Congratulations — the design is excellent, attractive, and fast-loading, even on my slow dial-up...and the concept is great, too. I haven't yet read all the stories, but I particularly enjoyed Janis Ian's "Mahmoud's Wives"...if I must prioritize, it's my favorite so far, but Beth Bernobich's "A Feast of Cousins" and William Sanders' "Going to See the Beast" were also excellent reads. Like other older readers, I find reading on-screen tiring (esp. on my internet beast, which is a smallish laptop) but all three stories were worth the effort.

Elizabeth Moon

Hello!

While I enjoyed the story ("Mahmoud's Wives" - ed.), I have to say that I think it would have made more of an impact if the names hadn't been so stereotypical. "Doug's Wives", with Doug and Griselda, for example, would make people wonder more about what was going on, what the Law was, etc., instead of relying on current prejudices to fill in the gaps.  It would also allow the story to unfold more slowly, while the reader wonders what exactly Doug is married to (alien, vegetable, human?), what the law is, and why he has to do what he does with the wives.  As it was, I felt that the story had a bit of ax-grinding in it, and that it didn't really explore how traditions come about.  In other words, it seemed more like the story was saying "These people are evil" rather than "People can be evil, and here is one example of how that can manifest".

I hope that these comments are useful.

Rebecca Rice

Cliches are cliches because they're true. That's why they become cliches.

I know of no other "endorsed" religion that makes such a grand fetish of demeaning its women. And if you look at the roots, it's truly more demeaning to men than women, because it assumes men are beasts, with no control over their actions.

To call the story "Doug and Griselda" would be a lie, a shoddy device to avoid the confrontation with the real object.

Nice try, though.

— Janis Ian

This is quite an old trick: attacking the message under the pretense of criticizing the style. However, to do it successfully you need to master the language of literary criticism — workshop critiquebabble will not do.

And grinding axes can be a worthy and useful thing to do, in a world where there are so many deserving necks.

— William Sanders

Please consider using alternatives to Paypal.

They're unethical, dangerous, not really a bank, and generally doing things Wrong.

(...)

I wish you great success and I'll be donating, but not through PayPal.

Stephen Hutchison

We do have an alternative to Paypal. It is called the US Postal Service. Note the address just below the Paypal link. We accept checks, money orders, or bearer bonds.

Welcome to the web. I look forward to reading your articles and fiction. My mail is to suggest that you consider setting up a mailing list that people can subscribe to be notified when a new issue is available. Otherwise, good luck with the new venture!

Dr. Frank J. Nagy

We do have such a list. All those who support us with their donations will receive not only a headsup on upcoming issues, but will get an advance preview of the issue before it goes public. Just another reason to donate!

I saw your webzine being reviewed in the local newspaper (the West Australian) and took a look. I was very impressed by what I saw. In particular I enjoyed "Mahmoud's Wives" by Janis Ian. She is someone whose career I have always followed with interest since hearing "Society's Child" many years ago and realising this was someone with an impressive talent.

Keep up the good work — I look forward to your next issue.

Rod Westacott
Perth, Western Australia