The night of my tiny book launch, I was already jittery. Then I saw the marquee: My punk-rock nemesis was having their own book party, in a giant theater, literally across the street.
For anyone as flustered as I am about the lack of transparency regarding Seth's nemesis, perhaps a look at the entirety of the piece will shift the perspective prism. If we were to pair the "Spirit" of the cosmos with the fact that an existing Instagram account hosts pertinent information, what we're left with is the foundation for a quick research project... a punk rock scavenger hunt, so to speak. He's already given us the story for free, the least we can do is work for the name. And, if I find it... I'm going to keep it to myself!
The only math I was prepared to do was adding up how long it might take for me to fail at finding this nemesis (which would then give us one in common, despite my willing participation in the scavenger hunt that I essentially created). Turns out, I'm a fairly successful Internet sleuth. Which, is good news because math is not a strong suit!
At first, I was frustrated with you not mentioning who your nemesis is and then I realized how exactly punk rock is to not name drop someone who is that many times more popular than you on a social media app. Compelling writing as always.
well now I'm frustrated that you took the time to reply and are still keeping this person's identity a secret. For what purpose? If the idea is to seem humble or something, I would submit it produces the opposite effect. Thanks for replying though!
Hi Wanda, as the writer, it's entirely up to Seth whether he wants to name the nemesis or not. I think it's braver and kinder not to do so. He might not want to cause more damage to the relationship, he may not get joy out of saying this person's name any more, and as much as anything, it does not feel the story suffers for the lack of outing. The story is about Seth's personal growth, not that of his nemesis. BTW, the nemesis seems blindingly obvious to me, and Seth, I might e-mail you to confirm. In the meantime, this story adds to the mountain of evidence I've had myself this year that while the universe may not care that we exist, it seems to have a lot of fun at our expense nonetheless!
yes, of course it'e entirely up to Seth, the writer. I'm suggesting that the piece would be a more satisfying read for others if this bit of very relevant information weren't concealed. I suspect, like you, that Seth chose the easier route for himself, and agree wholeheartedly that this is his choice to make. But that protective, safer route can make for a blander reading experience, I think.
For anyone as flustered as I am about the lack of transparency regarding Seth's nemesis, perhaps a look at the entirety of the piece will shift the perspective prism. If we were to pair the "Spirit" of the cosmos with the fact that an existing Instagram account hosts pertinent information, what we're left with is the foundation for a quick research project... a punk rock scavenger hunt, so to speak. He's already given us the story for free, the least we can do is work for the name. And, if I find it... I'm going to keep it to myself!
Ha! Yup, appreciate that. Though you’ll have to do some math, won’t you?
The only math I was prepared to do was adding up how long it might take for me to fail at finding this nemesis (which would then give us one in common, despite my willing participation in the scavenger hunt that I essentially created). Turns out, I'm a fairly successful Internet sleuth. Which, is good news because math is not a strong suit!
Hmmmmmmmm
At first, I was frustrated with you not mentioning who your nemesis is and then I realized how exactly punk rock is to not name drop someone who is that many times more popular than you on a social media app. Compelling writing as always.
Appreciate that deeply, friend!
I, too, lived in Mt. Pleasant in 1990, but I was completely ignorant of the scene that was apparently happening all around me.
A special time and place for sure!
why not say who this nemesis is? I liked the piece but am frustrated by this unnecessary bit of coyness.
I understand, and you're not the only one. This is a work in progress, and sometimes the feels take their time to be known.... Thanks for piping up!
well now I'm frustrated that you took the time to reply and are still keeping this person's identity a secret. For what purpose? If the idea is to seem humble or something, I would submit it produces the opposite effect. Thanks for replying though!
Hi Wanda, as the writer, it's entirely up to Seth whether he wants to name the nemesis or not. I think it's braver and kinder not to do so. He might not want to cause more damage to the relationship, he may not get joy out of saying this person's name any more, and as much as anything, it does not feel the story suffers for the lack of outing. The story is about Seth's personal growth, not that of his nemesis. BTW, the nemesis seems blindingly obvious to me, and Seth, I might e-mail you to confirm. In the meantime, this story adds to the mountain of evidence I've had myself this year that while the universe may not care that we exist, it seems to have a lot of fun at our expense nonetheless!
yes, of course it'e entirely up to Seth, the writer. I'm suggesting that the piece would be a more satisfying read for others if this bit of very relevant information weren't concealed. I suspect, like you, that Seth chose the easier route for himself, and agree wholeheartedly that this is his choice to make. But that protective, safer route can make for a blander reading experience, I think.
Appreciate that deeply, TF!