Indeed, those who engage with his fantasy world may be excused for hallucinating that they are not that far from a snooty version of Hogwarts under Dolores Umbridge. To appreciate the full majesty of his blog, we have to understand that Welsh regards his blog not as a mere digital platform for his opinions but as some kind of august institution where he reigns as provost and a select few who fall in line with the institution's way of thinking are admitted as fellows or adulating students (presumably suitably attired in its regalia while sitting at their laptops).
After a personal attack on the credentials of Paul Barford (déjà vu?), he graciously granted him permission to enter the institution briefly and reply as a "guest". Welsh posted a special notice - grandly entitled "Comments Policy Exception" - in what to mere mortals like you or me would be just a blog comment. Under the title, in characteristically sententious and laboured prose reminiscent of a 19th-century schoolmarm, he solemnly announced the official edict to the gathered assembly:
"I have decided to permit Mr. Barford's comments to be published here even though I consider them to contravene the policy of this blog that comments must shed more light, not more heat, upon the subject of the discussion. This is an important subject, and Mr. Barford must be given every opportunity to defend his position, even if his remarks transgress blog policy.
"This is a one-time exception and it is not likely that I will extend it to other subjects Mr. Barford may be interested in commenting upon. He must realize that commenters are guests, and have an obligation to "follow the rules" of the venue. Mr. Barford does not determine the rules here, nor does anyone else who comments to my blog."
I gather that even if the "subject of the discussion" in this august institution is nothing less than a personal attack ("heat" itself surely?), the person discussed should think it a deep privilege to be allowed to enter its hallowed portals and be granted permission to speak. Ah, and there was innocent 21st-century me, naively thinking a blog was just a blog. I feel truly humbled.
Priceless!
But on a serious note: I am avidly in favour of an intelligent and thoughtful approach to collecting antiquities and thus protect its future. Do these people really think that posing as some pompous institution and fatuously inviting ridicule is the best way to promote its image?
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Barford has also replied here and here on his own blog - though be warned: readers may find its more relaxed "policy" and down-to-earth format a shocking return to reality.
4 comments:
Do you remember when Welsh announced gleefully that he had started a Wikipedia page for his "Classical Coins" dealership ? It lasted all of three days I think. Really, really pathetic. Why he does not use his blog to write about the titular "ancient coins" beats me.
Yes, I seem to recall the Wikipedia episode. The border between ego and reality appears to be somewhat tenuous at times.
I wish to god he would stick to writing about coins. His frequent forays into pontificating about topics he clearly knows nothing about do far more damage to the image of antiquities collecting than the most extreme advocate of banning it altogether ever could.
P.S. I'm sure you'll be delighted to note that your comment made it through my stringent Comments Policy. I was going to announce it in an edict but my ability to write in suitably sententious prose is at an all-time low at present.
Indeed, upon perceiving that my missive had fallen within the circumscribed limits of propriety appropriate for a venue of such stature and met with your august approval, my delight was without bound.
Ah, I meant to warn you about a highly contagious virus which may be contracted by visiting certain websites. Doctors have found it to be prolix-sesquipedalian in nature and a particularly noxious form (popularly known as Temeculitis, after a town in California) can result in a severe case of coma-inducing fustian.
The only known cure is a heavy dose of PEC and a cold shower. Be on your guard ...
:)
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