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General Feedback & Discussion

"First, the kudos. Nice site. I appreciate your use of direct text to illustrate your comments on the novels, and your reviews are for the most part well-considered." - Rick Davis

Only "for the most part"? What did you think wasn't well-considered? Steve

I'd have to go back and read more closely. I guess my initial impression was more that you were writing as a "fan" rather than a critic, even though you tend to use the language of a critic in your comments. I'll pop back by and read some of your reviews again, and then if anything warrants comment, I'll let you know. Again, thanks for the site. It will prove quite useful to me (I teach literature, and occasionally get to teach SF as a genre course), as I often pass out reading lists and nice web site lists to my students." - Rick Davis 7/10/98

Interesting distinction, it makes me wonder about the difference between a critic and a fan. Do you think a critic is more objective and a fan more swayed by their personal emotions and prejudice? But if a critic didn't have some "fan" in them, it would be quite sad. Instead of enjoying the reading experience, it would be drudgery and unpleasant work. On the other hand, if the fan didn't have some "critic" in their approach, it would be like reading mystery or romance novels - purely an entertainment level without intellectual challenge. I think at least good science fiction is too spicy of a mental diet to take this approach for long without suffering conceptual indigestion. - Steve 8/16/98

"Am I and Robert Heinlein the only people that loved this fantastic book? I am quite amazed it did not show up anywhere on these lists. Other than that, I think this is a very interesting and useful site." ­ Greg H. 1/26/98

" Greetings, Primates! I have just had the pleasure of visiting your website. Kudos! I am always looking for new authors in the sci-fi genre and your lists are a great help to that end. Keep up the good work!" - Jim Sproule 11/19/97

"After 15 years away from SF, (I started the habit when I was 15), your resources were incredible, as well as a trip through history. Thanks; I would have taken years finding all that info otherwise. (I intend to go back to read SF after taking time off with "serious" literature)" - Dr. E.Perez Ph.D., University of Puebla, Mexico

"Thank you for providing SF and Fantsy fans with such a comprehensive list of the great classics in these fields. I was thrilled to find this site. Unfortunately my excitement was considerably diminished when I looked up the various books. Although you obviously love these books (as I do, having been a fan since the age of nine), not many people would read the book after reading your review since they are only urged enthusiastically to read this book - but not given a real sense of what the book is about. Forget the high-falutin praise and give synopses. LESS ADJECTIVES AND GUSH - MORE PLOT AND SUBSTANCE! All the same, Thank you! I hope you will take these suggestions as friendly advice." ­ Sujatha 2/14/98

Thanks for the friendly suggestions. I wonder though which reviews you're talking about - some are very critical and negative, some long - some short; some discuss the plot and substance more, some not at all. Your feeback would be much more helpful if you were more specific. Steve 2/14

Please email comments to stroy@jade-mtn.com.

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