As I write this, it is a hot Saturday afternoon, exactly two weeks before Chicago. I'm rushing to finish this issue and get it to the printer. I had hoped to carry this one to Chicago, but we had to go to a different printer, due to an increase in rates, and they require more time time is available. Hence, this mag will be mailed immediately after the convention, about September 7. Sorry for the continued delay, but a price differential of about $40 leaves us no choice.
This issue of C/SFD is somewhat of a supreme effort for ASFO .. in fact, each time I think of the size of the check that has to accompany this to the printer, my wallet gives a choked sob. The 50¢ price tag will doubtless elicit piercing screams of indignation from certain fen in the area of Salt Lake City, New York City, etc. Ho Hum. I assure you it is not inflated. There are approximately 150 subscribers and trades who will receive the issue as a part of their subs or @ 25 ¢. And if we sell every other copy at 50¢ we'll still be in the red a substantial number of $$.
About here, I had planned to quote a letter from Willis, in which he complimented me outrageously on the time, effort, labor and talent which I expended on the last issue of SFD. You know, the 1 page issue. However, I don't want anyone to think that I'm boasting, and besides I can't find the letter so I'll have to let that pass. Having brought Willis' name into play I can proceed to make a point. Shelby Vick's campaign to bring Willis to Chicago has been a success, but by no means what you would call "smashing." I stopped by to see Shelby about three weeks ago, and at that time he was listing donations at around $250. This amount had been donated by LESS THAN 40 FANS. And you could count the number who had given $10 or more on your fingers. At that time it appeared that the only possible way for Willis to get here was by air at a cost of $500. Willis himself has raised $100, leaving a balance of $150, which sum SHELBY VICK was going to quietly place in the fund out of his pocket. He may do it yet, if no others come thru in Chicago with contributions. A list of those who gave, and the amounts, will be published in the first issue of CONFUSION after the Con. Will YOUR name be on the list? Are YOU a FAN OF DISTINCTION?
(Data entered by Judy Bemis)