ETWiki (original) (raw)
What is Elephant Talk?
Elephant Talk, also affectionately known as ET, was originally a digest-format newsletter distributed by electronic mail, and available on the WWW. It was started in August 1991 by its editor and moderator, Toby Howard. The Elephant Talk Web site got its own domain name in December 1997, and is maintained by Daniel Kirkdorffer. The newsletter allowed readers and contributors to swap information, write reviews, answer queries, collaborate on discographies, transcribe music, or just chat about frippery in general. The Web site serves as an archive of content from the newsletter, as well as additional content sent in by enthusiasts. Robert Fripp read the Elephant Talk newsletter, and occasionally contributed. The newsletter was discontinued after 1251 issues, and over 15 years of chit-chat, but the complete archives can be found at https://www.elephant-talk.com/digests/
What is ETWiki?
ETWiki Logo
Following the end of the newsletter, and the recognition that other sites on the Web provide terrific forums for chit chat it was determined that it made sense to convert the old ET Web site into a wiki site. After all, the content had been contributed over time by our readers, and this way, the archives could grow more organically.
So ETWiki is exactly what you'd expect it to be: the number one site for information about King Crimson and Robert Fripp. The difference now is everyone can contribute directly. All you need to do is establish an account and login to be able to edit unprotected content.
We'll still have folks around to maintain a little order, but if you are familiar with Wikipedia and other similar wiki sites, you will hopefully feel comfortable here.
Donations Always Welcome
Although both ETWiki is a completely free resource, and will always remain so, it inevitably has running costs, such as hosting and domain name fees. If you'd care to make a donation, however small, towards the upkeep of ETWiki, we'd be very grateful.
All you need to do is follow this PayPal link, and log in with your PayPal account or, if you don't have one, create one. All proceeds will be managed by Toby Howard. Thank you!
Another way you can help out is by occasionally visiting the links in the Google Ads we're running in the sidebar. We hope these are unobtrusive to the eye, but they might actually help pay for this site if we get a decent click through rate.
ETWiki News
February 23, 2024
Recapitulation
Robert Fripp has posted a very interesting diary entry in which he presents some personal correspondence from the 1990s to members of King Crimson present and future. Of particular note are letters to Bill Bruford regarding the transition from the Double Trio band to whatever was to come next. One can see the intricate details and balancing act involved, some financial, some logistical, but always weighing the trade-offs. Much of this has been alluded to in various writings and postings, and will be familiar to those that paid close attention at the time, but it is presented in these letters with great clarity. Definitely worth reading.
Daniel K (talk) 23:17, 23 February 2024 (EST)
February 10, 2022
R.I.P Ian McDonald
Ian McDonald, such an important part of the original King Crimson line-up, and then later a contributor to Red, has died at 75.
Daniel K (talk) 01:42, 11 February 2022 (EST)
December 8, 2021
In The Company of Ghosts
Tony Levin has a poignant and touching Road Diary entry as King Crimson ends its Completion Tour, reminiscing on band members past. Read it here.
Daniel K (talk) 02:06, 9 December 2021 (EST)
November 24, 2021
Completion Tour
As King Crimson prepare for their final tour of 2021 in Japan, and perhaps the final performances ever of the band, Robert Fripp has been contemplating a number of weighty subjects that suggest the end of a cycle and the beginning of another. Read his words here.
Daniel K (talk) 20:26, 24 November 2021 (EST)
October 6, 2021
Digest Archives Moving
Mike Stok has decided to retire his long running archive of the Discipline and Elephant Talk digests. We are grateful for all his time and energy putting together that resource, and have made the digests available here for now.
Again, thanks Mike!