DIY History | Transcribe | Hevelin Fanzines | Kay-Mar Trader, v. 2, issue 1, March 1947

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Kay-Mar Trader, v. 2, issue 1, March 1947

Page 6

I have received the new Arkham House book "This Mortal Coil" by Cynthia Asquith. The book of course, has the usual black and gold binding, finely printed with easily read type. I received some slight entertainment from the book but that is about all, I just don't care for this type of "weird" or "fantasy" fiction. Personally; I think the material lacks life after reading Lovecraft and Smith. There will be those who will disagree with me, they have that privilege, I say; but the book and see for your self, you may like it very much.

On the otherhand, I received the new magazine, "Fantasy Reader" which I like very much, of course I had read some of the stories before but that doesn't matter. The one that appealed to me was William Hope Hodgson's "The Voice in the Night". This man Hodgson really had "stuff" on the ball. Especially enjoyed those little squibbs used to fill up space. I think that Wollheim has given us something fine and I hope that he will continue to do so.

The following remarks are directed at the officers of the National Fantasy Fan Federation. I do not know who the present editor is, I understand that Andy Lyon has been relieved of his duties, nor have I received our official organ since January, so I cannot send these directly to the N.F.F. Why can't we get the lead out and keep the membership posted as to what is going on? I receive all of my information second hand.

Why in the "blue blazes" can't we have a decent membership card? I; for one, would like something to show that I do have membership in the N.F.F.F. And another thing, why don't we promote a fine looking certificate of member ship, something we could show our friends, this could be sold to the membership for fifty cents or a dollar as I mentioned last month.

I was given to understand that a cut or cuts of the N.F.F.F. emblem was being made or had been made, if so, where the hell is it? I would like to get one. Can anyone give me information on this?

All I can read or hear, "we're going to do this, we're going to do that" the only thing I have seen that was the result of effort on the part of the officers, was the Findlay Portfolio. This brought money into the treasury and is productive of good publicity for our organization. I am certainly willing to support the officers but they had better get the lead out of their pants and get to work. I hear that there is talk of reprinting some outstanding science fiction, has this gotten any further than talk?

Anyone can talk a good job but it is the actual results that count. I wonder how long we would be working if we told the boss how much we were going to sell today and tomorrow and then didn't do anything?

I say; lets get into the saddle and do something. It appears to me that we have, with two exceptions, some people in office that should be doing something else. I believe in giving everyone his just dues, when due.

Show me folks where you have credit coming and I will be the first to lend a helping hand, but I will not pat you on the back just to make a good fellow of myself.

I do say this -- if you do not agree with me, you have a perfect right to do so, why don't you write and give me your idea.

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I have received the new Arkham House book "This Mortal Coil" by Cynthia Asquith. The book of course, has the usual black and gold binding, finely printed with easily read type. I received some slight entertainment from the book but that is about all, I just don't care for this type of "weird" or "fantasy" fiction. Personally; I think the material lacks life after reading Lovecraft and Smith. There will be those who will disagree with me, they have that privilege, I say; but the book and see for your self, you may like it very much. On the otherhand, I received the new magazine, "Fantasy Reader" which I like very much, of course I had read some of the stories before but that doesn't matter. The one that appealed to me was William Hope Hodgson's "The Voice in the Night". This man Hodgson really had "stuff" on the ball. Especially enjoyed those little squibbs used to fill up space. I think that Wollheim has given us something fine and I hope that he will continue to do so. The following remarks are directed at the officers of the National Fantasy Fan Federation. I do not know who the present editor is, I understand that Andy Lyon has been relieved of his duties, nor have I received our official organ since January, so I cannot send these directly to the N.F.F. Why can't we get the lead out and keep the membership posted as to what is going on? I receive all of my information second hand. Why in the "blue blazes" can't we have a decent membership card? I; for one, would like something to show that I do have membership in the N.F.F.F. And another thing, why don't we promote a fine looking certificate of member ship, something we could show our friends, this could be sold to the membership for fifty cents or a dollar as I mentioned last month. I was given to understand that a cut or cuts of the N.F.F.F. emblem was being made or had been made, if so, where the hell is it? I would like to get one. Can anyone give me information on this? All I can read or hear, "we're going to do this, we're going to do that" the only thing I have seen that was the result of effort on the part of the officers, was the Findlay Portfolio. This brought money into the treasury and is productive of good publicity for our organization. I am certainly willing to support the officers but they had better get the lead out of their pants and get to work. I hear that there is talk of reprinting some outstanding science fiction, has this gotten any further than talk? Anyone can talk a good job but it is the actual results that count. I wonder how long we would be working if we told the boss how much we were going to sell today and tomorrow and then didn't do anything? I say; lets get into the saddle and do something. It appears to me that we have, with two exceptions, some people in office that should be doing something else. I believe in giving everyone his just dues, when due. Show me folks where you have credit coming and I will be the first to lend a helping hand, but I will not pat you on the back just to make a good fellow of myself. I do say this -- if you do not agree with me, you have a perfect right to do so, why don't you write and give me your idea.