Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 56 — page 143: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION pal, preferably one from Australia. I’m seventeen years of age. Any- one interested ? Valerie Andrews, 4 Cornwall Ave, St. Mary’s Estate, Byfleet, Surrey. We haven't got that much money to throw around, Valerie! Besides, though we don’t doubt that you are an exquisite creature whose nose is pert and pretty, think of the poor unfortunates who wear a _ turnip between their eyes! (Coming to the Convention ?) FANS! As you see from the new address, they got me at last! You ask what soured me on fandom—and answer your question when you say there was no response to the fan-group series. Fandom is too erratic, even for me. It consists of a large number of people tearing around frantically, and getting precisely nowhere. While one is in it, it seems frightfully important and marvellous. But if you slip out, the intoxication goes, and the reaction makes you think what a waste of time it was, to no pur- pose or lasting merit at all. It’s very useful to keep in touch with fandom—no reader of S.F. should neglect, but you save a lot of energy, time and money if you stay out of the merry-go-round. 2738154 A.C.2, Sowerby, P. L., Hut 196, “‘6” Flight, B Squadron, L Wing, 11, S of R.T., R.A.F., Hednesford, Staffs. Well, now, Paul. We're not going to say anything about this. But we'll bet that some other readers will! STAR CREWS Your covers are very good, but you mention motors that go for 142 umpteen hundred years, O.K. But meanwhile, what about the crew? Have they achieved im- mortality? Or are they in a state of suspended animation? They can’t be either of those, so they must be robots! Are they? Leslie C. Jefferson, 15 Norman Row, Leeds 5, Yorks. No! They are dead—at least, they die at a normal age. Their children take over from them. Surely we made it clear that several genera- tions will be born and will die on a starship before it reaches its destination. PROBLEMS In my armchair I have crossed a new frontier. A young friend gave me a tattered copy of Authen- tic (No. 45) and opened, for me, a hitherto closed door. Alas, I find that in my ignorance I have missed much. Vaguely have I heard of science fiction, yet I find a S.F. magazine titled Authentic! Sir, I am puzzled by two things. Firstly, what is your definition of authen- tic? Secondly, and the more im- portant, to further my sad lack of education in this field I intend to explore thoroughly, how can I explain the strange terms used in science fiction? J. Gardner, 5 Ashley Drive, Boreham Wood, Herts. We defined science fiction (which is probably what you are after) in the editorial of No. 32. Regarding terms—if you, or anybody else, takes out a subscription to Authen- tic, you will receive free of charge a Science Fiction Handbook which explains all the terms you are likely to come up against. Best wishes to you in your new-found pleasure. commclooks.conn