In a message dated 96-10-08 13:08:33 EDT, you write:
<< I agree with you. Unfortunately lists like this tend to attact those who
have
a high opinion of themselves and take themselves and their opinions way too
seriously. I for one do not think science fiction, scifi, speculative
fiction
or whatever the hell you want to call it, is going to change the world. It's
just books for crying out loud. Discussing the merits of a writer, a genre,
a
particular book is okay until you start putting folks down. I would have
thought the science fiction community would try to raise above the pettiness
of the rest of the world but unfortunately it doesn't.
I am not looking to pick up a science fiction book and suddenly discover the
answer to life or the cure for cancer and war in those pages. I'll leave
that
to God or whatever higher power you believe in. Those authors who have the
audacity to think they are blessed with some divine vision or wisdom just
because they've got a Hugo or have sold a million books don't cut it with
me.
Read the books you want and have fun!
Bob >>
Well said! Well said! They ARE just books. Not that I disrespect literature
or authors (I can't when I aspire to be among them) but I am old enough to
search for my own answers; I read for the sheer pleasure of climbing into a
book's lap and whispering, like a sleepy child, "Tell me a story........"
Granted, the awards and fame are wonderful, and someday I hope to receive one
or more; but I never thought of writing for that purpose. I write because I
must; it is like a drug in my system. I know this because if I did it for
money I'd have quit long ago. :)
The Poet
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