Also congratulations.

(I regret drinking that bottle of Reisling)

(You first lost to me in the library at Lake Macquarie in June.)

And the emperor has new clothes.

The danger in Australia, for Australian critics and reviewers is that we have a pervading culture of self-hatred, cultural cringe and shame, which means we delight too much in smashing each other's work.
And the resulting effect is the overarching impression that anything Australian isn't very good.

To invest in these tasks is to privilege the work. To bring the work into view via a lens which comprises taste, a literacy in technical competence, an appreciation of historical and cultural context, and a kind of conservation or preservation.

In my view, the task of criticism, is to greet the work on its own terms and examine its intent and its ability to deliver on that intent.

The task of the critic is to understand the context in which the work is being offered and made, and to assess its impact or contribution to the field.

Isn't scrutinising a pack of Tim Tams for not being a dessert at a Michelin Star restaurant a bit of a waste of time?

So glad you could make it...
A truly special opportunity to have both Ivor Indyk of @giramondobooks.bsky.social and Geordie Williamson speak so honestly and beautifully about what they do, how, and why...

Thank you for being there as a witness to this beautiful conversation.

Really loved this conversation. It was fascinating hearing industry professionals speak frankly about the state of modern publishing and how they each contribute to it, both machinery and soul. Insightful, honest, sincere. Top marks for the discussion and event overall @augustasupple.com!

Almost...