It makes me genuinely angry that one primary result of the 2023 Hugo fiasco has been to steal the joy of writers whose work so richly deserves praise, both in the finalist and the winner camp, and in the camp of those who should have been finalists. It's unforgivable, and for what? What was gained?
Especially because it can be so hard for a reader to navigate literary works outside their native language. Sure Three Body was successful in English, but some of us want to find more Chinese authors to enjoy.
Yes, this.
Sci-fi stories often portray people fighting against authoritarian entities who oppress/censor them. Was McCarty aware that he was doing exactly what sci-fi stories criticize, via preemptive censorship of Hugo Award nominees, to please an authoritative regime? Ban that fucker from this community.
18 Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. 19 Be a patriot. 20 Be as courageous as you can. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9toc...
Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and th...
10 Believe in truth. 11 Investigate. 12 Make eye contact and small talk. 13 Practice corporeal politics. 14 Establish a private life. 15 Contribute to good causes. 16 Learn from peers in other countries. 17 Listen for dangerous words.
On Tyranny 1 Do not obey in advance. 2 Defend institutions. 3 Beware the one-party state. 4 Take responsibility for the face of the world. 5 Remember professional ethics. 6 Be wary of paramilitaries. 7 Be reflective if you must be armed. 8 Stand out. 9 Be kind to our language.
LESSON 1: Do Not Obey In Advance Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do.
Anyway, read Adrian's books, he's simply on of the best science fiction writers we have these days.
It's a shame, but my reaction after the last few years is to just ignore the Hugos. Like, there used to be this award, the Hugo award, years ago, but then it stopped. I just don't have the time or energy to sift through all the claims, counterclaims, and angry denunciations.
So much amen. When I was in my primary sci-fi reading phase as a teen I worshipped Hugo winners. Never read one I didn't enjoy the hell out of. As an adult (amateur) sci-fi writer it's been my ultimate fantasy. It depresses me that they've destroyed that sort of striving.