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New Fandom, v. 1, issue 6, 1939

Page 6

NEW FANDOM 

had by those present. There was really a chance to have a heart to heart talk with some scientifiction celebrities over a comforting top of a bottle of pop and a sandwich narrowly approaching the mouth.
     The first person called upon after the meeting was resumed 
was John W. Campbell, Jr. the editor of "Astounding Science Fiction and Unknown."   He spoke authoritively [sic]  on "The Changing Science-Fiction.    The point he brought out insistantly [sic] was that science-fiction has evolved as evidenced by "Metropolis." He says that people years ago were satisfied with a much less complex story than the fantasy readers of today. The novelty has worn off and given the subject mundaneness. For instance one of the most successful characters, "Hawk Carse" was introduced with a little crude description, but there had been such a previous lack of characterization in fantasy that even that small bit served to make the character unique and distinctly different. Campbell insisted that science-fiction must continually advance, there must be no stagnation in development of plot and story, and he sincerely believes that his magazines were batting in the right direction by presenting "Modern" science-fiction. His talk was well received and punctuated throughout with his characteristic dry-humor. Mort Weisinger received the next call. Designated as the man who can reject a story more jovially than any other editor, Mort wearing  his habitual good-nature stepped up to the platform and began a talk which was made especially interesting by the fact that it concerned intrigueing [sic] personalities "Men of Science Fiction."
    Immediately following Weisinger's talk, Moskowitz    gave the floor to Will Sykora to continue as Master of Ceremonies. Will introduced everyone of importance at the gathering. First of all, Charlie Hornig, who gave an interesting discussion on his development as a fan and finally to the position of editor of "Wonder"    and "Science-Fiction", among the others called upon
were Ross Rocklynne, Ackerman, Binder, Darrow, Bond, Williamson, Rothman, Madle, Reinsberg, Baltadonis, Morojo, the Kuslans and
examine our attendance lists for the others.
     After the long and interesting eulogies, the convention was adjourned to an auction. One fact though, being, that for the third time Otis Adelbert Kline slipped out just as he was being called upon to give a talk. We'll catch that rapscallion yet, Just wait.
     A longer account of the auction appears elsewhere in this issue.
     Many fans have come in from such distant points as Vancouver, Canada, California, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, New England,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D. C., etc,, etc.
     Many there were, who glanced in awe at the fine hall that had been hired, adorned by the beautiful original cover paintings from TWS, SS, Strange Stories, AS-F, Unkown [sic], S-F, and AS. There was a loud-speaking system special air-conditioning plant, and comfortable accomadations [sic] for all. The hall was light and easily the largest and best of all halls so far.
     Fans met and talked with many famous authors and editors There was a virtual parade of celebrities for some of which consult our attendance lists.

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NEW FANDOM had by those present. There was really a chance to have a heart to heart talk with some scientifiction celebrities over a comforting top of a bottle of pop and a sandwich narrowly approaching the mouth. The first person called upon after the meeting was resumed was John W. Campbell, Jr. the editor of "Astounding Science Fiction and Unknown." He spoke authoritively [sic] on "The Changing Science-Fiction. The point he brought out insistantly [sic] was that science-fiction has evolved as evidenced by "Metropolis." He says that people years ago were satisfied with a much less complex story than the fantasy readers of today. The novelty has worn off and given the subject mundaneness. For instance one of the most successful characters, "Hawk Carse" was introduced with a little crude description, but there had been such a previous lack of characterization in fantasy that even that small bit served to make the character unique and distinctly different. Campbell insisted that science-fiction must continually advance, there must be no stagnation in development of plot and story, and he sincerely believes that his magazines were batting in the right direction by presenting "Modern" science-fiction. His talk was well received and punctuated throughout with his characteristic dry-humor. Mort Weisinger received the next call. Designated as the man who can reject a story more jovially than any other editor, Mort wearing his habitual good-nature stepped up to the platform and began a talk which was made especially interesting by the fact that it concerned intrigueing [sic] personalities "Men of Science Fiction." Immediately following Weisinger's talk, Moskowitz gave the floor to Will Sykora to continue as Master of Ceremonies. Will introduced everyone of importance at the gathering. First of all, Charlie Hornig, who gave an interesting discussion on his development as a fan and finally to the position of editor of "Wonder" and "Science-Fiction", among the others called upon were Ross Rocklynne, Ackerman, Binder, Darrow, Bond, Williamson, Rothman, Madle, Reinsberg, Baltadonis, Morojo, the Kuslans and examine our attendance lists for the others. After the long and interesting eulogies, the convention was adjourned to an auction. One fact though, being, that for the third time Otis Adelbert Kline slipped out just as he was being called upon to give a talk. We'll catch that rapscallion yet, Just wait. A longer account of the auction appears elsewhere in this issue. Many fans have come in from such distant points as Vancouver, Canada, California, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Alabama, North and South Carolina, New England, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D. C., etc,, etc. Many there were, who glanced in awe at the fine hall that had been hired, adorned by the beautiful original cover paintings from TWS, SS, Strange Stories, AS-F, Unkown [sic], S-F, and AS. There was a loud-speaking system special air-conditioning plant, and comfortable accomadations [sic] for all. The hall was light and easily the largest and best of all halls so far. Fans met and talked with many famous authors and editors There was a virtual parade of celebrities for some of which consult our attendance lists.