Harlan Ellison Wants You To Know He Is ‘Not Looking’ For Job On Star Trek Sequel December 22, 2009
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Star Trek sequel (2012), TOS , trackback
Last month "City on the Edge of Forever" writer Harlan Ellison posted comments on his site expressing interest in working with JJ Abrams on the Star Trek sequel. However, now the legendary (and cantankerous) sci-fi author wants it known that it was just idle chatter.
Ellison just musing on Trek
Last month we reported that Ellison had written two posts on his website about how he was a fan of JJ Abrams and would "jump at the chance" to be involved with the Star Trek sequel. He even opined on what they would discuss, assuming (of course) he was paid "from the first meet git-go."
Harlan’s comments were also reported by other genre sites including SciFi Wire (which is part of SyFy, owned by NBC Universal). And it was to SFW that Harlan made a call to clarify things. According to their new report Ellison wanted it to be known that he was not looking for a job with Abrams. The report also noted:
Harlan wants us and you to know that any and all talk about the possibility of him working on the film is just idle musing, and nothing else should be read into it
And in typical Harlan eloquence, he also implored for SciFi Wire to "kill" the "brash correspondent" who wrote their article reporting on his website comments.
Firstly, I do hope my friend Parick Lee at SciFiWire is in no immediate danger of being bumped off by NBCUni. And I am not sure if I should be happy or insulted that Mr. Ellison didn’t wish my demise as well.
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Comments»
Not involved? Glad to hear it! NEXT!!!
yikes what a nut….
edit: his past work was pretty awesome, “City” and such… but still….
This bloke is a utter disgrace. Gene roddenberry didnt get on with him , and i dont know about anyone else here but gene’s word is good enough for me.
Its clear he is only in the buisness for money and i am glad he wont be going any were near the enterprise any time soon. why CBS and Paramount agreed a settlement with him is beyond me. yes he had the original idea for city on the edge , but it was very different to what he saw on screen.
Your the one utter disgrace to the franchise Mr Ellison and im glad ur nothing to do with it
that guy needs a good anti psychotic in hefty dosages
correction * what we saw on screen*
how dare someone want money for doing their job
thank god
Ellison is a ‘Tiger Woods’ joke…..barely amusing the first time and subsequentlyincreasingly annoying.
And Ellison in case this stings your bloated ego or body. Let me save you from a pathetic retort, because I too get very well paid for my efforts in life.
#1
ssshhh
he’ll sue!
Reading between the lines with this latest press release……a month ago Ellison floated the idea of working with Abrams on the next movie. A month later, and with Abrams having laughed in his face, Ellison now has to downplay his interest, acting as if the initial suggestion was idle chatter. The bigger the ego, the more fragile they are…..sad.
I want him to know that I don’t give a crap.
oh no !
It’s refreshing to see some news about a real writer.
Well, that was a crap headline. It made it sound like he actually wanted to write in Trek 12 when all he was saying is if there was ever an opportunity, he’d certainly listen to his options ($$).
Anthony you are becoming a top dog already! Well done ;-)
>>This bloke is a utter disgrace. Gene roddenberry didnt get on with him , and i dont know about anyone else here but gene’s word is good enough for me.
Craig,
You are a pea-brained moron. Ellison has written some of the finest fiction and non-fiction around. Plus he has delivered some excellent scripts. All Rodennberry did was recycle Wagon Train and head it out to the stars.
#17 “All Roddenberry did was recycle Wagon Train”
And that’s after ripping off most of the premise from Forbidden Planet!
#18: “And that’s after ripping off most of the premise from Forbidden Planet!”
Ye gods, and not just the premise, either (I mean, Forbidden Planet was just Shakespeare) but also the whole vibe, virtually the entire aesthetic.
When I was writing licensed Star Trek gaming material several years ago, I did so as a TOS junkie while some of my co-writers were more into pajamatrek (24thC stuff). Whenever I was asked how to capture the feel and voice of TOS, my advice was always: rent Forbidden Planet. Pay attention.
Don’t be insulted Anthony! We are all just lucky to share a planet with Harlan. :)
Better advice would be to read Horatio Horblower, Shakespeare and other classics that combine action/adventure, and character based morality plays. FB is one film, itself derivative and yet unique, as is Star Trek.
edit #21 FP (too much FaceBook on the brain :)
Star Trek is to Forbidden Planet what Automan is to Tron.
Harlan {yawn} Ellison? {yawn} Again?? {…yawn…}
Wake me when there’s NEWS, OK? {snore}
#17 edit_much
Hello, Harlan. Welcome to the board.
I love Harlan Ellison… He may be the one person in the world who bitches more than I do : )
The grouch speaks again!! He can’t help it, he’s just a grumpy old b***t**d!!! He’s like the bored kid who sets off fireworks at a cello recital. Me! Me! Pay attention to me!!!
“I single handedly am responsible for the most popular episode in Star Trek history! By the way, they completely changed it before it was shot, edited and aired!! But the popularity is all due to me!!”
18:
Jeez, Harry. Now I don’t want to watch Star Trek anymore.
It’s now a badge of honor to be targeted for termination by Ellison.
It’s funny how public and private personas clash. For example, I’ve read that John Lennon was an egotistical ass with no empathy who ran out on his second wife for a while only to be escorted drunk out of bars in LA wearing tampons on his head. He once yelled on TV that his rock band was “bigger than Jesus.”
But, here on West 72nd Street in NYC, you’d think he IS Jesus because of what he wrote, which was absolutely brilliant. The hippies and tourists who flock to his home (I live up the block) have no concept that such a wonderful musician and writer of enduring classics about peace and love could be a stuck-up S.O.B. at the same time.
It doesn’t matter, ultimately. Mr. Ellison’s work and his personality can be mutually exclusive.
Harlan did one thing on Trek years ago, and he’s been a pain in it’s collective behind ever since. Leave him alone and don’t get involved with trouble again.
We’ve got your back, Anthony. ;-)
If Paramount is smart, they’ll pass on Ellison.
Would love to see some new input on Trek from Harlan. It doesn’t have to be JJ’s next movie. How about a game that’s more than just ’splosions? How about a Trek novel? How about a straight to DVD? How about a collaberation with Monsieur Cawley? How about a clever t-shirt?
Come on! It’s a big universe!
Thank God. leave him behind.
I don’t care if he’s an informed/talented/whatever writer… he’s a horse’s ass, and it overshadows his works.
There are plenty of other writers just as high in quality.
Plus, his head looks like a melted potato.
It’s REVERSE PSYCHOLOGY!!
I wish he’d actually, y’know, WRITE stuff instead of pissing and moaning and throwing temper tantrums.
I love his short stories (I had to read “How’s the Nighlife on Cissalda?” for english class and nearly died laughing), but I wouldn’t cross the street to meet this jerk.
And I want Harlan Ellison to know, despite the fact he wrote one of the best (not THE best) episodes, that I don’t care.
The man made some valid points over the years, had some respectable successes, but now he’s just an unfunny, hate-filled, egomaniac, a bad Shatner-imitation at best.
@34 Xeos “Plus, his head looks like a melted potato.”
You know… I’m a pretty big Ellison detractor. But I have to ask, “So what?” What in the blue blazes does Harlan Ellison’s physical appearance have to do with ANYTHING?
#31: “If Paramount is smart, they’ll pass on Ellison.”
Never you worry; Paramount have demonstrated a determination to avoid encumbering new Trek films with things like character, plot, or reason. Avoiding Ellison is bound to be circled, underlined and highlighted with little stabby arrows on their white-board :)
Feeling insecure Harlan? That everyone knows you’re out of money and desperate?
His moves here speak volumes, as do many other things he’s done in the past. One formulaic time travel story and he thinks he’s gods’ gift to Trek
*I* want Harlan Ellison to know he should shut the hell up already, no one wants to here the diatribes of a bitter old man anymore.
I am printing up Guardian t-shirts and am writing a direct sequel to City on the Edge of Forever as we speak. I’ve already had boatloads of cash pouring in on all of my activities related to his works, including the videos of all of his other works of literature — which have been made in China and are being bootlegged all across the world (the lip sync is a bit off, but what do you expect?)
I’ve even taken a photo of his dog and sold it to another company to make mugs that say, “Harlin’s Dog” on it. Should sell quite well, along with the copy of Harlin’s dental X-Rays that were smuggled out of his dentist’s office and that are going like hotcakes on E-Bay.
And lastly, I’ve gotten quite a few treasures from going through Harlin’s trash every week, and they sell pretty well at the local flea market. I attach a certificate of authenticity with Harlin’s name and forged signature to seal the deal.
Come and find me Harlin!!!!!
I truly have no idea why some people feel so driven to make negative comments about Harlan Ellison. There have been plenty of other celebrities who are A) have big mouths; B) are sarcastic; C) have more talent than their critics. So what if Ellison speaks his mind? So what? So what?
Are people so sensitive that the words of one person can get them so riled up?
I, personally, like Ellison, and I like his work. He is MORE than just “City,” and he is one of the most awarded writers in American history. As usual, most of his critics aren’t writers of any significant degree…
#43 By the way, that’s “Harlin” spelled that way on purpose. Harlin Eliesan. That’s what my lawyers told me to do so that I won’t get sued by someone who might happen to have a similar name. Not that any such person even exists, or sues or bad-mouths people more often than flies landing on %$#KING $#@!
4,
If Gene’s word is good enuf for you (regarding Ellison or anything else), you clearly subscribe to the notion that we must ‘print the legend’ rather than the truth. Roddenberry really ranks as a pretty shitty human being in most researched accounts, and that is even before the heavy drug abuse started.
Ellison’s entitled to be pissed over the TREK stuff, because it is like an anchor round his neck, when people should be looking at his much better work (as in, much less rewritten/damaged work), his incredible essays, his unproduced scripts like FLINTLOCK, and hundreds of damned good short stories.
Ha, go Harlan go!
#4: “This bloke is a utter disgrace. Gene roddenberry didnt get on with him , and i dont know about anyone else here but gene’s word is good enough for me.”
Too bad you think that, since Ellison is fifty times the writer that Roddenberry was. Most of the rest of what you posted is wrong, as well.
Harlan Not Involved?
…<>…
Oh, Thank the Maker!!!!
Oh, look now I am sued!
I don’t care who’s involved with the new movie – as long as it’s good.
Everyone could’ve been nicer. Harlan, Roddenberry, All the posters on this board, and even the Guardian didn’t need to couch its answers in riddles!
Maybe he’s a good writer, but he could be a nicer person.
Star Trek will still be around long after this guy is dust!
Wonderful! :)
Is there some way to prevent having his inane ramblings from being posted here? I’ll have to simply ignore them I guess. I’ve never read his work and won’t since I would always think of him as I read his stories and that would ruin the experience entirely, making the time I spent a complete waste.
Harlan is a great writer,but obviously polarizing on personal/editorial comments-he is entitled to muse, and complain-if u r irritated by him dont read about him–personally i would luv for ellison to prove himself by writing a great trek novel or even short story–how bout a sequel to city or a different adventure? He should put his writing talent where his mouth is–and prove it by giving fans what they want-
Harlan is THE MAN!
For all of you Ellison haters, take a chill pill and come back when you are a writer of his caliber. Until then go away!
Well we can rest easy tonight, seriously what a relentless self publicist.
Great!! This article sure is a great relief!!!! And a good Christmas present!!! :)
Shave his head, paint him green and throw him in the next film.
Dealing with the final paragraph, I think it would be pretty damn cool if I pissed off Harlan Ellison and he yelled at me. And a death wish? That’s awesome! He’s a classic grumpy old man, and grumpy old men are funny.
Is it just me or does Ellison look more than a little like William Windom? Perhaps there’s a shot at a remake of one of the better television episodes here? Who votes for Ellison to throw his life away in a vain attempt to destroy the planet killer from “The Doomsday Machine?”
53. T’Cal
That’s a shame because Ellison wrote some of the best work I’ve ever read (and I’m sure there are many others who would agree). You’re preventing yourself from reading some fabulous literature.
You don’t necessarily have to like the messenger to appreciate the message, either.
And there is no way to prevent Ellison speaking his mind without resorting to censorship, and none of us want that to happen, do we?
I’d like to know what, specifically, Ellison has done that is SO AWFUL? There are many, many people just like him on the planet, except they don’t have the media’s attention. Has this guy committed murder? Has he been involved in kiddie-porn? Has he had adulterous affairs? Has he committed crimes against humanity? The fact is, Ellison hasn’t done anything wrong, other than speak his mind… which is exactly what everyone is doing on this website, and all over the world, for God’s sake. Why is Ellison always singled out? It is completely illogical to me.
28. AJ
There are always things being written about celebrities that are intended to make them look wonderful or horrible. John Lennon was no exception, and was one of the most documented celebs of all-time.
Several recent books set out to make Lennon look like a raging ass, but there are others that portray him as a troubled man who went to great lengths to get his life together. After that, you can believe what you want. Unless we knew him personally, we’ll never really know. I’ve listened to McCartney talk about Lennon, and, while he was critical of some things, he always said John was a great guy. Who would know better?
As for the “Jesus” comment, the fact is this: Lennon was talking to a British reporter/friend, discussing the state of the world, and so forth. Lennon commented that (at that time) the Beatles meant more to kids than anything, including Jesus and religion. The quote, “The Beatles are bigger than Jesus,” made it to an American paper, and they left out the rest of the article… which, of course, made Lennon look like a maniac. This is what the media does, you see? This is how the media “plays” our attention.
I recall Harlan venting on the current state of sci-fi novels, a few years back, how they were nothing but ridiculous stories with “dragons and pussycats”, a phrase which he kept repeating and each time, I laughed harder than before. It was a brilliant rant, I wish I had a copy of it.
And he was right…as painful as some might make it seem to them, the man was right.
34. Xeos – December 22, 2009
Plus, his head looks like a melted potato.
________________
SO? Roddenberry’s head looked like a Christmas ham with a toupee’ and teeth… but I still like his work product. What does your head look like, Xeos?
@46:
Harlan Ellison is a shitty human being too, only not as famous as Gene is apparently. Don’t believe me? Check out this incident:
On August 26, 2006, during the 64th World Science Fiction Convention, Ellison grabbed Connie Willis’ breast while on stage at the Hugo Awards ceremony.[20] Ellen Datlow described this as “a schtick of Harlan acting like a baby”.[21] Patrick Nielsen Hayden described this as “pathetic and nasty and sad and most of us didn’t want to watch it”.[22]
Ellison did not respond until three days later when he wrote on his message board, “I was unaware of any problem proceeding from my intendedly-childlike grabbing of Connie Willis’s left breast, as she was exhorting me to behave.” He also posted that “I’m glad, at last, to have transcended your expectations. I stand naked and defenseless before your absolutely correct chiding.” By August 31 his contrition seemed to be waning, as he posted: “Would you be slightly less self-righteous and chiding if I told you there was NO grab…there was NO grope…there was NO fondle…there was the slightest touch. A shtick, a gag between friends, absolutely NO sexual content. How about it, Mark: after playing straight man to Connie’s very frequently demeaning public jackanapery toward me — including treating me with considerable disrespect at the Grand Master Awards Weekend, where she put a chair down in front of her lectern as Master of Ceremonies, and made me sit there like a naughty child throughout her long ‘roast’ of my life and career — for more than 25 years, without once complaining, whaddaya think, Mark, am I even a leetle bit entitled to think that Connie likes to play, and geez ain’t it sad that as long as SHE sets the rules for play, and I’m the village idiot, she’s cool … but gawd forbid I change the rules and play MY way for a change …”, and complained that Willis had not called him to discuss the matter.
Will this arrogant piece of sh@#– ever go away!!!….He wrote one Trek story 100 years ago and he just refuses to go away!!!!!..We get it..it was a great story, one of, if not the best , in TOS lore, but it’s writer is the worst self indulgent loser I’v ever seen.
As if JJ would work with him anyway….I’m sure JJ would be nice and call him Mr Ellison and blah blah blah, but surely somehow it would end up in court!
Sorry for the double post there, what I meant to really post was:
With Connie Willis at Hugo Awards 2006
If he was involved in Star Trek the sequel then there would be contracts to assure Elison that he does not own the rights to the help he provides the writers – the most he could ever do on another Star Trek story is consult since they already have a talented group of action/blockbuster writers that are more than capable of writing their own exciting and interesting story that they know isn’t theirs and that they are writing for Star Trek and not so that in 10 years time they can sue for the rights to what they claim is theirs…
Harlan has a gift, that gift is writing. He should stick to his passions rather than trying to gain some “inches” but at this rate, i wouldn’t put it past him to be appearing on I’m a celebrity, get me out of here…
Harlan–you either love him or hate him.
I happen to love him (although I am not sure why since in many ways he is the antithesis to my own morals and standards of conduct).
HE always provokes me to think about things (sometimes not always things I want to or should) and for that I am always grateful.
HE has a very public persona that I suspect is very different (well, maybe not too different) from those who are personal friends. HE is a talented writer and artist who performs for the public–it may be that the public has changed and HE has not so that HE doesn’t play as well as HE once did. But before you discount HE, reconsider his credentials and contributions to the SF (for HE, this would stand for “speculative fiction” whereas for that TV network it means SyFy) world over the years and the fact that HE still has voice that attracts attention (be it positive or negative) yet today.
The quote where Harlan said he wouldn’t mind working for JJ Abrams was posted on a forum at Ellison Webderland. It is not a site that was set up by Harlan, but he posts infrequent messages there as do a number of others, many of whom are Harlan’s friends.
If you were posting to your buddies on a little known forum, made a few idle comments about wanting to work for JJ Abrams, then had them splashed all over the web on different Star Trek and news sites, how would you react?
I have spoken to Harlan once or twice. I had dinner with him once on his birthday and had the privilege of introducing him to an audience in Vancouver where he was giving a talk. I found him to be charming, polite and every inch a gentleman.
If any of us were to have a few comments that we post amongst friends splashed all over the media, it would behoove us to be as considered and measured in our respoonses to that as Harlan has been about this.
As with everything, context is important. Don’t believe half of what you read about Harlan from people who do not know him and may have motivations that have more to do with selling papers or getting traffic moving on their blogs and/or websites.
@ 68
I am pleased to have read your comments about Mr. Ellison. One of my least favorite things about the otherwise awesome internet is that makes it much easier for large numbers of people to immediately attack, often angrily, without giving a second thought to what they’ve read or what they are saying… or even taken a moment to consider that what they’ve read may be false or taken out of context.
Ellison may be a dick and an ass or charming and polite, I don’t know. But he has done great work and I think, if I saw him somewhere, I could probably shake his hand without fear of being belittled by him.
I’m just saying show some consideration. Treat him like you would want to be treated. Show some respect to another human being with whom you disagree. I know, Harlan doesn’t always do that but that’s part of my point. Nobody’s perfect.
Harlan Ellison, live long and prosper.
While not going deep into my personal life, I know that Harlan is so undeserving of all the negative comments here. I know because he did one of the kindest things for me that I’ve ever had anyone do. It’s one of my most cherished memories and I don’t think he will ever know how much that simple act meant to me. The man does have a heart – there are a lot of people who are much worse than Harlan Ellison could ever be. If he was that bad, believe me, his wife wouldn’t have put up with him all these years. I wouldn’t go against him but he’s someone who I would be welcome to have on my side. He has principles that I respect, and an incredible collection of short stories, novels, scripts, and essays through which he will endure forever.
What did Harlan do again? lol! His original script never made it to the screen, so, he tec. has never done anything trek. This guy is a bag of hot air…
What did Harlan do again? lol! His original script never made it to the screen, so, he tec. has never done anything trek. This guy is a bag of hot air.. I will never get what his thing is.
# { 71 | 72 } He edits better.
Hear! Hear! The man would not be such a great writer if he didn’t have a heart, and he’s written a number of stories with true passion and heart.
I remain a fan, even if he seems a little cantankerous at times. He’s helped teach me to be candid when necessary.
#71:
Harlan Ellison has won the Hugo award eight and a half times, the Nebula Award three times, the Bram Stoker Award, and Edgar Award, the Ray Bradbury Award and he is the ONLY writer to win the Writers Guild of America Award for Most Outstanding Teleplay (solo work) four times. Not to mention receiving the title of SFWA Grand Master from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. This is not even close to a complete list of his awards.
His original script for City on the Edge of Forever (the one that you pointed out never made it to the screen) won him the aforementiond Writers Guild Award and the televised version, despite being re-written by Gene Rodenberry and D. C. Fontana, won the Nebula Award.
He has earned his chops as a writer more times over than most of the highest paid screenwriters working in Hollywood today.
I believe something Michael Landon once said on his Dean Martin Roast fits Ellison perfectly. Television is an invention where you are entertained in your living room by people you wouldn’t have in your house.
Works for writers, too.
# Strange number jumping. Please adjust your monitors to read my { 71 | 72 } as { 75 | 76 }. Or use your time machine.
However, do NOT, I repeat DO NOT, use the Guardian of Forever, without first inserting 25c in the meter’s slot. And yes, the meter looks like Joan Collins, but she won’t mind — just don’t call her “Sister”, unless you’re Jackie.
I was a neighbor (unfortunately) of Mr. Ellison for a couple of years a while back and let me tell you – he is a piece of garbage.
Strange number jumping, indeed. My comment $78 was actually supposed to be an answer to comment #75 WES: “What did Harlan do again?”
#66 – Wow, he touched someone’s breast. We know this because you posted it three times! What a horrible human being he is!
Good God. Just back from vacation and what greets me but possibly the most venom-laced comments thread in the history of Trekmovie.com (which makes the site host to, with the possible exception of AICN, the most venom-laced comments thread that’s ever been. I mean, seriously–what can you say about a forum where “fans” trash the looks (!), ethics and talent of the most honored writer in the history of imaginative literature over a fairly innocuous remark; meanwhile, his defenders (including the usually eminently sane and reasonable S. John Ross and Dennis Bailey) apparently feel obliged to make their own case by trashing the ethics and talent of the guy who created, nurtured, and fought for (if far from single-handedly, or perfectly) the franchise that has brought so much joy to the lives of everyone who posts here, themselves included. (Unsurprisingly, in his wisdom “Harry Ballz” has the chops to actually cover both bases.) And all in time for the holidays, too. I don’t know what’s gotten into the water supply, but many of you folks really need to chill out and mayble take the time to appreciate the efforts of the creative types who, whatever their own personal foibles and weaknesses, took the time and trouble to bring something new into this tired old world that you consumers of same could wind up having some fun with, and maybe even draw inspiration from. Merry frakkin’ Christmas.
Is it just me or do the Ferengi seem as if they were based on Harlan Eillison?
I think he should sue.
I agree with the above (84). I personally think Harlan Ellison is a bitter, cantankerous old man who, while a great writer, has an undeserved following.
He’s still a great writer who not only wrote several brilliant short stories and a great Trek episode, but also helped to create B5, arguably one of the best sci-fi shows ever.
Both “sides” (though why there should be sides at all I don’t know) need to pull their egos out of the equation. So some people think Ellison can stop the tides from coming on. So others thinks he’s an overrated hack. Why the hell get pissed at those who feel differently?
Merry frakking Christmas indeed.
Y’know, before Harlan starts musing over writing a Star Trek movie with JJ, maybe he should start a bit smaller, like maybe a Lost or Fringe script, and find out what it’s like working with the latest wunderkind to come down the pike.
I suspect the glowing opinion of Mr. Abrams will drop a few orders of magnitude after actually working with him, and seeing what JJ does to one of his brainchildren.
Great writing didn’t begin, nor does it end, with H.E.
Can we move on now, with life, Star Trek, and stuff?
Different strokes….
Jesus God Almighty this guy is such a NUISANCE.
He’s the sort of cantankerous old coot that will only find peace when he’s dead and buried.
I’ve only read a few reports re: his unacceptable behavior and I feel like I’ve been exposed to a lifetime of sorrow and misery. So sick of him.
84. Michael Hall: ‘meanwhile, his defenders (including the usually eminently sane and reasonable S. John Ross and Dennis Bailey) apparently feel obliged to make their own case by trashing the ethics and talent of the guy who created, nurtured, and fought for (if far from single-handedly, or perfectly) the franchise that has brought so much joy to the lives of everyone who posts here, themselves included.’
No one’s denying Roddenberry was good ideas man as a producer, but the obsessive worship given an ordinary bloke who was, frankly, a one-hit wonder is OTT. A lot of the ‘Great Bird of the Galaxy’ stuff was a myth perpetuated by Gene Roddenberryhimself at the expense of the many talented people who brought Star Trek to the screen!
Harlan Ellison is an irascible old sod, but is genuinely a huge talent and deserves every indulgence!
Look we don’t want to incite hate here. Harlan Ellison and Sarah Palin are the exceptions of course.
Any sexist derogatory remark about the later may go completely unchecked. The above venom re Elison is evident.
Point out the political references in a discussion on Avatar however, a film that though i enjoyed was clearly preaching at a political level and you are pushing the boundaries or violating forum rules.
Staying away from negatives should be encouraged but should also be consistent.
“62. P Technobabble – December 23, 2009
53. T’Cal
That’s a shame because Ellison wrote some of the best work I’ve ever read (and I’m sure there are many others who would agree). You’re preventing yourself from reading some fabulous literature.”
You’ve got that backwards. As good as his work may be, he has painted such an unappealing and unlikeable portrait of himself that I have no interest in reading his stories.
“…I’d like to know what, specifically, Ellison has done that is SO AWFUL? There are many, many people just like him on the planet, except they don’t have the media’s attention. Has this guy committed murder? Has he been involved in kiddie-porn? Has he had adulterous affairs? Has he committed crimes against humanity?”
Wow! Just, wow! You brought that stuff to the table, not me…or anyone else that I read here, for that matter. The guy’s a pompous ass. That’s all. And that’s enough for me to ignore him and his work. Carry on now.
#92
“Any sexist derogatory remark about [Sarah Palin] may go completely unchecked”
Sexist? No, the criticism is not because she’s a woman, but because she’s a five-alarm moron! Very dangerous!
93. T’Cal: ‘Wow! Just, wow! You brought that stuff to the table, not me…or anyone else that I read here, for that matter. The guy’s a pompous ass. That’s all. And that’s enough for me to ignore him and his work. Carry on now.’
And that makes you sound like an ignorant ass! So, if Hemingway wasn’t a particularly nice guy, his writings should be ignored? Because Richard Wagner indulged in anti-Semite rants, his music should be ignored?
Sorry, that’s desperately ignorant. Move out of the ‘Trek-sphere’ and see the real world outside it!
93. T’Cal
I get that you don’t dig his attitude, and you are entitled to limit yourself in any way you want. The point I was trying to make was, of course, the opposite of yours. But you are killing the messenger and ignoring the message.
Let’s imagine, for a brief moment, that you had no idea who Harlan Ellison was. You’d never heard of him, but as a sci-fi fan, a friend suggests you read this story, “The Beast That Shouted Love At the Heart of the World,” or “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream!,” or one of his other gems. And you came away from that story feeling something, having something to think about, thinking what a heavy story that was. Remember, you have no idea who this writer is, but the story you just read is a memorable one.
That’s something to enjoy.
I’m not trying to change your mind, just open it a little. The planet is swarming with pompous asses, and you sound like one too, when you end your debate with “Carry on now.” I could debate this matter, or any other matter, for as long is it goes on, I don’t need to “carry on.” I understand it bothers you that Harlan Ellison says stuff you don’t like, but it doesn’t bother me, or many other fans of Ellison. He can say whatever he wants, as we all are supposed to be able to do here in the good ole USA, and then one either takes him personally or listens to him the way one listens to Don Rickles. I don’t take him personally, and you shouldn’t either.