First Thoughts on the Hugo Packet

The Hugos are (supposed to be) the Oscars of sci-fi and fantasy fandom.  But in the last couple of decades, they’ve divorced pretty far from the mainstream of the genre.  Not in the way that the Sad/Rabid Puppies claim (becoming an elitist bastion of SJW’s persecuting Manly Men).  But simply because there is now a HUGE swath of fandom that is younger, online, and watches SF/F TV and movies and webcomics, but doesn’t read much published SF/F or participate much in the events that the book people put much stock in.

This is, to me, evidenced by the nominations for Best Fan Artist.  They’re all competent, but … I have seen way more awesome fanart on tumblr and DeviantArt and the like.

Next year, when the Hugos are being nominated, I shall put out a call for y’all to tell me who you think are the best fan artists are, so I can nominate them.

*The Hugos give all voters e-copies of most of the works on the ballot, so we can make informed decisions.  Since anybody who pays the $40 for a supporting membership can vote (and thus get the packet), it’s a pretty good deal.  I’m really enjoying a lot of this stuff that I would never have gotten to read otherwise.  And that also means you can nominate in the next year.