Dang! That Willy Wonka debate went really well — even if exactly zero people supported my argument.
But hey, these things happen. As a writer, I am used to terrible, terrible rejection. So please be aware that I am not crying. Not at all. I just have a little something in my eye.
Okay, enough tomfoolery. Please join me in thanking the wonderful (and persuasive!) Cricket Muse, for being my sparring partner.
I also want to thank all of the wonderful people who chimed in on the debate. A few of your comments were so convincing, I felt my pro-Depp resolve wavering just a wee little bit.
So, WOW!
If you liked the debate and want to see more, I bear good news. Debatables will be a monthly feature. Cricket and I are planning another throwdown for August that will be hosted on Cricket’s blog. So keep your eyes peeled — especially if you feel compelled to humble me even more than you already have.
Oh, and one more thing. I recently found this hilarious (and educational!) Wonka video on YouTube, which, offers up a theory as to why Wilder’s Wonka wanted to give away his factory to some random kid. Give it a look-see! You’ll be glad you did.
Hey, Look! A Writer Fellow! 
To clarify for the record—Mike chose Depp, willingly, so I won the Great Wonka Debate right from the start. Just saying. The best way to win a debate is not with witty, convincing argument (although it helps); rather it’s to chose a winner to begin with.
As to the theory video? Would you trust a guy who supports the Dollar Shave Club? Until the next Great Debate, Mike…
It was a great debate!
And, as you know, I went into it with my eyes wide open, knowing that I would probably lose—and lose badly. I did, however, oh, so hope that I could change a couple of minds… Alas, alack, it was not to be.
And if you can get past the razor commercial, I think you’ll find a very clever theory! Lemme know you’re thoughts!
I thought the guy has a very creative (and energetic) approach, but once we apply reality dimensions to kid lit well scary things like adultism creeps in. We would no longer clap for Tinker Bell. And no, I don’t buy it. Wonka needed a child to carry on because children still have imagination. It’s adults who stamp OSHA violations. Nice try, though, Mike.
I don’t believe in clapping for Tinker Bell. She’s a pill.
She’s a metaphor, Mike. Lighten up, dude. We write for children, remember? They believe in TBell. I will pause and allow you to amend your prior comment.
You can’t tell me I’m the only one in the world who rooted for Hook!
Were you rooting for Dustin Hoffman or the guy willing to imprison children for his own selfish purposes? Your fans are waiting for the answer that reveals your true, inner self. No pressure. No judgement. Okay, just a bit.
Hoffman was a terrible Hook. No, I mean the Disney cartoon’s Hook. That guy had panache! And Peter is obnoxious and reckless and plays fast and loose with the lives of the people in his charge. Even as a kid, I disliked Peter.
And in the book, Peter kidnaps Wendy’s child! Gah!
I think you need to consider a career change: OSHA inspector?
I’d probably be very good at that!
I envision you like Sully with a clipboard ala Monsters Inc
Mine counted as a vote for both (or, a vote for neither). In terms of films, I often find myself alone is liking the newer one more than the older.
Kudos for not being such a sore loser after all, Mike. 🙂
True, you weren’t Depp-dismissive at all.
But I am a VERY SORE LOSER! AAAAAH!
I thought Mike had a couple of nods his way. Thanks, Chelsea, for not allowing Mike to snivel too much about picking the unpopular Wonka. Good guys make for good losers. That was a compliment Mike. Just be pickier about your picks in future debates. 😉
😀
A good loser: That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me! 😉
Well, I did try to remain noncommittal, but you forced a response out of me. You could have had at least a half vote of support. 😉
I don’t believe in half measures, my friend. Right or wrong, writers must commit!
Oh, and you were WRONG! But you committed, that’s the important thing. 🙂
😄
Enjoyed the Wonka debate and look forward to more debates with you and Cricketmuse.
You know I just remember your leaving a comment on one of my reviews about “having to lose bad, before you get good.” Failure leads to determination and success! 🙂
True that! I often tell schoolchildren about the 114 rejections I received before I got my first PB published. The key to success is to keep plugging away!
I am looking forward to the next one, too! I like mixing it up a little!
Hopefully, for the next debate, I’ll have watched the movies. I asked my 5-year-old grandson to explain the movie to me and he said a girl turns into a blueberry. Needless to say, I think I was missing some of the plotline. 🙂
There’s no movie-watching homework next time. It’s a debate about picture books!
And that’s all I’m saying!
No hints, huh? Looking forward to it. 🙂
That was *kind of* a hint. Maybe I’ll offer up more hints as the big day draws nearer. (And if Cricket is cool with said hints; this is a joint venture, after all!)
Looking forward to the next debate.
You handle rejection really well, Mike! You are a very well-balanced individual. At least as far as I can tell. 🙂
Hey! I supported your argument! I am now a zero? I’m highly offended. I KNEW I liked Ellen better. 🙂
Well, you *should* like Ellen better than me, because she *is* better.
And your opinion means the world to me, dear Lisa! What I meant was that I received no support for Depp’s Wonka on this blog.
As far as the Depp fans go, it’s just you and me against the world.
Hilarious video at the end. Looking forward to the next debate.
How did I miss this debate? I can’t believe it. Apparently I have nothing to say until I find it. Much like the golden ticket.
You can still go to the page and put in your two cents, Michelle! (Especially if those two cents are pro-Depp! But *sigh* you can also opine if you’re a Wilder fan, too. )
I’m on it now. Still don’t know how I missed it.
Cool beans!
Sorry Mike… some things should just not be mucked around with! 😉
I’ve learned my lesson!