Terry, I think you're tough enough for me to say "nonsense"! I seriously
doubt that the "photographic theory" you refer to is any more "non
productive" than any other theory -- in fact I suspect that it is often
enough *very* productive in getting the said holder shows, tenure, books,
lovers -- and any other perks of successful art careers lurking about.
As for the appropriateness of discussing such issues on the alt-photo
list, I feel it is my duty to civilization to do so, given the presence of
so many folks who -- how shall I say this? OK, how about, "tend to accept
the conventional, hidebound, unimaginative, and adjective adjective
adjective approach to alt-photo as long as it's technically 'correct'"
(about which more under separate cover).
Meanwhile, this discussion brings to mind the time I impulsively asked a
sidewalk preacher at Times Square, on a mission to bring moral and
spiritual uplift to the milling crowds, who either ignored or laughed at
her, "why do this at Times Square of all places?" Her reply could hardly
be contradicted: "Because that's where the people are."
Of course not all of us at Times Square were sinners, and I daresay not
all alt-photo readers are sinners either..... But the people on the art
photo list (or wherever this discussion, which does, I beg to point out,
specifically address alt-photo practices and premises, was supposedly
banished to) are far less in need of salvation -- having obviously gotten
at least part of the message... which could go on a bumper sticker as,
"Check your premises."
> I feel sorry for them that so much of their lives, at such a critical time, has
> been wasted.
A critical time? When is not critical? Wasted? All lives are wasted --
in that we are all food for worms and microbes.
But really .... WHO IS FREEMAN PATTERSON?
Judy