Hatrack River Forum: Seeking advice on short-fiction magazine

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Posted by MrJones13 (Member # 9654) on :

Hey all, I'm looking to subscribe to a sci-fi short magazine, but don't know which one. I'm looking at Analog, Azimov, or Fantasy & Sci-Fi. Are there any major diferences between the three? Do they only carry particular types of sci-fi? Any helpful info is appreciated. thanks.

Posted by GaalDornick (Member # 8880) on :

I'm pretty sure Analog is mostly hard science fiction, where actual science plays a big part in alot of the stories. Asimov's is very good IMO. I think it balances a little of everything. Never read F&S.

There's an excellent one which is online. It's called Orson Scott Card's Intergalactic Medicine Show. Probably the best of all of them [Big Grin]

.

Hope that helps.

Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :

Fantasy & Science Fiction is the only one of the three that publishes pure fantasy. It has gained a reputation in recent years for being highly literary.

Analog publishes "hard science fiction." That is, theorhetically, the science is as important as the characters.

Asimov publishes mostly science fiction, with emphasis on characterization over science. To me, it's the best bargain in print. It does publish some fantasy, and some horror (not much).

NOW, the best value of ANY short genre publication is Intergalactic Medicine Show. Professionally told stories, with professional artwork, and extra features at a price ($2.50 via paypal/credit card) that cannot be beat? Heck, yes. The only drawback is IMS' erratic schedule.

Posted by MrJones13 (Member # 9654) on :

Thanks, I've definately thought about IGMS, but I generally don't spend a ton of time on the net.

Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :

Not a problem-- IGMS includes a PRINT functionality that lets you print the stories and features. At least, I think it does...

Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :

I subscribed to Analog for a year and was completely unimpressed. I never imaged that short stories that bad could get published.

I remember one memorable story in which the main characters, after sacrificing everything they had for the chance to make first contact with aliens, finally did so and...

got bored. Every single one of them.

The rest of the stories weren't that much better.