[MD] A PROPOSAL TO ADDRESS "THE POINT"

[Dan Glover]

Hi Platt (and Ian)

It's good of you to think of me, thank you. The discussion group seems to 
have the bases covered well. I fail to see how I can help, though I will (of 
course) be happy to assist should the occasion arise.

Thanks again,

Dan

>From: "Platt Holden" <pholden at davtv.com>
>Reply-To: moq_discuss at moqtalk.org
>To: moq_discuss at moqtalk.org
>Subject: Re: [MD] A PROPOSAL TO ADDRESS "THE POINT"
>Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:10:45 -0400
>
>Ian asks:
>
> > > > What is the alternative to letting leaders "emerge".
> > > > No clues needed ? Shall we spread a little of that precious 
>democratic
> > > > freedom, maybe ?
> > >
> > > The alternative is what happens in everyday life. Potential leaders 
>are
> > > subjected to a series of tests over time. Those who do well move up.
> > > Those who don't flunk out.
> >
> > [IG] "A series of tests" ... is a bit "weasly" to use your chosen
> > word. Care to elaborate on any practical specifics that might fit our
> > current situation ? Do well ? Move up ? How will we (practically, here 
>and
> > now) recognise "doing well" ? What does moving up mean ... gaining what
> > exactly, power, authority, rights, responsibilties, freedoms, wealth,
> > groupies, and entry in "who's who" ... what specifically (practically, 
>here
> > and now)
>
>If you really would like to know what I mean by "tests" I suggest you read
>biographies of great leaders. For Americans start with a biography of
>Washington; for the British, Churchill. As for our "current situation,"
>only two that I know have met tests specifically related to interpretation
>of the  MOQ -- Ant and Dan.
>
> > > > What kinds of "committee" are the lesser of that particular evil ?
> > > > (Maybe transparent ones we can replace at the drop of a hat, maybe 
>ones
> > > > that don't "produce" anything, merely resolve editorial chores on 
>our
> > > > behalf. What are your ideas ?)
> > >
> > > One author working with one editor. That's my idea.
> >
> > [IG] Hmm. All our eggs in one basket ... the "being run-over by a bus"
> > question arises, but OK, so without naming names could you identify /
> > choose one of each such individual. Would you name names ... etc.? What
> > would you see as the role / scope / expectations of that one author. I 
>had
> > in mind dozens of authors, 3 (or 5) elected editors BTW, just in case 
>that
> > wasn't obvious. (PS I still recommend reading what Arlo actually 
>suggested
> > / reasoned.)
>
>IMO Ant is by far the most qualified to write a primer, guide or what have
>you and Dan has proven his ability as an editor with Lila's Child. If both
>are agreeable, that would be my choice. And I would leave it entirely up
>to the author to decide "role/scope/expectations."  If you don't t like
>the result, don't buy it. But the last thing the project needs is a bunch
>of magpie critics cackling from peanut gallery -- a guaranteed way to
>produce a mediocre work..
>
> > > > Ian
> > > > aka The Prick (of Conscience, what else ?)
> > > > BTW I didn't know you believed in the existence of emergence :-)
> > >
> > > I don't. That's why I put it in quotes. "Emerge" like "chance" is 
>weasle
> > > way of saying, "I don't know."  But, I could be wrong. :-)
> >
> > [IG] Stop press, Platt admits he could be wrong ;-)
> > Seriously though, if "I don't know" is the true case, then Emerge and
> > Chance are simply statements of that truth, they're just words. I
> > would say what they really say is "I don't know as precisely /
> > certainly as you'd like" ... they hide a lot of interconnected detail
> > you can't always squeeze into one sentence, one assertion. Just
> > pragmatically useful metaphors for here and now.
>
>Not in my book. "Emerge" and "chance" are declarations of total ignorance,
>as in "By chance the egg emerged from the chicken"
>
>But, I could be wrong (which contrary to your "hold the presses") I
>declare from time to time just to demonstrate my Christian humility. :-)
>
>Regards,
>Platt