Critic free

That was stupid. How could you say that? On this point you're mistaken. Serves you right. You're not as interesting now. What twisted logic. Vapid vaporings, puleeze. Been done before. Trite. Pretentious. Forced.

I can imagine commnents like these in reference to any or all of my posts, or perhaps others more encouraging, but in either case, they're beside the point, aren't they? An exploration of 2nd person encounters is first of all relevant to the parties involved, and secondly to others regarding their own encounters or encounters in general. That is, this is a criticism free zone. No ranking, no stars, no comparison with the masterpieces, the benchmarks, the generally accepted.

The only ones to be satisfied are the participants themselves and their concerns are directed to each other. We interact with each other, offering hospitality, engaging in exploration, enjoying friendship in whatever way we do, telling each other not only when things are off key or off course or off line, but also when splendidly right and opening up new fields of interaction.

Counselors, mediators, third-parties may be invited to contribute impartial (often valuable) observations and suggestions, but this is a far cry from ex cathedra pronouncements.

When I read reviews in the newspaper or online, words like good and bad, best and worst, are less interesting than the description of and reflection on the work itself: What I notice is...  The overall structure... There seems to be a clear distinction between... I'm reminded of.... This seems to be derived from....A missing element might be... Particularly powerful is...

You who read these posts and have opinions, pace. Please feel invited to witness and participate. Who is we can become your 2nd person. Then, let's cross the line into a encounter of addressing and being addressed, committing who we are to an interchange that, who knows, may change both of us.