Anybody got a comment about Martin's update?

[Funky Cthulu]

Originally Posted by Mermaid

Do any of you feel that an author has a responsibility to readers/customers to give a completed project in a timely manor?

I'd agree with Boaz here - an author shouldn't promise on what they don't intend to deliver. But most authors, I think, just get too optimistic about what they can achieve. GRRM said on his blog that he feels terrible when he has to go back on previous release estimates and even worse when he gets feedback from angry readers. (err, that's paraphased)
Writing is such an unpredictable talent - at the core of it all, some writers may just not be able to sustain quality work. For the record, I don't think that's the case for GRRM. But he could die tomorrow and we would only be able to speculate on the ending.

So, I try not to get too attached. I learned that lesson the hard way waiting for Isobel Carmody to create another instalment in the Obernewton series. She wrote another series in the 8 year gap, which I started reading and now much prefer - she's finally released 'Ashling' a few years ago and seems to have abandoned the interim series. I've forgotten most of what transpired in the Obernewton series now anyway, and have given up in disgust.

[Weasel Soup]

I'd sooner wait than have a sketchy attempt from Martin...... However the waiting keeps this forum alive with speculation, which i will admidt is a large part of the fun. Having been at the (somewhat) top of a creative feild (dont ask, not anymore) perfectionism cant be rushed.

Besides arya doesnt pull her braids

[Werthead]

True, but Lady Webber of Coldmoat does in The Sworn Sword. I think that was GRRM taking the mickey out of his mate, Robert Jordan.

[Jeroam]

Who's Mickey and how did he get in there to begin with?

[Pointfinder]

After prepaying for the last installment and then having it delayed time after time after time, I'll believe it when I see it.

[Detritus]

I've just read some of the comments made in grrm's blog by some so-called fans of his writing (and added a little comment myself). Some people really do have the patience of a mayfly.

How can anyone moan about a delay of 1 year between books? We waited 5 years for AFFC and it was worth the wait. Not the best book of the series so far but still a bloody good read.

God help them if they had to wait for a series like Stephen King's 'The Dark Tower'. I, and thousands of others, waited 24 years to see it completed and had the worry that it was never to be completed after his terrible accident.

An author has a responsibility only to themselves to complete a series, not to the fickle, impatient moaners who cry foul if they don't get what they want when they want it. Life has a way of waylaying the best laid plans of everyone, as we all know, and if it happens that that series isn't finished then is it really a matter of life and death?

OK rant over because I'm going to really start to foam at the mouth in a minute

[TK-421]

Imagine what JRR Tolkien would think with all this blogging, forums, bitchy fans. Would put him off writing fantasy.

[Funky Cthulu]

Originally Posted by TK-421

Imagine what JRR Tolkien would think with all this blogging, forums, bitchy fans. Would put him off writing fantasy.

Or he could just incorporate them into a scene! They could be a particularly annoying sub-set of goblins...maybe end up getting fed to a Nazgul for pestering Sauron.
But I can see him liking the forums, granted I didn't know him, but reading Chris Tolkiens published notes, it seems like he worked hard on the Elven language, so seeing fans take it up and discuss it could have been rewarding.

[Weasel Soup]

So are we the sparrows?

[Funky Cthulu]

Originally Posted by Weasel Soup

So are we the sparrows?

Weeeel, the sparrows have a legitimate grievance, being screwed over by the establishment. I've always thought Robert Arryn seemed like a very unflattering portrait of *someone*. So possibly him.

[Weasel Soup]

Ah, FC, I was referring more of our Zeal rather than any greivance. I am very much in the camp "good things come to those who wait". ADWD will be delayed gratification at its finest.

[Funky Cthulu]

Originally Posted by Weasel Soup

Ah, FC, I was referring more of our Zeal rather than any greivance. I am very much in the camp "good things come to those who wait". ADWD will be delayed gratification at its finest.

Oh, I see! Yes, we are the army of fans. Crushing anyone who dares to impugn the might of our beloved GRRM!
Judging by the response I got when I expressed doubt about the Lands Beyond The Wall's viability, GRRM is quite safe from critics. As he should be.

[MIDNIGHT]

I think I may cancell my internet in January and restart it after ADWD has come out. Ignorance is bliss. I know far to much reading his updates and blogs. It is kinda getting depressing . Worth the wait but I can't help but think my son may graduate before the series is done (he is 10 mnths old). Although.....what would I do with out this forum to lurk at all day.

[nightsavior]

The man is pressured. A recent commercial said GRRM is akin to America's Tolkien. I never thought he wrote like Tolkien but I think it was more to put him on the same level with one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time. For the Record GRRM is not a "dry" or "long winded" writer which is why in fact I like his work. His prose flows like a steady river instead of a road with interruptions and pot holes.

I was introduced to him through Wild cards which he had a hand in creating. It's good stuff but unfortunatelly never took off big. I hear the series is getting a new jump start though. Music to my ears! I want to start ASOIAF but I just blew my cash on final fantasy 12. Yes, I'm awful.

The only assurance I can give is whatever wait fans have to endure will likely be worth it. Be patient and give the poor man a well deserved break!

[TK-421]

Originally Posted by nightsavior

I was introduced to him through Wild cards which he had a hand in creating. It's good stuff but unfortunatelly never took off big. I hear the series is getting a new jump start though. Music to my ears! I want to start ASOIAF but I just blew my cash on final fantasy 12. Yes, I'm awful.

I would think 11 were enough. Just kidding... anyways, if you love GRRM's other works, then ASOIAF will blow you away. I'm sure you can spare the $10 for the first novel. Maybe you'd find it used for half the price. It's worth it...