Confessions of an off-and-on poster
Some bloke said that an unexamined life is not worth living. The first
sign of this consciousness humans started wondering about about is
"Why do I exist?" closely followed by "what are we going to this
Friday night?"
May be we can start seeing that Telusa comes to life. No, I do not
mean with bustling arguments about "God given" poetry, and recurrent
theme of chandas. I do mean, in a 2001 Space Odyssey type life, where
Telusa starts taking our collective consciousness, and start wondering
why it exists.
That aside, I began to inspect my behaviour re: this forum. I have
been an off-and-on (more off than on) participant in this
forum. Something must make me drop off the map (other than the phases
of the moon that is). Now that people are debating Telusa, I take this
opportunity to post.
Let me classify what Telusa seems to be:
- Telusa as a dictionary: This seems quite popular usage. There are
people with dictionaries that can post the answer in a blink of an
eye. Though, I wonder, if we designate somebody as an official
dictionary, that might be more efficient. I personally think this
usage is like asking Cray to add a couple of numbers.
- Telusa for personal poetry exposition: Let's face it, our chances
of publishing in New Yorker in Telugu is somewhat less than finding a
story in Telugu movie. With those odds, Telusa becomes a natural vent
for this talent. I do find this quite useful for the authors. My
personal criticism (for which I am likely to be quartered) is that
this discussion is in Telugu, which is difficult to read and
understand in roman script. Of course, alternatives such as Telugu
lipi etc are equally horrible.
I ofcourse would prefer if the poetry is in English, or mostly
English. Language is only a small part of the culture and literature
anyway:-). If not poetry, may be the discussion can be in Telugu to
make it easier for the eye and the brain.
- Telusa for reviews: I enjoy these very much. I get to know what
books to order, borrow, and steal. Of course, needless to say that I
prefer the English reviews to Telugu reviews.
- Telusa for publishing from books: As with dictionary,
unless accompanied by substantial commentary, I find reading in a book
more convenient. Facts, unorganized, not propelling an argument are
not suited for the super-brain like Telusa.
- Telusa for movies: Well, I like this one. I can decide whether to
watch a movie or not. I prefer a detailed review why the author liked
it, what he liked. Hell, I would pay to read these reviews if they are
well written and are in English.
- Telusa for Chandas: I would say, I would prefer to buy a book. The
book is more concise, accurate, and can be taken to bathroom. Telusa
loses on all these counts. Besides, it often turns into disagreements
between free verse and not-so-free verse people. As if! It has been
couple of centuries since the protogonists have been dead back home,
but the flame rages on!
- Telusa for announcements: Like it. Prefer them with a descriptive
title. It is somewhat useless to read all the message if does not tell
me like "avadhanam on in Springfield, MA, on 2/30/98."
- Telusa as a forum to advance Telugu Sahityam: This topic shall be
discussed in a different post.
.....[not completed]