Lynn Flewelling's Blog, page 60

Sigh

An angry fan ranting at length about how you failed them is not the best way to start the day.

New TSA Methods

What's the difference between molestation and security? A TSA badge, apparently. I'm supposed to stand there in front of a crowd of strangers and have some uniformed stranger in rubber gloves feel me up? I at least want the option of an opposite-sex partner. I mean, why shouldn't I have a little fun, too?

I'll take the radiation see-under-your-clothes-machine, thank you.

I wonder if there's been a big spike in closet perverts applying to the TSA?

I want to feel secure when I fly, but not violated. This is just too friggin' much.

Calling the Rhiminee Irregulars

I can't seem to find a good list of aristocratic titles and their forms of address. Anyone know of a good one? I'm not into anything fancy, just dukes, lords, counts and the like.

Amazon and the Pedophile's Guide: Censorship? Decency? Beyond the Pale?

An interesting thing happened yesterday. A self-published e-book carried by Amazon.com, titled The Pedophile's Guide to Love and Pleasure: a Child-lover's Code of Conductby Philip R. Greaves II became the target for a huge protest on line. It offers advice to pedophiles on avoiding retaliation, and gives "first person" accounts supposedly by children in sexual relations with adults. This outcry against this title went viral in the electronic world and the backlash mounted through the day. Amazon's first response was:

"Amazon believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable. Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions."

However, the book, as of this morning, is no longer available after disappearing, reappearing, then disappearing again last night. They still carry books that cater to Holocaust deniers and other hate groups, as well as graphic dog fighting and cock fighting videos.

So how do I feel about this? Honestly? Conflicted. I'm against censorship, but am I willing to stand by that principle when it comes to a guidebook for pedophiles? No. As a mother, as a Buddhist, as a human being, I can't defend that. But where does the line fall? I discovered while researching this that Apple's bookstore is so strict about content that they do not carry Ulyssess or the Kama Sutra. I suspect they don't have Tropic of Cancer, either. They're a private company, as is Amazon, and that is their right, like any indie bookstore, to decide what they will and won't carry. I think Apple is too stringent, to the point of silliness. But where does the line fall? Do we protect books on torturing people? If not, do we protect books detailing the horrors of the Holocaust or the Khymer Rouge? Or Abu Garaib? I have research books on murder and poison. Are those dangerous? In the wrong hands, yes.

So much of censorship is abhorrent to me, but this? Is freedom of speech more important than the children who will be preyed upon by the readers of this book? Not that a book can make someone a pedophile, but this one apparently tells you how to be a better, smarter, less likely to be caught one. Where does the line fall?

As a side note, last week it was brought to my attention by a blog I belong to, that there was an iPhone app (Apple) which was really offensive and derogatory to trans sexual people. I called and complained, apparently along with a lot of other people. It was gone by the next day. Was that censorship or me exercising my free speech rights? What happens when there's a movement to ban all books with positive gay content? How will I feel then?

One peroson's idea of basic human decency is another person's censorship.

Thoughts on Being A Writer

My friend and agent (and talented author) Lucienne varkat Diver has an interesting post on her LJ today about the vicissitudes of the writerly life.

Skit Progress

Here she is, getting bigger and less kitten-like. I'm not sure I'm making much progress. I sit with them when they eat, but she's still skittish about any movement, especially when I stand up. I have managed a few strokes but she flinches and dashes for cover. She does take treats from my fingers very boldly though.

I took a short movie of her with my new iPhone, but can't seem to import the file. Anyone know how to do that?

Ponder, Ponder, Hmmmmm

If I were to write a Glimpses II, and that's still a big if, what would you want to see? I'm just curious. I have some ideas, and think there should be more sex, but I'm open to suggestion. Go nuts.

Today's Best Typo

Seregil helped himself to a gold stamped book on herbal medicine. Alec found one filled with pictures of poisonous pants.

Knitting

I am knitting an octopus.

(Now there's something you don't hear everyday)

Actually, I'm sitting down to write, but when I get my word count for the day, I can resume my cephalopodic yarn wrestling.

More e-book good news!

Stalking Darkness will be released in e-book form on November 17th. Thank you Spectra!!