LINES OF THE DAY

". . . But the past does not exist independently from the present. Indeed, the past is only past because there is a present, just as I can point to something over there only because I am here. But nothing is inherently over there or here. In that sense, the past has no content. The past -- or more accurately, pastness -- is a position. Thus, in no way can we identify the past as past." p. 15

". . . But we may want to keep in mind that deeds and words are not as distinguishable as often we presume. History does not belong only to its narrators, professional or amateur. While some of us debate what history is or was, others take it into their own hands." p. 153

Silencing the Past: Power and the Production of History (1995) by Michel-Rolph Trouillot

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Why Book Panels NEED Cheap Wine in Cheap Cups

Have any of us not encountered all these?  And more often than one would like, all four at the same panel?   Plus ineffectual and even bad moderator?

"Four Personality Types That Will Derail Your Literary Event," described here.

What it takes to be a good moderator.  Hint: it requires more than just showing up. A lot more . . . .



What isn't covered in the brief article is the effect of those dispiriting airless rooms in which conferences and conventions take place, whether academic or commercial.  When all the participants are male, it gets even more depressing.



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