Could someone explain to me how The Intergalactic Medicine Show (IGMS) works.
Yes, I know there is a website, and I know I have to join to be able to see anything, but what does joining get me, what do I see there?
Further, apparently 'something' is for sale, but how is it paid? Do I pay to join the site? Do I buy each 'issue' and each story individually?
It seems that there are a lot of good stories there, and the issues of IGMS seem interesting, but I don't understand what format they are delivered in. Do I download them? Can I print them? Are they emailed to me? Do I have to read them on-line?
Yes, I see the 'great OZ' but what I want to see or know about, is the wizard behind the curtain.
Could someone give me a comprehensive explaination of how IGMS works, how much it cost, how it is paid, what do I get for my money, etc..., etc..., etc....
That would be nice.
Steve/BlueWizard
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
I'm fairly certain this information is available on the website itself, but for the sake of customer service, I'll answer.
IGMS is an online speculative fiction magazine. You don't "join," you buy an issue. You can pay for an issue through paypal, or by credit card. An issue costs $2.50, and contains 8 or so stories, and a number of special features. (Like audio recordings of OSC's short stories, full-length comics, some processor guzzling clock programs... )
The stories are output to your computer screen-- but you can also print them.
I suggest you start with the first issue, as that issue is the best... :-)
(FYI, TOR will be reprinting select stories from the magazine this June/July in an anthology.)
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:TOR will be reprinting select stories from the magazine this June/July in an anthology.
Woah. TOR's going back in time?
Posted by BlueWizard (Member # 9389) on :
Thanks, that helps, and I have been to the site and I have read whatever information is there, but I'm still not sure how it works.
There is a Log-in process, do I get a new log-in for each issue? Is a log-in independant of a purchase? What will I see with a log-in but no purchase? Next, there seem to be additional stories there, perhaps that is misperception on my part, but are they part of the issue, or are they available independent of an issue?
Once I have access to an issue, is that time limited or permanent?
What I might be getting seems cheap enough, I'm just trying to figure out exactly what is it I'm getting.
Thanks to all.
Steve/BlueWizard
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
quote:There is a Log-in process, do I get a new log-in for each issue? Is a log-in independant of a purchase?
No, you keep the same login, if you want. So a number of issues purchased under a login would all show up under that screename.
quote:What will I see with a log-in but no purchase?
I *think* you'll see a list of the issues you haven't bought yet.
quote:there seem to be additional stories there, perhaps that is misperception on my part, but are they part of the issue, or are they available independent of an issue?
Well, there are the articles and features (Digital Wizardry, Wizard Oil, things like that); and there is some younger-adult fiction called 'Tales for the Young and Unafraid' that focuses on stories about younger protagonists.
In addition, each issue has a Enderverse story.
All fiction is (I think) included in the issue; all articles are available for free. Operative phrase being, "I think..."
Access to an issue is permanent.
Posted by scifibum (Member # 7625) on :
What you get for each purchased issue is pretty much the same thing you get if you pick up an issue of Asimov's or F&SF at a bookstore, content-wise.
I recommend it. You get a good value for the $2.50 in reading material. The Ender stories are probably worth that by themselves for us fans.
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