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authors who re-work books
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From: James Elliott <j_c_elliott>
Date: Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:51:04 -0500
Actually, Carolyn was quoting me in that statement. I have tried to explain my position more fully, but realize that my view on that matter are not fully formed.
It would be a shame to have to have a 'PC Committee' on the editorial board of every publisher to make sure that all books conform to the standards. And that is NOT what I am advocating. But I do think it also a shame, in this day and age of almost instant communicaiton and information access that authors still can and do sacrifice accuracy for a good (?) story, and do bear responsibility for correcting these inaccuracies where possible. ESPECIALLY in the area of children's stories, where a child may not be able to effectively distinguish between truth/fact and fiction. (E.g., my reading the Da Vinci Code and realizing that Mr. Brown has taken a great deal of liberty with historical fact vs. a child reading "Mandie" and not being able to recognize that "Indians" did not REALLY act and speak in that manner.)
And I do realize that publishers would not necessarily be willing to take an income hit from requiring a revision of a popular book. Although, a revision MIGHT sell more copies -- just look at 'Star Wars', and director's cuts of films.
Again, just my opinion, nothing more or less.
Jim Elliott
Received on Wed 01 Dec 2004 02:51:04 PM CST
Date: Wed, 01 Dec 2004 15:51:04 -0500
Actually, Carolyn was quoting me in that statement. I have tried to explain my position more fully, but realize that my view on that matter are not fully formed.
It would be a shame to have to have a 'PC Committee' on the editorial board of every publisher to make sure that all books conform to the standards. And that is NOT what I am advocating. But I do think it also a shame, in this day and age of almost instant communicaiton and information access that authors still can and do sacrifice accuracy for a good (?) story, and do bear responsibility for correcting these inaccuracies where possible. ESPECIALLY in the area of children's stories, where a child may not be able to effectively distinguish between truth/fact and fiction. (E.g., my reading the Da Vinci Code and realizing that Mr. Brown has taken a great deal of liberty with historical fact vs. a child reading "Mandie" and not being able to recognize that "Indians" did not REALLY act and speak in that manner.)
And I do realize that publishers would not necessarily be willing to take an income hit from requiring a revision of a popular book. Although, a revision MIGHT sell more copies -- just look at 'Star Wars', and director's cuts of films.
Again, just my opinion, nothing more or less.
Jim Elliott
Received on Wed 01 Dec 2004 02:51:04 PM CST
