The Hugos are once again at the center of everyone\u2019s attention. The Rabid Puppies have dominated a number of categories (64 out of 81 entries) with a mixture of mainstream (e.g. \u201cThe Martian\u201d) and controversial (some might even say satirical) nominees. I guess you can\u2019t completely take seriously an outcome that allows you to list \u201cSpace Raptor Butt Invasion\u201d by Chuck Tingle as one of the Finalists for Best Short Story.<\/p>\n
Of course the inevitable result will be a tidal wave of rage and condemnation levelled at not only the Rabid Puppies but also the Sad Puppies camp. George R R Martin and all the usual suspects will bitterly condemn the perpetrators of this outrage and mourn for the lost chance to honor really deserving authors and works.<\/p>\n
Oh well. In a world where Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton dominate the polls for the major political parties, is it really so strange that stories like \u201cIf You Were an Award, My Love\u201d end up as finalists for the venerable Hugos?<\/p>\n
My sympathies are with the Puppy camp but I can see why many folks are upset with all the upheaval and disruption.\u00a0 But I think there are some objective facts that point to which side is in the right.<\/p>\n
The Puppies’ claim was that the nominees for the last decade or so have been selected by a small clique of people who don’t reflect the popular taste.\u00a0 This was denied and the countercharge was that the puppies were just jealous no-talents.\u00a0 Well, how to decide the truth?\u00a0 Objectively let’s look at an author who is extremely popular and successful.\u00a0 Jim Butcher has been producing novels in his Dresden Files series since about the year 2000.\u00a0 He’s even had a TV series made from the books.\u00a0 This is basically one of the most popular authors in fantasy.\u00a0 And yet he was never nominated for a Hugo.\u00a0 That is until the Sad Puppies began nominating.\u00a0 Now he’s been a finalist in both 2015 and 2016.\u00a0 To me this seems like pretty solid evidence of the accuracy of the Puppies’ claims.\u00a0 Well, of course, no one is going to convert anyone on this topic.\u00a0 But, I think it makes sense for people to get ready for a resolution that will involve some kind of award that reflects more of the popular opinion.\u00a0 What will be interesting to see is where the Hugos end up.\u00a0 Will they stick to the narrow path they’ve been on and sort of evaporate or try to open up the base to a larger group?\u00a0 I guess we’ll see.<\/p>\n
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