Whining on Witchvox ...

[pt_tangles]

... yeah, I know, who knew?

I just finished reading an article by Patricia Telesco on Witchvox, and I have to say that I am milding offended. It highlights a lot of problems within the Pagan community and places the blame squarely on the shoulders of diversity.

Besides the blindingly short sighted idea that Pagans should just 'suck it up and play nice' for the sake of community, hidden in the text is that complaint that she isn't making enough money to support herself and her family with the sale of her books (and has had to take, 'oh, the horror', a day job). The message contained in this essay comes across as, 'If you don't want your religion to be snatched away from you, then buy my books'.

Part of me can't really believe that someone who claims to be an elder would be so blind to the simple fact that *not all Pagans follow the same faith*. Economics ebb and flow. Sometimes there will be a lot of people buying things and going to festivals, and sometimes people won't have enough extra money to spend on luxuries like festivals, and jewelry and lots of books.

Another part of me sees this as a blatent PR move that just disgusts me to the core. Using scare tactics to line your own pockets is so completely counter to my ethics that I could not, in good conscience, contribute to her career. I haven't read any of her books, and now, I don't think I want to.

--Phae

Comments

[sarahswampwitch.livejournal.com]

I hear ya.

Someone just posted the essay on my yahoogroup and I spent an hour writing a small novel on how much I disagree with most of it. Just the fact that the author says that "neo-Paganism" is * A * religion made me twitch, and don't even get me started about I feel about folks who lob guilt trips at me in an effort to get me to baaaaaa like a sheeple...

Blah to baaaaaing.

[mariadkins.livejournal.com]

(and has had to take, 'oh, the horror', a day job)

Oh cry me a river. Tons of writers, good writers, still have day jobs. I know plenty of them.

[gessatrude.livejournal.com]

You know the sad part is, she's wrong on quite a few counts. Here in Norfolk there's a fairly large community center for Pagans and witches. In Illinois and Wisconsin I can think of several active groups. So much for lack of cohesive community.

I think I own one or two of her books. But maybe she should take into account that there are lots of people in this country who are having to take on second jobs just to stretch things out a bit. Maybe instead of bitching "woe is me" she should re-examine the aspects of her life that prevent her from living on a single income. She obviously has the internet. She obviously spends money on Witchvox...both of which are costly...hmmmm.

[pt_tangles]

I am a bit behind in reading the group's mail. I look forward to seeing your mini-novel ~_^

--Phae

[pt_tangles]

That was much my response too. If she wants to blame someone for the economy of the states, there are a whole kettle of nitwits in Washington who deserve it far more than the Pagan communities.

--Phae

[pt_tangles]

I doubt very much that the article was motivated by the lack of RL Pagan communities. I think it was a call for people to spend more money, pure and simple.

Personally, I am not terribley interested in the local Pagans around here. The dealings I have had with them make my hair stand on end. And if I could afford to, I would spend the $100 or so and a week off of work to go to the festivals they hold, but I can't right now, so I don't.

Does that make me a bad Pagan? Maybe, but since being able to afford rent and food are more important to me than who all gets to see me in all my Pagan splendor, I really could care less.

I buy a LOT of books, I support any sort of gov't action that makes it easy for me and mine to practise as we please, but I am not of the wealthy elite. And I say, that if Telesco finds writing Pagan books doesn't provide enough cash, then she can write some other kind of book as well. Branch out. Having to work at something other than your passion has never killed anyone. And personally, I would rather get a day job than comprimise my ethics like she has in this article.

--Phae

[estaratshirai.livejournal.com]

Well, you know, if the publishers (and the writers) would take the hint that there's only so many times you can rewrite the same 5 "eclectiwicca 101" books, maybe the market wouldn't be stagnating because everyone's already bought several previous versions of them. :P

[pt_tangles]

There is that too. ~_^

--Phae

[desree42.livejournal.com]

I just had the... opportunity to post my views of this 'outrage'(what it was called in my local list). I may have to post that rant in my blog suffice it to say it was remarkably similar to yours(hence why I cam back here to blather about it.)

The pasrt that sadened me the most was all the 'OMG band together! asshole pagans who don't want to band togeher are nasty ego driven assholes and aren't really pagan!!!111!!'

It's unfair to the good solitary eclectics I know but I have to say the more I'm exposed to that sort(read a few books, I'm a pagan!, make it up whole clothe, omg teh discriminations! sort) the more I am unimpressed with most eclectics. Though, to be honest, I would guess that it is more a reflection on those specific folks' lack of understanding and religious knowledge then it is any shortcoming in the group as a whole.

Still. Ick.