From: Hugo Gernsback

Greetings.

My name is Hugo Gernsback. I've watched the growth of your unusual Scientifiction publication with some interest.

The Hugo

I have a question which I hope you will convey to the assembled multitudes of modern Scientifiction readers. For some time now I have observed the annual ceremonies of the World Science Fiction convention, and the awards which said institution grants. I have seen this award given out for best novel, best teleplay, best artist, and even for best series. Yet in my long years of involvement with the field, I have never been graced with such an award, and in fact have never been nominated.

I shall admit that it has been some decades since I have been directly involved with the field, and for the last sixty years or so I have even had little indirect involvement. But my years with Amazing Stories -- still running after all these decades! -- and Wonder Stories certainly had their impact.

I ask not for myself, but for all those fans and professionals who supported my efforts throughout the years.

Best regards,

Hugo Gernsback

Who did you say you were again?

Fiction, Anyone?

From: Jeff Giddes

Dear Editor,

Just wanted you to know that I enjoy the SF Site every two weeks. I especially like the interviews. But one thing bothers me.

Why don't you guys publish fiction? I'd love to read some quality science fiction when I come by. Even just a short story or two would be great. Have you thought it it?

Jeff,
Yes, we've thought about it. But the truth is, we don't really like science fiction. We just like to talk about it.

The Physics of Voyager

From: Amy and Jennifer Noon

Dear Editors,

Maybe you can resolve an argument we're having. My sister and I were watching Star Trek: Voyager after school last week, and I noticed that the Voyager came awfully close to a spinning astral body with clearly very high gravitational sheer. Since the gravitational potential of a flattened celestial body can be expressed simply as

I told Jenni that the ship should have been torn apart by tidal oscillations. Jenni said, n'uh-uh, Ensign Kim was 'way cuter than Ensign Paris, and they shouldn't make Seven of Nine wear those uncomfortable tight outfits.

Who's right?

Amy Noon
Age 12
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Amy,
Your sister. Definitely. Except about Seven of Nine.

From: Ali bi Nahr

Gentleman,

Many thanks for your diligent work, issue after issue. I have a pressing question for you which I hope you can answer.

When I was in high school I read a trilogy of books which really bowled me over. It was about this guy whose equations showed him that the Galactic Empire was about to collapse, so he started this Foundation on the edge of the galaxy. It had to endure all these tests he set up to grow into a new civilization over hundreds of years. Only, there was another foundation founded in secret, and it was helping too, but you didn't find that out until the end.

I've been looking for these books for nearly twenty years. I don't remember the titles, or the author, except that they were really great and got me excited about science fiction for the first time. Do you think you can help me find them?

Ali,
We'd be glad to. The books you're talking about are some of the most famous in science fiction. They're The Dragonriders of Pern series, by Anne MaCaffrey. Hope that helps!

From: Paul Dirogadis

SF Site folks,

Great Site. Terrific reviews and articles. But why aren't you called The Sci-Fi Site?

Why aren't you called Harry?

From: Susan Kippler

SF Site gurus --

You have to help me. You're my last hope. A long, long time ago I read a short story that really changed me. It was one of the most touching and insightful things I'd ever read, and even at a young age I knew it was special. The story was in either a magazine or an anthology, and was about this guy (or a woman -- I don't remember). I don't exactly recall what year it came out, but I remember I told all my friends about it. I'm sure you know the story. I don't know exactly if it was science fiction, or fantasy, but I'm pretty sure it was a short story because I read it several times. Anyway, please let me know what story it was, because I'd really like to read it again.

Go away.

From: August van Trojan

Editors,

Please help me find something very important to me. I lost my car keys fifteen years ago. I put them down on the corner table, went back to the closet to get my hat, and when I came back they were gone. Was it the neighbours kids? Please help.

August,
Lay off the neighbour's kids. You put the keys in your pocket, and then changed coats at the closet. Your keys were lost for good when you sent the coat to the cleaners the next Saturday. Sorry.

Next Issue

Thanks for indulging us during our special April Fool's issue. We hope you enjoyed it. The true April Edition of the SF Site will be posted Saturday, April 3rd -- no foolin'. We'll have reviews of:

Mad Ship by Robin Hobb
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
The Silicon Dagger by Jack Williamson
The Princess Bride, 25th Anniversary Edition by William Goldman
Nimisha's Ship by Anne McCaffrey
Nebula Awards 33 edited by Connie Willis

Plus our usual columns and detailed New Arrivals features. Be sure to join us on April 3rd. We'll be here.

- John