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Re:Using the wrong dictionary by scythe on Tuesday May 20, 2014 @11:44AM (#7773162)
This is a bit like the Java philosophy. It works, it's arguably perfect for writing huge, plot-driven, King-like novels, but using this rule diminishes the author's ability to use interesting constructs in the same way Java prevents the programmer from using interesting constructs. You could say "if you have to look the keyword up in a textbook, it's wrong". This applies not only to coYoneda but also to goroutine.

It's more-or-less obvious that it was a great rule for Stephen King, but it's not clear if it would have helped David Foster Wallace write this:

'How did you know I was interested in Byzantine erotica?'

'You seem persistently to confuse me with someone who merely hangs out a shingle with the word Conversationalist on it, and this operation with a fly-by-night one strung together with chewing gum and twine. You think I have no support staff? Researchers at my beck? You think we don't delve full-bore into the psyches of those for whom we've made appointments to converse? You don't think this fully accredited limited partnership would have an interest in obtaining data on what informs and stimulates our conversees?

'I know only one person who'd ever use full-bore in casual conversation.'

'There is nothing casual about a conversation with a professional conversationalist. We delve. We obtain, and then some. Young sir.'

Re:Using the wrong dictionary by kbenson on Tuesday May 20, 2014 @12:40PM (#7773526)
Damnit, I have a sinking feeling you just added a substantial amount to my reading list.
Re:Using the wrong dictionary by scythe on Tuesday May 20, 2014 @10:52PM (#7776463)
The book is Infinite Jest; it's the unrivaled best piece of writing I've ever put my eyes on.
Re:Using the wrong dictionary by platz on Wednesday May 21, 2014 @01:42AM (#7776863)
I thought it was great, one of the best books I've ever read. Actually, in large part due to the language.

But I know a lot of people who tried it and were turned off; they seemed to get put by this "showboating".

Re:Using the wrong dictionary by egypturnash on Wednesday May 21, 2014 @02:03AM (#7776907)
Don't forget the fact that the book, even in paperback, is big enough to severely wound somebody if you throw it at their head. And something like a third of its bulk is footnotes. Lengthy footnotes that can be fill most of a page. There is a certain joy to making your way through a dense labyrinth of a story like this, but you have to put a lot of energy into the journey...
Re:Using the wrong dictionary by kbenson on Wednesday May 21, 2014 @12:46PM (#7779214)
Okay, now I'm definitely sold. I'm a sucker for footnotes in a story.
Re:Using the wrong dictionary by platz on Thursday May 22, 2014 @02:06PM (#7785249)
For footnotes, have to mention House of Leaves (Danielewski) as well, although this definitely falls more into the gimmicky "hold the book up to the mirror" camp than the eloquence of IJ.