TBAY as an Intro only

[msbeadsley]

GulPlum:
> What TBAYers (including myself, which is scary!) have been 
> defending is the discussion of theories by the use of extended 
> metaphors. What Laurasia is defending is the fluff which I (and, 
> from what I can tell, Shaun) would prefer TBAY posts to cut down.
<snip>
> What typifies a "true" (and IMO useful) TBAY post is the use of the 
> extended metaphors of the Bay to confront two or more conflicting 
> theories. 

(Extended metaphors? Really? That's what that's called? 
Ummm...kidding, sort of.)

Why have a setting at all, then, or virtual characters populate it? 
(Although I know that some characters personify theories.) Why then 
don't those who want to employ extended metaphors do so and let them 
sink or swim (that was unintended) on their own? How effective is an 
extended metaphor which needs a spokesperson (beyond the ungarbed 
narrative voice of the poster)? It seems to me that TBAY must have 
grown out of more than a desire to have a forum in which to extend 
(and mix) metaphors (after all, the main list is an adequate forum 
for that, isn't it?). Isn't TBAY a group hallucination (maybe fantasy 
is a better word) which manifests for the sense of community as well 
as for its content? (Hmmm...that could be another possible motive (on 
the part of those who feel excluded, for whatever reason) for wanting 
to rid the main list of TBAY...)

Sandy, still didacting