Palaver Value
Welcome to the Mountain Palaver! Along with countless others who have entered the blogosphere – though I suppose someone is counting (Wikipedia is NOT a source!) – I thought long and hard about starting a blog: the purpose, the subject matter, the tone. I reached few conclusions. My hope for this space is that it will serve to raise new ideas and opportunities for dialogue among the audience on a variety of issues, some fun and some less so, with a bit of wit and some trademark self-deprecation.
In the spirit of my current day job, I thought I might kick off the Mountain Palaver with a FAQ section. You may be thinking, “If this is a new blog, how can there already be a list of Frequently Asked Questions?” First, it should be noted that this is exactly the kind of deft analysis I will be expecting from readers of the Mountain Palaver. Let me take this moment to congratulate you. Second, I don’t actually have any FAQ’s. I’m anticipating.
Mountain Palaver FAQ’s
- What is a palaver? (from imagined reader “low_argot”)
Strictly speaking, palaver is a term for a long discussion, but can also mean persuasive talk, idle chatter, flattery or cajolery. The Mountain Palaver will be focusing on the persuasive talk and cajolery meanings, while readers are encouraged to focus on flattery. “Long parley, esp. one between primitive natives and European traders…” is discouraged.
- I so look forward to your musings Mountain Palaver, how often will you post? (from imagined reader “palavers_groupie”)
With the exception of this entry, The Mountain Palaver will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the foreseeable future. Additional Mountain Palaver blogs will be available as the mood or pressing topic strikes. You are also encouraged to follow the Mountain Palaver on Twitter for additional commentary.
- I find reading your blog to be tremendously rewarding. How do I recommend this blog to a friend? (from imagined reader “overindulgentfriend”)
I’m glad you find the Mountain Palaver valuable. You can subscribe to the Mountain Palaver by going to www.mountainpalaver.com and entering your email address in the box provided. If you have an existing WordPress account, you can go to the same place and simply click a button.
Palaver’s Plugs
As the title suggests, the Palaver hopes to add value. Each blog will come with a recommendation from the Mountain Palaver for your consideration: music, articles, books, films, radical ideas, other blogs, men’s underwear brands, flea markets in Texas. There is no limit to what the Palaver may Plug (no… go ahead and giggle. I know I did).
This week’s recommendation comes from the world of music and from one of my favorite artists, Chris Thile. You may know Chris Thile for his role in the popular group Nickel Creek, or from his many solo and collaborative recordings. This offering comes from his current super-group, the Punch Brothers (a group that, incidentally, the Palaver may have a bit of a man crush on). Wanna see a bluegrass band cover a Radiohead song? I thought you might. This video comes from a Punch Brothers set at the famous Living Room in NYC. You can follow the Punch Brothers at www.punchbrothers.com, on twitter @punchbrothers, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PunchBrothers. Enjoy.
Tune in Thursday, May 13 for the regular Thursday Palaver.
The Mountain Palaver
