Paolini: One Good Trait

[Doubtless]

Ok, so we here at the WG of CF (of the WWW ) have bashed Paolini probably more than anyone I know. We all know that Eragon was a two-cent ripoff of every major fantasy franchise that ever lived.

BUT (here comes the storm)...

We ALL read it. We ALL kept reading it (at least until the end of the first book). Why the heck would we read something that was self-admitted garbage?!

Because Paolini knew how to keep us going. Yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but Paolini had ONE good trait: he knew how to keep interest. That's the reason that people keep watching movies that have no plot. That's the reason people read cheap romance books. That's the only reason I would even consider reading the 3rd and 4th of Inheritance:

Because I know I'll enjoy it while I'm reading it. Afterwards, maybe, I'll slam it left and right, and scrub my truck with the accursed pages, but while reading it, I'm having fun.

I suppose we can take something even from Paolini...

Ok, done now.

P.S. Please don't come to my house. I know you hate me now, but hey, at least burn Paolini before me...

 

[Lessien]

You're right: Paolini knows how to entertain. But maybe that's part of the problem: Why are we so easily entertained by cheap garbage?

 

[sunstruckdream]

No one's going to burn you! You have a point. The story moved, and we all finished it. I've read several books I've thorougly bashed afterward, often out of mere curiosity to see where the story goes.

 

[CelticRose]

Actially, I haven't read it. Everything I know about hating Paolini I learnt from you guys.

You've done such a good job bashing it I don't think I'll ever read Eragon now.

Too many good books out there to read trash.

 

[oncewaslost]

i read things so i know what people are talking about. better to have actually experienced it than come in and talk trash without any first hand knowledge

 

[sunstruckdream]

i read things so i know what people are talking about. better to have actually experienced it than come in and talk trash without any first hand knowledge

i agree with this. the way i see it, no one's fit to praise or trash a book before they've picked it up and given it a chance. (finish it, though, or don't trash the ending! )

 

[Kokopelli]

I have never read the guy's work. However, I can think of one good "trait," if you want to call it that.

He's published more books than I have, and is a heck of a lot younger than I am.

 

[sunstruckdream]

I have never read the guy's work. However, I can think of one good "trait," if you want to call it that.

He's published more books than I have, and is a heck of a lot younger than I am.

Don't despair - his parents owned the publishing company.

 

[Kokopelli]

Don't despair - his parents owned the publishing company.

Ok, well I won't gripe too much then.

 

[CelticRose]

And for the record I don't trash Paolini because I haven't read him ~ I just listen to the rest of you. Like I said, too many good books, not enough time to read them all.

 

[Doubtless]

Actially, I haven't read it. Everything I know about hating Paolini I learnt from you guys.

We're a bad influence, aren't we? (say yes. )

He's published more books than I have, and is a heck of a lot younger than I am.

Well, Paolini (to stretch it a LOT) could be a household name today, but a decade from now you'll mention his name, and people will think you're talking about a kind of noodle. Anyone can write commercially successful junk, but the true goal is to write something that will stand the test of time...

(see those dots? That's time, passing. Paolini? Oh that's a kind of noodle, right? )

 

[sunstruckdream]

We're a bad influence, aren't we? (say yes. )



Well, Paolini (to stretch it a LOT) could be a household name today, but a decade from now you'll mention his name, and people will think you're talking about a kind of noodle. Anyone can write commercially successful junk, but the true goal is to write something that will stand the test of time...

(see those dots? That's time, passing. Paolini? Oh that's a kind of noodle, right? )

*Sings*

On top of PAOLIIIIIIINIIII...All covered with CHHEEEEESE...!

 

[CelticRose]

Lol. You guys are a hoot ~ which is why I like hanging out here & Doubtless, I will say yes if that's what makes you happy.

 

[TexasSky]

Speak for yourself. I didn't keep reading his work.

 

[Christianfantasy]

I haven't read any of Paolini's work--not a single line--and I haven't read any threads on CF bashing him. I have no plans to read his work. My reading list is full, and I already have more titles on it than I have time for. Whoever said we "all" read his work simply misspoke.

 

[Kokopelli]

Well, Paolini (to stretch it a LOT) could be a household name today, but a decade from now you'll mention his name, and people will think you're talking about a kind of noodle. Anyone can write commercially successful junk, but the true goal is to write something that will stand the test of time...

(see those dots? That's time, passing. Paolini? Oh that's a kind of noodle, right? )

I just asked my wife if she's ever heard of him, and she hasn't. Of course, she sticks primarily to the JD Robb novels.

I pulled him on Wikipedia, and the article basically confirmed everything you guys have said. (Not to mention, the movie based on his book got poor reviews.) But you're right about the commercially successful junk - I have read my share unfortunately.

But there are still authors who are very good at what they do, and have written fantastic stories. For example, if I was to mention the SciFi-Horror writer, Dan Simmons, without a google search, would know who I am referring too? How about Ken Grimwood? Honestly, I think a movie based on Simmons' Hyperion Cantos series would be as memorable as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Especially if Peter Jackson directed it.

But, I digress.

 

[Doubtless]

For clarification, by ALL, I meant, for the most part, me, Lessien, Tariel, and Sunstruck and anyone else who actively bashed Eragon.

Simmons, huh? Might check into it. I haven't read a good book (or any book, for that matter) in sooooo long... *is thirsty*

 

[Tariel]

I read Eragon mostly for the only two decent characters in the series. I think the biggest problem with Paolini and his writing is that he was/is too young. (Hopefully) one of these days he's going to realize that he can make an original plot, and he will write books worth reading. That is why I will make sure I have a hold on the next book at the library as soon as possible - I'll hold on to that glimmer of hope that maybe Eragon will get killed off in chapter one. Maybe Eragon will actually develop a complex character. Maybe Paolini will find something else to rip off besides LotR and Star Wars.

Besides, where else would we get new material for the Anti-guide?

Oh, and isn't this a riot - Eragon has a Myspace It's really scary.


In case you never knew, Eragon is from Monatana

 

[Tariel]

*Sings*

On top of PAOLIIIIIIINIIII...All covered with CHHEEEEESE...!

ROFL!!! I want my Paolini with Meatballs - lots and lots of meatballs. Let's make Arya squirm!!

[sign]Arya Must Die!!![/sign]

 

[Doubtless]

I think another thing might be the Youth and Fame Syndrome. Paolini was probably told from the start that he was a great writer, and probably began to actually believe it. He decides that, since so many people read his book, he MUST be good! Nevermind the fact that his book is used as the paragon of bad writing.