Bloggers and the Hugo Awards

I'm a little biased on this issue, as you can imagine, but I think Stefan Raets (Far Beyond Reality, Tor.com Contributor, etc.), does a great job explaining the issue and arguing his point.

... At last year's convention, a rule change was enacted that would exclude blogs from the Best Fanzine category in the future. This rule may be ratified this year. That means this may be the last year blogs are eligible for the Best Fanzine category. This may seems absurd to you, but remember, this is an organization with a constitution and committees and so on. There are quorum rules and agendas and minutes that have to be approved and I wouldn't be surprised if there's someone with a gavel. It's official, as befits an organization with such a storied past. They're not evil. They mean well. They just want to make sure that next year people who try to distribute their reviews using a parade of tattooed elephants don't rouse up a storm because they're not included in a category.

...

Seriously, the only justification I could see for this is to make sure the traditional fanzines don't get overrun by blogs. So, let's create a brand new category called "Best Blog"....

Support your favorite bloggers, show them we not only mean to stay, but that we're a force to be reckoned with. Check out the full article, Love a Blog, Nominate It, as he Guest-posts at Staffer's Musings.

My Books - in Boxes

So until recently, I had shelves and shelves filled with books, but live in a really small apartment at the same time. That doesn't really work when, you know, you're about to have twins - who will be completely taking over in August.

Hence the boxes...


Here's most of my books. I was allowed to keep one shelf (and a box under the bed), so I'll have plenty to keep me going for a little while. I just always like having plenty to be able to pick from when it comes to picking up the next book.


It's sad, but hopefully will only last until we get into our new place...wherever that happens to be. I graduate law school in May, take the bar in July, twins come in August, and who knows after that.

eBook Deals, or Books I Bought Recently

Again, no unifying theme this week, but I think these are some good ones.


The Forever War by Joe Haldeman ($4.99) - This is a classic and worth a read. Here's Alec's Review.
A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin ($2.99) - Orbit's Digital Drop
Snow in the Desert by Neal Asher (Short stories) ($1.38)
Manhattan in Reverse by Peter F. Hamilton ($4.99)
Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines ($2.99)
Wool (Omnibus, books 1-5) by Hugh Howey ($4.99)
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut ($4.09) - Here's my review, I can't get enough of the Vonnegut.
Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal ($2.99)
Agatha H. and the Airship City by Phil and Kaja Foglio (FREE)

Epic Wheel of Time Giveaway #3: The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

We're giving away the audiobook of book 3 in The Wheel of Time, The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan.

While I had a difficult time with The Dragon Reborn the first time through (Rand is in all of about 5 pages), my reread on audiobook was a much more rewarding experience. I finally realized this series is no longer only about Rand.

With wonderful timing, Tor has posted Brandon Sanderson's thoughts on The Dragon Reborn:

It is a curious experience, to be writing about the third book while actively writing the final book. In book three, Rand comes to accept himself as the Dragon Reborn.

Again, it's Kate Reading and Michael Kramer at the helm and they're impeccable. Here's a sample:

Giveaway Rules

If you are interested in getting your hands on the The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan on audiobook, then follow the exceedingly simple instructions below.

E-mail me your name and address at onlythebestsff@[removethis]gmail.com, with "The Dragon Reborn Again?" as the subject of the email (or at least something that lets me know what the email is about). This goes without saying, but double emails get you disqualified.

Snarky comments increase your chances of winning and win bonus entries for future giveaways. I'm sorry to say this is open in the US only as long as delivery doesn't require the mounting of an expedition into remote wilderness.