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Thursday, May 12, 2005

Book Season 

April and May, and later October, tend to be the busy book seasons -- when there are more than average new books released each month. For the first time since I can't remember when, I have such a backlog of new books to be posted that I've split the '1st week May' listings into two pages, the first posted Tuesday, the second this evening. And I have another dozen titles already seen to list for the 2nd week of May, one title by virtue of a review copy sent me, the others due to bookstore sightings, as usual.

Meanwhile, comments to the previous entry include a couple rather insulting posts from someone named Karl (no last name), who finds the website unprofessional and the homepage a mess, and who feels entitled as a subscriber to the magazine to a website of much a higher standard (without explaining what that means). In addition, the appearance of my name and the link to this blog is apparently beyond pale. I mention this because this is the harshest criticism of the website I've gotten in the 8 years I've been doing it, but as always, given the constraints on my time and budget, I'm willing to consider suggestions anyone has to offer for revisions of any kind. Karl has a point that the website isn't about me, it's about science fiction, just as Locus Magazine is, but the placement of names and links has, actually, been at the suggestion of professionals in the field as a way of clarifying the still frequent misapprehension that the website is produced by Charles Brown and his staff, when in fact it is not. Meanwhile, I'm still in a revisionist mode, updating html formatting, certain layout coloring, and the content of the various infrastructure pages (the 'about' pages, 'faq' pages, etc. -- these not yet posted), slowly but surely in between the regular posts, catching up on e-mail, and working my day job. It would be nice to have more time and budget for the website, but it's not likely to happen anytime soon.
Comments:
Hey Mark,
I think the web site is just fine. Keep up the great work.
 
I have been reading Locus Online for several years now. I check it daily, and it is one of my most frequently visited websites. I think it is good as it is, and it is one of the best sf sites out there. Don't worry about Karl!
Olaf Keith
 
The website is just fine - I visit frequently and can always find the info I need. The design is wonderfully functional.
I read the posts in question, and it's obvious to me that "Karl" is trolling. It's a true credit to you that you are able to respond calmly and courteously to such deliberate baiting.
-Juliet
 
Mark,

What the first four said: The site is great.
 
Maybe 'Karl' would like to volunteer his free time and expertise if he is so dang sure the site needs a professional hand...

I find it fine and dandy just as it is.

Terry
 
Locus Online is my first web stop in the morning, and I check back several times throughout the day. I think the site is great.
 
I'm addicted to this site. And I think it's amazing how you've managed to find a coherent design and structure that support such varied and constant content.

Jeff VanderMeer
 
PFAAW!

"Karl" appears to have been a pissed off prick. Locus Online looks better and is easier to navigate than Slate or Salon, and certainly better than Yahoo!, and you don't have their backing. So ignore the trolls in the corners, Mark. Keep up the bang-up job.
 
Karl isn't just your normal baiter - he's the Master Baiter.
 
This website is one that I visit at least once a week and it is jut fine.

Keep up the great work and don't be discouraged by negative posts.

I think almost evey reader can appreciate that you and the rest of the staff operate under many constraints and as I an avid reader of science ficiton and fantasy I am very grateful for your site's existence
 
I am a fan, and have been since the glory days of Astounding (Gods, was that '58 or so??)and just wanted to thank you for the wonder and the joy of an e-zine. And such a great site! Thank you so much. roland_dumontet@myway.com
 
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Mark R. Kelly
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The opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Mark R. Kelly, and do not reflect the editorial position of Locus Magazine.
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