Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 53 — page 143: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION COMPLAINT I desire to bring to your notice a statement made on page 135 of your magazine Authentic Science Fiction, Issue 51. The statement refers to myself and two friends, Mr. Eric Jones of Cheltenham, and Mr. Terry Jeeves of Sheffield. I quote . . . “‘which is also to be expected from these three misfits in fandom.” The comment may appear to be somewhat esoteric to you. It is, never-the-less, slanderous in nature and unfounded in fact. I have con- sulted my Solicitor and he informs me that I have good grounds for a libel suit, should I choose to take action. 1 would, therefore, before taking further action, request that you publish in the above mentioned magazine an early apologia. Your prompt reply would be appreciated. Yours faithfully, Eric Bentcliffe, 47 Alldis Street, Great Moor, Stockport. Sorry if we've made you wild, Eric. Naturally, we are not childish enough to make derogatory state- ments about you. We called you misfits because of the trouble over the fanzine SPACE TIMES from which you were asked to resign, and because of your triple resignations from the Supermancon Committee and the Manchester Group. Some people we know are proud of being misfits. Thought you might be, too. Certainly, nobody is going to regard you with ridicule because of it. GRAPHIC I have enclosed with this letter a graph, showing in my opinion the progress of British science fiction magazines. You will see that Authentic has rated top since its 35th issue. After a very insignificant 142 and shaky start, Authentic has now become the most mature and adult science fiction magazine in this country. The balance of stories, features and science articles is excellent. Also Authentic does not waste its valuable reading space with interior illos. Jack C. Rowden, 18 Millards Hill, Wilton, Midsomer Norton, Bath, Somerset. Oh, dear! Wasting valuable space? You don’t think we’ve done that with our new beautiful supplement, do you, Jack? Thanks for the praise, though. MIDDLE-AGE DREAD I can’t judge for your younger public, of course, but as one in middle age, I know that I don’t want Plato and Aristotle dished up in a half-baked form giving us authors’ ideas as to how the future world will manage its affairs and how to run it. ’'d much prefer to read Plato and Aristotle themselves. I think there is a danger when we get away from simplicity into woolly complexity. What I’m look- ing for is a simple, straightforward story of adventure and struggle, in some world of the future where the author’s imagination can have full rein, not necessarily only of the space opera type. I haven’t yet read the current issue. I quite liked the Tabarni Experiment. 1 don’t think we want any sex and I don’t think we want humour, except in small doses; science and humour hardly seem to. mix, except when subtly done. John W. Fisher, Merthyr House, Exminster, Nr. Exeter, S. Devon. What can we say to this ?—except why on earth do you read Authentic if it’s so bad, Mr. Fisher ? conmcloooks.com