Feedback from Baen’s Universe Members

“I want to see this work…”

I’m old enough to remember the great magazines.

I upgraded my membership as much as I could afford, not for all of the nice benefits being offered, (I already have copies of almost all the titles being offered.) but instead because I want to see this work. I’ll pass on the side benefits, with the understanding that the money is going to the authors and artists that will be making the magazine.
Mr. Baen has a great magazine editor in the past, and Mr. Flint is doing a good job with the Grantville Gazette.

Please keep it going and bring short stories back to Science Fiction and Fantasy.

Thank you

Kevin Griffin

“Kudos!”Kudos on the new initiative! I’m looking forward to the eARC (decided to pony up the additional $20 in support of the cause), and am excited about the potential for revitalizing the field. In addition, I’ve been a fan of WebScriptions for many moons now, and had thought of asking how I might purchase access to the full library of eBooks, but it seems you anticipated my inquiry. I don’t know if I’m ready to spend $500, but if I land that big fat job.you never know!If it hasn’t been said recently, and it can’t be said enough, my sincerest thanks to all the people at Baen whose efforts make possible quality SF.

Here’s to a bright future - don’t forget to bring your shades!

Ahron Herring

“No Hope?”
Dear Mr. Flint,
I’ve recently realized the reason I have read less and less Science Fiction and Fantasy over the past few years is because so much of it is so damn depressing. Many of the writers seem to be creating stories that have a message of “There is NO hope.” Until this changes I think SciFi and Fantasy will continue to have troubles keeping old readers and attracting new ones There are several writers in the genre that I buy as soon as their books come out but I really waffle around anymore when a new writer appears.
More times than not when I’ve gone ahead and tried a new writer I’ve ended up feeling bad when I finish the book. Which makes me less inclined to buy the next one.
Perhaps constant angst is the way to cultivate the high school and college crowd but for someone who is stepping out of middle age into old age it is something I’d rather not deal with in my reading. Kids, grandkids, family and friends provide enough angst to keep my awareness of the “real” world honed. I like books that, when I finish them, promote the feeling that they mayhave something to look forward to in their lives.
I might be alone feeling this way but then again maybe I’m not.Elizabeth J Baldwin

Hello, all!I was quite excited when I read the Baen’s web site earlier this month. A return to the magazines I so enjoyed in my mis-spent youth.

Growing up in England in the 60’s, it was often a hard slog to be able to read SF&F. Libraries sneered at you for wanting ‘trash like that’.

We got DC and Marvel releases months after publication and trying to get hold of Astounding or Weird Science was an exercise in persistence.

Being in England means I won’t be able to take advantage of the Lunches and con meetings as I’d like to. Any cons in England I will do my best to attend, though, so please keep me in mind.

I look forwards to all the new stuff, especially David Weber’s work.. what a star. He reminds me of both Heinlein and Haldeman, strangely.

All the best,
BAzz (Barry Freeman)