Help Save Dave's Kids (UPDATED)

I think Ed pretty much captures my incredulity over Dave E-----'s foreword to Infinite Jest.  When you've set yourself up as a literary arbiter, you're held to a higher standard: major changes in your critical stance demand a mention--even a passing one, as Mr. Champion suggests--lest you risk the appearance of intellectual dishonesty.

But it's time to put RP's money where its mouth is.

Thomas Pynchon is clearly not going to pick up his $49 appearance check, so Rake's is now offering the money for a brief explanation of Dave's change of opinion on Infinite Jest's merits. 

Please note that the check is cut to 826 Valencia, because RP's money comes from the heart. Your pal the Rake is not made of stone.  I want to see those cute little kids kept knee-deep in writing paper and pirate costumes!

So, sure, a fellow doesn't have to answer to anyone regarding his striking critical shifts, especially to a man who'd have to be ten times more popular to rise to the level of "internet weirdo."

But will he do it, for the kids?

***UPDATE: I respect Stephen Elliott, but I must respectfully ask why any legitimate criticism or questioning of of Mr. E----- is seen as a "takedown"?  No one is going to be able to take him down at this late date, least of all humble Rake's, but leaving that aside I must maintain that he's certainly not above critical questioning, even if he's a lovely man and a great humanitarian.  And this is all about charity, anyway...your pal really wants to donate to his cause.

***UPDATE 2:  Yes, it's "foreword," isn't it?

***UPDATE 3: The stakes are raised.

Comments

[Matthew Tiffany]

Wait - does Eggers have to explain the change of opinion, or can anyone? We could use the cash over here at 826 Condalmo.

OK, nevermind.

[Rake]

Sorry. Word on the street is that you're all set for paper and pirate wear. Time to let the new generation have a crack at it.

[Jeff]

If being charitable makes one immune from so-called takedowns, I'm thinking Mr. Elliot might not have many politicians left to moveonward against. Come on, now. Changing one's mind is just fine and dandy. Hell, I hated the Magnetic Fields the first few times I heard them and now love them. If I ever write a forward to their "best of" I'll be sure to say this. Then when I hit my Engleburg Humperdink years, I'll write about how much I hate them but once loved them after I once had hated them.

[Jeff]

Foreword...

Damn!

[ed]

I've just upped the ante, Rake, with a Segundo interview. Happy to facilitate.