The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #121077   Message #2642630
Posted By: GUEST,The Museum of British Folklore
28-May-09 - 07:42 AM
Thread Name: Short film from Doc Rowe's collections
Subject: RE: Short film from Doc Rowe's collections
I didn't have time to check all the posts yesterday and am just catching up.Let me start by saying that, as Gillian B has pointed out, this project is in it's infancy. It is not my intention for it to be 'Institutionalised centralised state-funded folklore' as Mr Breadin says. In fact I intend to try and get it privately funded so as to avoid the Institutional approach and keep it as free and vibrant as the subject matter. I must say it has been depressing to read the posts by Sean Breadin. I have several of his writings printed off in my files and have always respected his ideas. While I didn't think his posts were spiteful, they were certainly harsh. My reply wasn't a 'defensive apology' as he implies, merely my telling the background to the film and the context within which it was shown. I would have hoped someone in his position would have offered help and suggestions as to the pitfalls to avoid in starting a new project such as this. Using terms such as 'Bullshit, half-assed pastiche, nasty folksy Green Man imagery', etc etc, to undermine and belittle someones efforts is all very well and thankfully water off a ducks back. There will always be dissenting voices with a new venture, which is healthy and should work to make the project exciting, but how much more constructive they could be if they were to offer alternative advice instead of damming condemnation. To imagine the website would contain the breadth of material Sean mentioned, when after all, it serves as an introduction to the project and a journal is a little unrealistic. I am seeking the advice of academics and professionals and impassioned individuals such as Sean, as the project evolves, which will help to broaden and develop things as well as add depth to the content displayed. Once the museum becomes more established I'm sure the website will grow and expand and contain a lot more material. Thankfully, the general response to the project so far has been very favorable, with many people coming forward with offers of help and useful and constructive views as to how the whole enterprise should and could evolve. I will gladly take them on board and aim to work towards establishing a vibrant and unusual centre to celebrate and research our annual customs and traditions. My thanks go to all those here who have shown encouragement and all I would say to Sean is that it would be of more interest to people like myself and others I'm sure, to hear sage guidence rather than have to read arrogant and patronising posts.