Although it is answered in a kind of vague way, isn't it?

I am at chapter three right now - Making Money, that is- and maybe it's just because I am awfully tired, but I find it kind of hard to get into. The setting is being decribed sooo meticulously... isn't it? Well, I'll see wether it picks up.

Hsing, I think the answer has to be vague, because the buck has to stop somewhere. The one who watches the watchman is himself. It's the same question that is applied to kings and other supreme rulers. Eventually someone has to have the final say. I like the way Pratchett wraps it up. There again, I'm pretty easily pacified, so it may be just me.

I think way I am less interested in the Watch is becuase it's got to Big to Powerful. It works to well now. There is no challenge. We know how watches the watch, that has been answered books ago- they watch each other.

On a invidual level, I like Vimes when I first met him becuase he was an underdog, strugging to do what is right againts those in power and, more importantly agianst, himself.

But now he *is* 'those in power.' From Nightwatch we know he has mastered himself. I think the intereaction between Him and Vetinarai- while a natural progression- has lost it's spark becuase they both know how to work with each other now.

That's why i think the Vimes character has lost he's spark compared to that of Granny. Vimes and Granny both have a similar character structure- they are afriad of what they might do and are good becuase of it.

With Vimes, He's overcome himself. While with Granny you feel she is still fighting. The older and more powerful she becomes the more dangerous she is.

For the last few Granny books, you don't know what is going to happen. I think it's becuase we are aware of her mortality. In Carpe Juluum I felt she could of been killed off. She was at risk.

That's true. I think PTerry has fulfilled almost every wish anyone -author or reader- could have had for that character.

Thank you, Ba - you have given me the nudge that lets me know who Moist reminds me of (or should that be "of whom Moist reminds me?" Grace will probably tell me).

So Stainless Steel has been upgraded to Golden Suit - long live the confirmed villain - as a veteran pantomime actor, I can confirm that villains are much more fun to play than heroes (Oh, and if it's a traditional pantomime, the villain does not have to wear fishnet tights!).

Just to add - one of my favourite characters is back - Adora Belle Dearhart - I am one of those odd people who having given up smoking many years ago (about 18 years) for personal reasons (in this case, a woman who wouldn't sleep with me unless I gave up) but still believe in the right of others to smoke - I just love a character who can ignore all the "Thank you for not smoking", "For your health and comfort you will not smoke" signs and a ring of ashtrays being put round her - if this was real life I would probably challenge Moist to a duel for her hand in marriage - who wants a weak-minded woman?

Nah, Moist has nothing on Slippery Jim. Nowhere near as exciting a character- the best thing about him is Adora Belle Dearhart (she is made of awesome).

I like Moist much better than Adora Belle. She's too 2D for my taste. Moist is subtle, which I like.

Ditto. To me, it never quite... transported what he (Moist) likes in her. Even less so in "Making Money". I have a vague feeling that there has been something attempted in that character, but it didn't quite work out. She's one of those female characters that could have done with a few softer spots - all the male characters get them too, after all, and it makes them more three dimensional.

anybody have an idea of when the paperback is due out?

I would assume sometime around June of this year.

I just love Moist. Because he is addicted to danger, and realises it. That is also why he loves Adora Belle. She is danger personified. I really don't think she has a soft spot anywhere, not even for Moist himself.
I also love the way Vetinary makes use of Moists addiction by putting him somewhere that makes him seek the danger again. Moist hates it, but can't live without it.
And for me Vetinary's character has grown in both going postal and making money. He really enjoys using Moist as leverage for his plans, but he has no idea where Moists addiction will take him next. He looks on with admiration, I think.

I am really waiting for Vetinary to be cast well (no suggestions from me) and in a movie. I'll probably fall in love.

Miellyn

I think that Making money is part of the undergoing plot which is represented by the idea that Vetinari has about making huge renovations in the city using the ''Device'' found in THUD. In fact Vetinari needs stable and running economy and that is the reason why he appointed Moist as chairman of the bank- to revive the financial situation in the city.
As to the funny part- it was outstanding idea to introduce the idea of the ''funny games'' that people play in the bedroom which resulted in Mr. Fusspot obtaining his new toy