Thoughts of no particular interest to anyone but myself:

• Despite my ambivalence to all things postmodern, I’m actually interested in reading Thomas Pynchon’s newest novel, Against the Day. Blame the latest reviews. Or my penchant for self-torture.
• I’m making slow progress with Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, but I’m enjoying it. Though I’m only a couple of chapters into the book, it reminds me a bit of Charles Dickens, with a dash of J. K. Rowling. And despite its massive length, it strikes me as one of those books that’s meant to be savored. So I’ll likely take my time with this one, even if that means I have to get an extension on it.
• Now that the tempest raised by Kimbofo’s infamous post (and fueled by Edward Champion’s mean-spirited response and a heated debate in the MetaxuCafé forum) has finally died down to some extent, I’m left with a bitter aftertaste. More than anything, I think the discussion regarding free books and bloggers’ credibility has only underlined the arrogance and snobbery of some bloggers and book reviewers. I didn’t really take part in this, aside from a few comments, but now the MetaxuCafé litbloggers seem to be divided into two camps: Kimbofo has her supporters and Champion has his. It’s amusing and thought-provoking, yes?
• However, I think this is a clear case of stalemate. Champion, despite the utter ridiculousness of his post, actually raises one or two valid points. He blew things out of proportion, but I understand where he’s coming from, just as I understand where Kimbofo’s coming from. But, given his snide response—and he really took Kimbofo’s post personally—I find it difficult to take him seriously. His post and his forum comments are fine examples of how you don’t want to conduct yourself during a debate. By making things personal and resorting to insults and browbeating, as Champion did, you piss away your credibility on the issue while making yourself look like an idiot.
• Better luck next time.