📧 “Changes to Rutba book”
20120311 [CCed: Shane Claiborne, Robert Ellsberg]
Robert and I just discussed your markups and my revisions/suggestions/etc., and we hope the attached makes you feel more comfortable.
For the record, everyone I've spoken to about this, e.g., Cliff, Shane, Robert, my mom, all read your role in the book as protagonist not antagonist. Hopefully these revisions will drive that point even better. I'm really not sure what more we can do.
Call me if you want. I'm around today and most of tomorrow. All best ~ greg
20120314 @ 0659 to Barrett, Ellsberg
I still think a conversation is in order. If you need to flatten my character in the interest of time, then you don't need my help as much. If you want to improve on it, and make it "all that it can be," then we need to have a lengthier discussion and be prepared to dig in deeper. If the former, then I can revise the draft you have sent me in a very straightforward manner and save much time and energy. If the latter, I would require a conversation with you both to discuss my concerns and why this revision does not completely satisfy them. Like I said though, I am happy to just send brief revisions if time is as critical as it seems to be for this project at this time.
@ 0748 from Barrett
We will review/discuss further revisions but cannot make any promises. Production right now is on the fast track. Lengthier discussions and digging deeper is out of the question. However, if you want to reopen your journals for use, your own thoughts and words written and recorded from the 2010 trip, that could maybe add some depth. Your decision. Feel free to ring me up. All best ~ greg
@ 0754 to Barrett
The journals that were quoted and the conversations drawn from were selective and did not, in my view, contribute constructively to my character. Using journals would be entirely dependent upon having a very clear understanding of what purpose my character plays for the book and how it will positively serve the wider military community and Church at large. At this time, I cannot see how it does that.
If you want a conversation, let's set up a time with Robert. If that is too much, then I will need to go back over the draft you sent me and give you my required revisions. Lemme know what you'd prefer
@ 0757 from Barrett
Send your suggested revisions. Keep in mind Logan, nothing is required. We're bending over trying to accommodate you.
@ 0808 from Ellsberg
Thanks, Greg--as you know, the book is already in production and it is on a very tight schedule. We can accomodate corrections on the galleys, but I hope we will have this all settled shortly.
Logan--thanks for your input and cooperation.
@0810 from Ellsberg
Sorry I replied before seeing the last exchanges.
Logan, I think the best thing is for you to send your further revisions to Greg. I understand your feelings about what would be required to really do justice to your character, but I don't see how we have time to do that.
I really appreciate your contribution to making this a better book.
@ 0909 to Barrett, Ellsberg
Greg, let me be very clear - I am accommodating your book and your schedule. If you had given me and the others more time, this might not have been nearly as volatile as it is now. I did not ask to be in the book, nor (obviously) do I particularly desire to be. I have already sacrificed significant portions of my own time and energy, to better a project you will reap the rewards for, at your request and the request of friends.
So, you're welcome.
Robert, if I am to give any kind of thumbs up to my being in the GoR, I still think a conversation is in order. I am no less nervous about the final few paragraphs, and I do not know with certainty that I am ok with them at all, given the lack of clarity about the purpose that my character serves. I am open to your thoughts. Greg should feel free to share my contact information if you like, but he and I will not be having a conversation about this one-on-one.
I will get my revisions as soon as I am able. I will try to be clear exactly what I would need for me to release the use of my name for this work. But I suspect that something else would need to be said after having described me as "angry", "cursing" etc. Veterans already have to fight against that stereotype.
@ 1152 from Barrett
I thought we had expressed our appreciation, etc. Again, thanks.
No other subject in the book has complained about the timing of the review. That said, I asked you to check for factual errors, not to rewrite events. Let's keep this real. You and I both know the many complaints and frustrations you voiced on the rooftop of Rutba General ... and elsewhere. I wrote your part in the book with much respect and care; and then revised it the same way. I truly hate that you aren't reading the book and your part in it like everyone else is reading it.
Much peace and prayers ~ greg
1342 @ to Barrett, Ellsberg, Claiborne
Any further communication should be with the participation of your editorial team. You and I no longer seem to be able to have a constructive conversation, and I will not sacrifice my time and energy only to be condescended to. You can hate my reading all you like, but it is my reading, not everyone else's.
