This year I’m writing a series of tweets delving into the fascinating history of science fiction and fantasy fandom, and especially the famous genre flame wars of the past. This history is proof positive that our genre's tempests in teapots have always existed and will likely always endure.
While I’d like to believe this history might give people a sense of perspective before engaging in the next SF/F flame war, I’m not holding my clichéd breath.
Below are my first six “Today in SF History” tweets. I should also note that even though these posts were tweeted on particular days, that doesn’t mean those were the official dates these events happened. Think instead of these tweets as today’s 140-character trip down SF memory lane.
Anyone interested in seeing future “Today in SF History” tweets should follow me on Twitter. I also cross-post the tweets on my Facebook and Google+ accounts.
- Today in SF History: In their final meeting, Heinlein verbally attacks Arthur C. Clarke for doubting Star Wars defense. (Note: See bottom of that linked page for this encounter.)
- Today in SF history: SFWA rescinds Stanisław Lem's honorary membership because of his negative views on American SF.
- Today in SF history: Harlan Ellison decides to keep 150 stories by other writers from seeing the light of day.
- Today in SF history: Hugo Gernsback cheats his first author, eventually leading H. P. Lovecraft to nickname him "Hugo the Rat."
- Today in SF history: Influential SF group the Futurians embraces political system the future soon forgot.
- Today in SF history: Lisa Tuttle turns down Nebula Award for "The Bone Flute" b/c of silliness no one remembers.