Idea?  Or A Good Execution?

Jane, sorry about the slow response.

I'll pass out soon, so let me just sketch a few thoughts...

[At a recent presentation, with a host of researchers mumbling and
stretching, the young man that was up next stood in front of us
vaguely looking around.]

Is it a good idea?

Of course it is.  Or maybe of course it isn't.

You see, without some scale to figure out "good" in relation to what,
I have some trouble judging the value of an idea--especially when it
is so sketchily laid out.

[After a moment, I smiled at him and said, "Go ahead."]

Let me back up...Is the idea of star-crossed lovers, separated by
family feud and joined in defiance, a good one?

Good enough for Shakespeare, not good enough for any number of poor
knockoffs, and good enough for some really great versions.  And
frankly, I know it is going to be used again and again, sometimes with
banality, sometimes with great effect.

[He immediately started his spiel, and the group settled down to
listen.]

Is the idea of using the web/email/network interaction in a novel a
good one?  If you want to write about something current, and want to
borrow the current interest in this--of course it's a good idea!

But I don't think the web/email/network interaction is likely to
provide a whole story.  You're going to need to work up some of the
old human stuff--love, envy, revenge, etc.--and build a whole story.
The web pages may provide another "dimension" to the story, something
similar to the use of journals, letters, phone calls, or other
interactions in older tales.

[My colleague leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I wonder who he
thinks you are?"]

Perhaps I've misunderstood.  Was the question whether the whole novel
could be written using webpages?

Probably.  But I would certainly warn anyone using such a presentation
format to be careful of the "device".  Don't depend too much on the
unusual format--build a solid story, and make sure that your readers
don't get lost in the technical presentation.

[I just grinned.]

Is it a good idea?

Go ahead.

You'll make it a great idea!  I'm sure of it.

tink