Posted by Mike Dennis on August 25, 2006 at 12:10:44 from 84.65.22.57 user MTD.
Excuse me if I have this wrong, I have only been contributing for three or four years, but isn't this a forum about the Swallows & Amazons series of novels by Arthur Ransome? I ask, somewhat jokingly, because often threads only have the most tenuous connection with the subject, but these are often some of the longest and provoke the most discussion (as in a previous post I don't consider them arguments, yes they get a bit heated but I don't think they ever come to the Web equivalent of coming to blows!)
Yet... it seems that discussion of the actual novels is sometimes a bit thin on the ground, and when it does occur two factions seem to arise - those that like to discuss and those who don't. Now, this second group confuses me, why are you here?
As I have posted before, most of us discovered AR's works in childhood and carried on and read them all (I can't imagine once I was hooked wanting to not read any of the others - well at least once!) The books have become important to us (if not, why are you here?!) As a child they were a great read, they were like adults books; certainly in the way they were produced and as I became adult I realized they did in the quality of the writing too. What interests me now is what people think of the books, and I mean as in a considered book review sense not just 'They're great!'. I am also interested in how they reflect AR's life, which of course is always a tricky area because we can never really know but there is much to be gleaned from his letters etc. Similarly, his use of language and the situations he places his characters in can reveal much. Now, for some this is of no interest and often when others get carried away with their own particular idea or theory they get accused of being negative or worse and that they should 'lighten up' (ugly American English phrase!)
My point is (should anyone still be reading!), those who don't like such discussions and make accusations about the tone of posts etc what is it that you expect from such a forum? What aspect of AR's work brings you here?