WEBBER@RED.RUTGERS.EDU (09/22/85)
From: Bob Webber <WEBBER@RED.RUTGERS.EDU> >Subject: SF-LOVERS Digest V10 #368 > ... Her opinion of science fiction was extremely low. I asked >her to read "Mortal Gods" which was a 3 page short story by Orson >Scott Card, and her reaction was quite favorable. I think that for >those who have poor opinions of the quality of SF, Card is a very >good writer. first: it is probably unethical to push sf on people who think it is junk. afterall, you don't want little old ladies in supermarkets trying to get you to read the national enquirer, do you? second: Orson Scott Card is a very good writer for people who have a high opinion of sf. people that have a low opinion of sf should be encouraged to read all the IS SF ART? debates that have occurred on sf-lovers since sf-lovers started *(footnote). remember, the principle is: reward good behaviour and punish bad behaviour. * anybody know when sf-lovers started (i assume a different birthdate on USENET vs ARPANET, was the marriage immediate?)? ------------------- BOB (webber@red.rutgers.edu) p.s. i started on Have Space Suit Will Travel (RAH). in chess, it has been noticed that the growth of a player's understanding of the game tends to follow the chronology of chess history. perhaps it is best to start with 50's (40's ?) sf and then grow toward the 80's. of course there are still writers writing 50's sf (which confuses things, but isn't necessarily bad). p.p.s. hand someone a harliquin romance and when they come back telling you it was a lowsy book, you say: Of course, after all, it isn't SF. -------