because I feel like starting a riot in the comments

[kellinator]

Note: I have never read Harlan Ellison nor Connie Willis (and you can't make me feel guilty about it, so don't bother) and therefore I have no dog in this fight. But I just couldn't resist.

[Poll #810313]

Comments

[scarcrest.livejournal.com]

If Harlan's apologized to Ms. Willis, then it's really a matter between them -- and between Harlan and his wife. Seeing him carry a running gag (as reannon called it -- I guess there was some ass-grabbing going on or something?) too far isn't entirely unexpected.

This is the guy who, when a woman smarted off to him in no-smoking area, pulled the cigarette from her mouth and dropped it into her purse, causing it to light the contents on fire. He followed a guy through an airport once telling everyone the guy met not to shake his hand because he hadn't washed in the bathroom.

Harlan's a bit of a nut, in other words. Taking a gag too far -- and I agree that WAS too far, make no mistake -- isn't inconceivable for him. He's also the writer without whom there likely would be no Warren Ellis and no Garth Ennis, so he'd have my respect as a writer irregardless.

[smibbo.livejournal.com]

I disagree, he did it in PUBLIC so it's also a matter of the public. There is something called "common decency" and it has to do with not offending others who are within your visual or auditory field. Harlan is quite well aware of that having exploited the notion of "common decency" for decades. He is someone who rails mercilessly at the public about politeness and decent behavior so frankly I think he deserves to eat a little crow now.

[smibbo.livejournal.com]

and no offense but "Irregardless" isn't a word; the proper word is "regardless"

and yes, I agree, Harlan had a massive impact upon my life as well as many fine writers today. He has my respect as a writer but as a person? He's a jerk and always has been.

[scarcrest.livejournal.com]

You're entitled to your opinion. No one's ever called him a saint.