Yet another reason the internet leaves a bad taste in my mouth...

[marksamuels]

I'm afraid I don't know who Kanye West is either. But thanks to Stephen for drawing him to my attention. Had I actually been at the BFS awards in person & jumped on stage, doubtless the analogy might be accurate.

Most of my free time is spent reading books, not following MTV (is this right) 

Mark S.

[AdrianF]

And I was wondering who on earth Kayne West was too! 

"George Bush doesn't care about black people!"

His mum dying after plastic surgery?

Being sued by Evel Knievel?

Nothing...? Don't you guys read the papers? 

You left out the best Kanye quote:

"I am a proud non-reader of books"

[Rolnikov]

Actually, I think the analogy is absolutely accurate.

You decided to spoil what Allyson described from the podium as the best day of her life. Like Kanye you thought it was totally justified. You just did it from your desk instead of in the room.

That didn't make it any less upsetting for the person you did it to, or make it any less mean-spirited and disrespectful.

[marksamuels]

I think you need to calm down, Stephen, and perhaps go back and read what I've written before.

Personal attacks aren't a reasoned debate.

Mark S.

[Rolnikov]

I'm not attacking your person, just your behaviour.

Did I say anything that wasn't true?

[Paul Campbell]

Paul -- there's space for another two shelves on that wall. You are slipping, my man 

Oh, all right then! Is this better? 

[Peter Coleborn]

And I was wondering who on earth Kayne West was too! 

"George Bush doesn't care about black people!"
His mum dying after plastic surgery?
Being sued by Evel Knievel?
Nothing...? Don't you guys read the papers? 

Sarky! I don't read OK and Hello either

[Peter Coleborn]

Paul -- there's space for another two shelves on that wall. You are slipping, my man 

Oh, all right then! Is this better? 

Getting there 

[Peter Coleborn]

Come to think of it, Paul, it's rather like a shrine. Where's the altar?

[Peter Coleborn]

Who's Kanye West? Honestly, I have no idea.

He's a very successful hip hop producer who began recording albums in his own name a few years ago. Some of his stuff is very interesting and experimental (many of his videos are extremely imaginative).

OK then. Looked him up, listened to him, etc ... and I couldn't care any less.

[Rolnikov]

Keep going, Paul... My five year old's got more books than that.  

We've got thirteen bookcases, including four six-footers with the books doubled up on every shelf.

[sandranorval]

Hi,

I just wondered if this is all done now. I haven't read the book (yet), but I think Allyson's pain is being stretched further with all this, which really is a shame. So, congratulations Allyson on your win, you should be proud regardless of other people's thoughts/actions.

Meanwhile, I just thought I'd mention that this all gives a bit of an 'unapproachable' impression to new members (at least that's how I feel but I still joined the forum anyway). From comments in another thread that is something I know none of you would want. I do like, however, the bits about books and bookcases and thought it might be good to start a whole new thread on that, or where people read or something, might seem a little more welcoming.

Thanks, Sandra 

[CarolineC]

Believe it or not, Sandra, it isn't usually like this here!

Welcome, anyway. 

[FranklinMarsh]

Meanwhile, I just thought I'd mention that this all gives a bit of an 'unapproachable' impression to new members (at least that's how I feel but I still joined the forum anyway).

Too right! I may be childish and a juvenile pig but I surely didn't expect atomic levels of sarcasm because I foolishly forgot that more than one person may have the same surname!

[DFL]

Welcome, anyway, Franklin.
Not that it's necessarily my place to issue welcomes here.