The collection idea is quite amusing, even if it borders on nerdy-cute. Could be some amazing gems out there that Marc will end up promoting or even indirectly saving. I agree with him that the “other” web-group presences seem far more energetic and supportive than the fine art one. I’m involved with the comic art world, e.g., a founding member of the Gene Colan discussion list and so on, and have met far more people of a far greater variety, got more visits and more opportunities (to write part of a history book, etc.) from there than from the fine artworld web stuff I do.

By the way, Richard, I have about 5000 comic books from the 60s and 70s and even some from the 40s and 50s, but all stuffed into boxes, no collector-plastic etc. I still take them out an re-read them in the bathtub, etc. It makes real collectors who visit me insane. You can come read them if you’d like.

That being said, though, I’m not certain I would wish to entirely replace the critical fine artworld online with a fan-based culture derivative. I think too many suburbies from the art schools see it in these terms already, as a form of substitute geeky hobby for the ones they had in high school. I think we have too much backstabbing, as he points out, but are trying to foster a more critical (in both senses), analytical perception of art. When eveything is okay, nothing is great.

Nevertheless, I think Duncan and Balzac and I may have to push Marc around a little in the school yard or a back-alley for having called all BAS commenters jackoffs.

Also congratulations.

Upon reading his 9/27 post, it is clear that Mr. Elms would like to leave the tough and tragic reality of his Industry of the Ordinary fight w/ Mr. Hamza Walker behind him. Out of respect to Mr. Elms’ dedication to the arts, and his ardent support of countless Chicago artists, let’s all honor his wish to allow this event to be forgotten.

(Between you and me, Anthony, I thought you did really well. You have a searing double jab! Who knew Hamza would throw so many low blows? And who knew the ref would “look the other way?”)

Let’s also try to forget Mr. Elms’ admission that Hamza and he are lovers.

and, ummm…”Anthony Elms / Hamza Walker Industry of the Ordinary grudge fight?” I have no idea what that can mean.

hamza and I are lovers, not fighters. even if you threw a killer rare jazz record in front of us, we wouldn’t even fight over it, unless it was to get it on the turntable fast. I think we’re both too distracted to grudge. grudges are for the petty. hate: now, that’s good with bourbon.

I’ll try resending them now.