Jan 03, 2025
I really, reeaaaally like the way you chain subordinate clauses to extend sentences. You've really achieved that perfect rhythmic, hypnotic cadence. The third paragraph being a prime example.
Obviously the Alt-I stuff rings heavy in this day and age, for obvious reasons--but I think even before AI started to take off, the antecedent notions could be seen in movies, music, books designed by committee--big budget works designed solely to appeal to please as many people as possible, and to offend as FEW people as possible. On paper, they're perfect! ... And now with AI, you don't need an entire committee of very, very smart people to churn out the most lukewarm, polished media. Anyone can do it!
And then like you said, the pendulum DOES swing back. I think we're going to find that we're going to yearn for those rough spots, those imperfections. When's everything's perfect, everything smoothed over and sanded down--well, now you've also sanded off every bit of personality a work might've had.
I am SO sorry for this longpost. But this chapter really got me thinking.
(Next to the ghost of Franky Foo, not pictured: Anakin Skywalker--Hayden Christensen variant; Yoda; Obi-Wan Kenobi)
