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Fantasy Fictioneer, issue 4, August 1940

Page 10

      (Blitzkreig, Beer and Boredom)

   The war may be important to our future existence, but we can’t all get in it at the same time.  Some will not be in at all, either through age or the particular job they are assigned to do on the Home Front.  From the ranks of these non-combatants there will always be some survivors to carry on the torch of fantasy.

   Again Mr. Roberds creates an erroneous impression with his reference to bombs.  To a nation at peace the news of bombs falling upon the soil of a friendly power creates the impression that the entire country has been struck the same time.  We have thought so here when reading of the numerous invasions of other countries.  Yet, now that we are being subjected to the same proceedure ourselves, it is surprising how quickly one gets used to both the idea and the sounds.  A salvo of bombs fall many miles away, the muffled “crump” of their explosion travelling on the quiet night air, gunfire adds a further note of alarm to those unaccustomed to it.  It’s all a lot of noise and, just so long as it is in the distance there is no need to worry unduly.  Certainly no need to panic – certainly no need to cease all normal activities afterwards.

   Why should we not keep up our correspondance with you Americans?  At that, there never were a spate of letters either way – but many of the friendships formed through correspondance will survive the holocaust war, I have no doubt.  That “friendship” is actually the focal point of fandom, not the magazine science-fiction which gave birth to it.  The present actions and activities of British fandom (all too few when surveyed from this side of the Atlantic), are not the actions of “muddling through” but the will to “carry on” despite adverse conditions.

   If your time ever comes Mr. Roberds, to be under similar circumstances, I warrant you will “carry on” in just the same manner, and to the best of your ability untill such a time as you stop a bomb or a bullet.

   So let the Chicon ignore the European war, for it certainly has very little bearing on fantasy fiction – but, when you are there enjoying yourselves, you might spare a thought for us fellows who can’t even be sure that we shall still exist on Labor Day 1940.
     [cursive signature of Ted Carnell]
______________________________
   TRANSPORTATION FOR SOUTH-
     EASTERN FANS

   Joseph Gilbert, at 3911 Park St., Columbia, South Carolina, has written us informing that he will have a car available for the Chicon trip, and is willing to pick up other fans, on a share-the-cost basis.  Joe plans to make a swing through several southern states, so if you are between Columbia and Chicago, and need transportation, get in touch with him at his address.
_____________________________
The next issue of Fantasy Fictioneer will be out sometime after the Chicon, giving details and reports of the affair.  Watch for it!

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(Blitzkreig, Beer and Boredom) The war may be important to our future existence, but we can’t all get in it at the same time. Some will not be in at all, either through age or the particular job they are assigned to do on the Home Front. From the ranks of these non-combatants there will always be some survivors to carry on the torch of fantasy. Again Mr. Roberds creates an erroneous impression with his reference to bombs. To a nation at peace the news of bombs falling upon the soil of a friendly power creates the impression that the entire country has been struck the same time. We have thought so here when reading of the numerous invasions of other countries. Yet, now that we are being subjected to the same proceedure ourselves, it is surprising how quickly one gets used to both the idea and the sounds. A salvo of bombs fall many miles away, the muffled “crump” of their explosion travelling on the quiet night air, gunfire adds a further note of alarm to those unaccustomed to it. It’s all a lot of noise and, just so long as it is in the distance there is no need to worry unduly. Certainly no need to panic – certainly no need to cease all normal activities afterwards. Why should we not keep up our correspondance with you Americans? At that, there never were a spate of letters either way – but many of the friendships formed through correspondance will survive the holocaust war, I have no doubt. That “friendship” is actually the focal point of fandom, not the magazine science-fiction which gave birth to it. The present actions and activities of British fandom (all too few when surveyed from this side of the Atlantic), are not the actions of “muddling through” but the will to “carry on” despite adverse conditions. If your time ever comes Mr. Roberds, to be under similar circumstances, I warrant you will “carry on” in just the same manner, and to the best of your ability untill such a time as you stop a bomb or a bullet. So let the Chicon ignore the European war, for it certainly has very little bearing on fantasy fiction – but, when you are there enjoying yourselves, you might spare a thought for us fellows who can’t even be sure that we shall still exist on Labor Day 1940. [cursive signature of Ted Carnell] ______________________________ TRANSPORTATION FOR SOUTH- EASTERN FANS Joseph Gilbert, at 3911 Park St., Columbia, South Carolina, has written us informing that he will have a car available for the Chicon trip, and is willing to pick up other fans, on a share-the-cost basis. Joe plans to make a swing through several southern states, so if you are between Columbia and Chicago, and need transportation, get in touch with him at his address. _____________________________ The next issue of Fantasy Fictioneer will be out sometime after the Chicon, giving details and reports of the affair. Watch for it!