This issue is our first with a new type of paper--and we're holding our breath. But all the signs, auguries and portents point to the same old smeared, badly offset, semi-legible sort of zine--something you've been asking for over the past lustrum or two.
Periodically, letters come in with complaints about one thing or another in this magazine. One recent letter was from a new reader who admitted not having read any of the issue. He informed me that he'd "choked" on the title. He seemed to feel that no one had any business whatsoever putting a hyphen in science-fiction.
Well, we can't please everybody, and some people really dig that hyphen.
Our point is: he complained to me. This, you see, is something we have to put up with, and often the causes are beyond our control. They are certainly beyond my control. Almost everything is. But the fact is, this has underlined my growing awareness that for a great many of you I am the personification of this magazine. This being so, I feel a great many of you would really like to know more about me. Others of you already know too much.
You must remember that this magazine is produced with a very small staff--for simple economic reasons, and because I am jealous of the power I wield as the personification of this zine. However, due to the pressure of time on the very tight schedule upon which this magazine is produced and at his most annoying insistence, I have taken on an assistant editor this issue. It is my sincere hope he will do most of the donkey work while I continue to receive the glory and credit for this publication.
The circumstances under which this issue has been produced have been quite harrowing. To put it bluntly, we just moved from New York City to Port Charlotte, Florida, which is a nice little town, but has very limited sources of production materials. However, other foraging is excellent. On a recent expedition, I returned with two wall clocks, two pole lamps, a woven basket, a measuring cup (two cup size), and a scoop for the kitty litter, all for an outlay of approximately $8.00. A previous expedition into the same area netted me three beds for a mere $15 each, and a hot dog cooker for only $2.00.
Let me make one thing perfectly clear.
Foraging, as many of you members of the Sierra Club are aware, is almost a lost art in this day and age. However, I intend to revive it. I want everyone out there to go forage now. Quickly, before all the foragibles have been foraged by everyone else. For those of you who feel at a loss in the foraging field, I am presently preparing a handbook which will sell almost reasonably. Watch the next issue of SFFY for news of its publication.
The cat meanwhile has made an excellent adjustment to her new environment, which exemplifies my theory that cats can make excellent adjustments to new environments. By the next issue I hope to be able to say that I have done the same.
--LeeH
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CONTEST! ..................................................................CONTEST!..........................................................CONTEST!
Hey, Gang!
As you read through this issue, pay close attention to each "blurb". The first person sending in the correct identification of the author of each blurb in this issue will win a free lifetime subscription to the next issue of SCIENCE-FICTION FIVE-YEARLY.
All entries must be postmarked before midnight, 1975.
Neatness counts.
Bribery will help.
Data entry by Judy Bemis
Hard copy provided by Geri Sullivan
Data entry by Judy Bemis
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