[Dargon-writers-list] Strange Publicity Stunt

[Dave Fallon]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark A. Murray" <markmurray at ma.rr.com>
To: "Dargon Project writers' list" <dargon-writers-list at dargonzine.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 3:12 PM
Subject: Re: [Dargon-writers-list] Strange Publicity Stunt


> Adding real life celebrities to a world where people come to read
> "fantasy" is just wrong in my opinion.
>
> Do what you want, though.  Just drop me from everything if you go ahead
> with it.  I'll not have my name associated with this kind of stunt in
> any way, shape, or form.

I'm just weighing in on this issue.  I personally believe that in both 
camps, those for it and those against it, are grossly exagerating the 
impact.  I don't think Colbert will deign to notice this stunt, nor do I 
think many readers will.  Fighting over it and threatening to leave the 
project over it is just silly, IMO.

>
> It's one thing to have famous people endorse what you are doing, but it
> is an entirely different matter to actually *put* celebrities inside the
> realm of fantasy in this manner.  No, not my cup of tea at all.  That's
> the last I'll say of it.

Mark. Come on.  Really?  Did it bother you that a city is named Miass out 
there?  Does it bother you that the Olean Religion is based on Orny's 
initials? Was there ever a reason to stand up agains the "rat" thing in all 
the stories?

Where does your passion over this issue come from?  I'm really curious and 
really want to know.

I understand a little bit of taking our work seriously, and I agree that 
fantasy is better told without the silly jokes.  But Vic is honestly trying 
to drive more eyes to the Zine, something I would think you would be all 
for.  Maybe you have BETTER ideas (I'm hoping someone does.  Sorry Vic!) 
that you can share.

Dave