Westwind #79 February 1984

NWSFS, Rustycon

The February 1984 issue of Westwind. Mostly a report on Rustycon 1. Also includes updates from the NWSFS and Norwescon chairs, including announcing the debut of the Philip K. Dick Award ceremony, other announcements, letters from readers, book reviews, and a review of the film The Keep.

• Cover Artist
• February Social
• Northwest Convention Calendar
• The Chair Speaks
• Announcements
• Chairman’s Corner
  • Phil Dick Award
  • Program Book Honored
  • Rustycon a Success
• Clarion West back
• Westwind looks at Rustycon
  • Art Show awards
  • Masquerade awards
• Reviews
  • The Keep: Adrift in the Bewilderness
  • Book Reviews
• Letters

Mike Bentley

NWSFS

February 1984

Julie Zetterburg-Sardo

Contents copyright(C)1984 for contributors by the Northwest Science Fiction Society.

English

Westwind: Clubzine of the Northwest Science Fiction Society

looks at RUSTYCON 1

Featuring guests: FGoH Jerry Kaufman-GoH Bob Asprin-AGoH Bill Warren

[Art by Mike Bentley of Jerry Kaufman, Bob Asprin, and Bill Warren sitting at a table, as Bob says, ‘Okay, who’s got the duct tape?’]
artwork by Mike Bentley © 1984

February 1984

Cover Artist Mike Bentley

Mike’s been around Seattle fandom since the first days of PSST and is a long time member of NWSFS. He has been active in many APA’s since 1976 and ran APA-FIVE for over three years. Mike sold his first SF art at V-con 8, has sold stories to DC comics, does photography & film & video while coaching track at a local high school. He’s now taken one further step–he’s the new editor of WESTWIND!

[Art by Mike Bentley of Bill Warren drinking from a mug and saying, ‘Is it ‘grrreen’?’]

CONTENTS

Calendar & Social Info page 3
The Chair Speaks page 4
Announcements page 4
Chairman’s Corner page 5
RUSTYCON 1 pages 6–9
Reviews page 10
Letters page 11

STAFF

Editor: Mike Bentley
Assistant Editor: Doug Booze
Layout: Mike Bentley
Printing: Michael Brocha
Labels: Robert Suryan
Typists: Bentley & Booze

CONTRIBUTORS:
Bentley & Booze, Judy Suryan, Richard Wright, Brian Loomis, Jon Gustafson, Ryan Johnson, Lauraine Miranda, Mike Dunn.

ART & PHOTO CREDITS:
Mike Bentley, Paul Kurranko

WESTWIND—the newsletter of the Northwest Science Fiction Society. Issue No. 79, Febuary, 1984. Published by the Northwest Science Fiction Society. Chairman: Judy Suryan [REDACTED]. Vice-Chair: Elizabeth Warren [REDACTED]. Sec’y-Treas.: Bob Suryan [REDACTED]. Recording Sec’y: Jeanine Gray [REDACTED]. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.

Contents copyright(C)1984 for contributors by the Northwest Science Fiction Society. Westwind is mailed monthly to members of NWSFS, P.O. BOX [REDACTED], SEATTLE, WA. 98124. Memberships in NWSFS cost $10.00 per year including 12 issues of Westwind. Advertising is accepted: must be received camera-ready by the 20th of the month prior to issue. Mail to NWSFS. Full page (7.5 x 10), $20: half-page (7.5 x 5), $12: quarter page (3.5 x 5), $7: eighth page or business card, $5. NWSFS INFORMATION HOTLINE: [REDACTED].

Please send contributions for WESTWIND to Mike Bentley, PO Box , Seattle, Wa. 98133.

February Social

The Northwest Science Fiction Society (NWSFS) February social will be held at Jeanine Gray’s parents house at NE 141st Pl, Kirkland (south Bothell), see map. (That is very close to where Greg Bennett’s Pocotello Spaceport use to be for all you old timers out there). February’s gathering is our first Newcommers Social. This could be for someone that is just new to fandom, NWSFS, Norwescon (NWC) or has just not gone to a social before. At about 7:30 p.m. we will have introductions of officers and board members, some of our old time members and all who are at the social. Everyone will have a chance to tell a little about themselves and their interest in fandom. Afterwards people may get together to talk, dance or play games. With NWC less than a month away I’m sure there will be some recruiting going on.

[Map to the social.]

As with all socials this one is Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB). That could be beer, wine, pop or anything your fond of. It is also a pot luck dinner. If you wish to partake, please bring something to contribute to the dinner spread. House will provide coffee, hot water, refer space, cooking space if necessary, cups, plates and eating utensils. NWSFS exec meeting at 5:30 p.m., pot luck at 6:30 p.m. Hope to see you there.

NORTHWEST CONVENTION CALENDAR

Feb 24–26: Rain Finale. Vancouver’s last party-con in the Rain series. Info Box [REDACTED] Bentall Centre, Vancouver BC V7X 1A2.

Feb 25: NWSFS Social. Gray’s in Kirkland (south Bothell), [REDACTED] NE 141st Pl, [REDACTED]. Special programming for new fans and members. See article and map. BYOeverything.

Mar 2–4: BayFilk 2. San Jose CA. Official Filk Foundation con; Mem (incl banquet): $20 door. Info: Box [REDACTED], El Cerrito CA 94530.

Mar 22–25: NORWESCON 7. Hyatt Hotel, $49 flat, [REDACTED]. GoH Catherine & Sprague deCamp, AGoH Don Maitz, FGoH Jack Speer, TM Marta Randall. Mem. $20 til 3/1/84, $25 door (less $2 for NWSFS members). All the fun, excitement, and information that you have come to expect from a NORWESCON. Info POB [REDACTED], Seattle WA 98124; 24-hour HOTLINE [REDACTED].

Apr 28: NWSFS Social. At Suryan’s, [REDACTED] 4th Ave NW, Seattle, [REDACTED].

Apr 27–29: Treasurecon II. War Bonnet Inn [REDACTED]. Guests Walter A Coslet, EdBryant. Mem: $15 til 3/31, $20 door. Info: Box [REDACTED], Billings MT 59102, [REDACTED].

May 4–6: Viking Con 5. Leopold Hotel ($33/35/38) and WWU, Bellingham. GoH Gordon R Dickson, FGoH Kathy ”Roo" Warren, TM Alan Nourse. Mem. $12 til 4/1, $15 til 5/1 and at the door. Info: Viking Union Room [REDACTED], Western Washington Univ., Bellingham WA 98225.

May 25–27: VCON 12. UBC Con Center C$24. FGoH Debbie Notkin, special guest Elizabeth Lynn. Mem: C$15 til 12/31, +C$1/mo. til $25 door. Info Box [REDACTED] Bentall Centre, Vancouver BC V7X 1A2.

Jun 29-Jul 3: Westercon 37. Portland Marriott Hotel $37/42/45. GoH Harlan Ellison, AGoH Alex Schomburg, FGoH F.M. & Elinor Busby, TM Ed Bryant. Rates $30 til 6/15/84, $40 door, supporting $9. Info POB [REDACTED], Portland OR 97216 [REDACTED].

Jul 13–15: Spokon '84. Davenport Hotel. Info [REDACTED] N Argonne, Spokane 99206.

Aug 30-Sep 3: WorldCon 42 LA Con III. Anaheim Convention Center. GoH Gordon Dickson, FGoH Dick Eney, TM Robert Bloch, MC Jerry Pournelle. Memb. $40 til 12/31/83. Info POB [REDACTED], Van Nuys CA 91409.

Sep 21–23: MOSCON VI. Cavanaugh’s Inn. GoH Alicia Austin, FGoH William R. Warren Jr. Lensman Awards, Jacuzzi party, famous art show and auction, Sunday brunch, masquerade and dance. Mem. $14 til 9/1, $16 door. Info POB [REDACTED], Moscow ID 83843.

The Chair Speaks

by Judy Suryan

I am happy to announce that we have new editors Mike Bentley and Doug Booze. Bob and I are confident that this team will ado some excitement to the old girl. However, as with all WW editors, they will need input in the form of art work, ads and articles. Give them a hand OK?

It you are of those people who read there WW’s from cover to cover you will have read an article in the last issue titled “Help Wanted”. It had to do with the need for volunteer help at NWC 7. The reason I bring this to your attention is because the need is still very much there. If your planning to be at NWC 7 please volunteer for at least one three hour shift. We would be most grateful. Perhaps you are interested in becoming mere involved in the planning of a NWC. Either way, let me know at [REDACTED]. Believe it or not, we are already working on NWC 8.

Last but not least, we will be writting up the calendar of NWSFS summer activities in April. If you nave some ideas on group activities or outings, give a call. Keep in mind a couple of things: 1) remember most of us don’t have a lot of money so keep costs low and 2) we try not to conflict with other fannish events in the Northwest so things may not be scheduled for the times you wanted. This summer we will try to plan for three group events. Watch for the NWSFS summer calendar in the May WW.

[Ad: Wally’s Book and Comic Exchange

MANY SCIENCE FICTION TITLES

PAPERBACKS MAGAZINES TRADES

[REDACTED] Commerical Kirkland, WA
[REDACTED]]

Announcements

Joe and Becky Simpson, with their son Jessy have moved to Seattle from the Bremerton Area. Their new address and phone are [REDACTED] 16th Ave S.W. #[REDACTED]: [REDACTED]. Becky has volenteered to head the Gofers Dept. at Norwescon this year. She could use your body. Please give her a call.

Former Starbase Seven resident Dennis Arrens has returned from Los Angeles. He is, for the time being, once again making his home in the Seattle area. I did not get an address or phone in time for printing perhaps there will be more info next issue. In the meantime, welcome back Dennis.

Congratulatons goes to Kitty Canterbury! As was reported in WW77, Kit was attempting to complete her education in teaching. This is something she has been wanting to do for many years but lack of time and funds have prevented it until now. At last it happened! Kit graduated in December and will officially receive her certificate of teaching in March. We are all very happy for you Kitty.

NEW MEMBERS

698 Julie Shock of Seattle
699 Dean Dearinger of Seattle
700 Angela Suryan of Seattle
701 Mark Skullerud of Seattle

Chairman’s Corner

by Richard Wright

Phil Dick Award

NORWESCON is pleased to be selected as the site for the presentation of the Phillip K. Dick Award for Best Original Paperback of 1983. The award was first suggested at NORWESCON 5, shortly after Dick’s death, by GoH Tom Disch. He formed an award committee and the first award was presented last year at an East coast book trade convention. This year’s committee, Disch, John Clute, AJ Budrys, and Tony Wolk, approved my suggestion that the award presentation be brought “home” to NORWESCON. Wolk will attend to present the award this year, and the awardee will be selected soon. We expect that NORWESCON will host the Dick Award presentations from now on.

Program Book Honored

For the second year in a row, the NORWESCON Program Book has received an award in the prestigious Northwest Technical Communications Competition. The NORWESCON 6 Book won an Award for Special Achievement (fourth place) in the brochures catagory of the Technical Publications section. It was announced that the judges had scored each of the awardees as first place, but we then ranked fourth of them. Congratulations to winners Mike Brocha, Steve Gallacci, and Andrea and Jeff Levin, as well to all the folk who worked on the Book, for receiving this honor. (PS: We were beaten out by the Quinault Department of Natural Resources, and Boeing. Last year we won first place in the catagory.)

Rustycon a Success

I am glad to hear that Rustycon apparently was both a financial and critical success (I believe that there is a con report elsewhere in this issue). Many thanks to the ConCom and all those who worked on the con, as well as to all of you who attended, for making this first Rustycon so nice to attend.

[Abstract representation of a rocket ship entering a wormhole.]

Clarion West back

The major SF workshop for beginning SF writers on the Pacific coast, Clarion West, will be held July 9th to Aug 17th at Seattle Central Community College, Seattle, WA. The Staff will be Kate Wilhelm, Suzy McKee Charnas, Vonda N. McIntyre, Norman Spinrad, Arthur Bryon Cover, and Terry Car. Twenty-five students will be selected by the workshop jury by reviewing a 20 to 30 page manuscript of original fiction. The material may be 1–2 short stories, or a section of a novel. Manuscripts must be submitted by April 30. Each" entrant should include a short statement about themselves stating their background and why they want to participate in Clarion West. A $50 deposit should accompany the entry. For more info write: J.T. Stewart, Seattle Central Community College, Dept of Continuing Education, [REDACTED] Broadway, Seattle WA 98122

Westwind looks at Rustycon

[Photo of a person in a hotel room watching TV and smoking.]

Rustycon was held at the SeaTac Hyatt on January 20–22 with 300 plus people attending this first time event. Writer Guest of Honor Robert Lynn Asprin cornered the market on filking and gerbil jokes. Artist Guest of Honor William R. Warren displayed an impressive collection of his work (including his "Land of the extremely Large Frogs” parody on Irwin Allen). Later Bill was forced to host, alone, a panel on Fannish Activism which wasbarely better attended by the audience. He survived magnificently, especially with his views on getting into space. Jerry Kaufman, the Fan Guest of Honor, had his usual array of fanzines collected over the years in the fan room. His panel, Famous Fannish Hoaxes, enlightened the audience all about ’’The Secret Grip of Fandom.” Others listed guests included Steven Bieler, Mildred ’’Bubbles” Broxon, F.M. ”Buz” & Elinor Busby, Frank Catalano, GordonEklund, George Harper, Cyn Mason, Vonda McIntyre, Jessica Salmonson, Art Bozlee and Gordon Woodcock.

[Jerry Kaufman and F.M. Busby speaking at a panel.]
FGoH Jerry Kaufman and “Buz” Busby share the secret of the “Secret Fannish Grip.”

[Cyn Mason signing an autograph] Cyn Mason signs autograph for eager fan

[George Harper and William Warren sitting at a table]
George Harper and AGoH William Warren

[Two photos, one of Julian May in an ornate headdress, the other of Bob Asprin sitting in the audience.]
Julian May and GoH Bob Asprin at Masquerade

The art show had a nice selection of art and seemed to have been well attended. Rustycon didn’t have an art auction but went for direct sales. It was felt that this would work better than having an auction. "The artists were very pleased,” said Vice Chair Barbara Hunter, ”we made per capata on our art sales more money than Norwescon. It was easier to run and the artists made more money than they have been making at conventions recently. We had a $2500 art show.”

Bob Asprin was Master of Ceremony for the Masquerade which fielded 20 contestants. All had a good time with the only hitches being a late start and a long time during the judges decisions. Vogon poetry was read for the audience’s enjoyment (no one ate their leg off) and Bob told a few jokes. He was forced by the audience to finish this joke: "Why do you wrap a gerbil in duct tape?” The answer won’t be printed here (ask Bob yourself), needless to say though, gerbil jokes were the rage the next day.

The guest speeches and awards ceremony took place after a Sundaybrunch. Many door prizes were given out between speeches & awards. The event lasted just over an hour, which must be a record for this type of programming. Jerry Kaufman had asked the Con Com what to do his talk about and they told him "about five minutes” so he told the audience what five minutes meant to him. Bill Warren announced that he was to be published in Analog with some interior illos for a story. Bob Asprin got the capper when a large cardboard box arrived for him. Inside was a live gerbil, a roll of duct tape and a musical card which played ”I’m in the Mood for Love.” Like stories of lime jello before it, gerbils will live in fannish memory for a long time!

The Fan Olympics were an on going event during the con—but what happened to beer drinking contests and speed eolation? Goldfish eating and Vogon poetry reading might not be real fannish happenings but they were part of the fun at Rustycon.

The programming included 24 hour gaming with 3 tournaments involving 30 to 40 people. ’’Since 24 hour gaming has not been at most cons,” said Program Director Leroy Breven, ”we felt that a lot of folks would appreciate the opportunity to play after main programming was over.”

[Julie Zetterberg]
Julie Zetterberg

Remember “Judy Jetson” at the Expo last year? What about "Empress of the Universe” from last year’s WorldCon? All award- winning costumes displayed by Julie Zetterburg—a local fan best known perhaps for her different "looks.”

When asked about her motivation behind creating her many costumes and displaying them at con masquerades she said, ”I’m basically a ham. I just try to think of an excuse for going up on stage.” Employed at Fredrick & Nelson’s down- town store, Julie has gotten some ideas from looking at the clothes. “My first job there was in the designer clothes. I used to get some pretty good ideas just looking at some of the designer clothes that would roll in.” Over the years fans have seen many examples of these. ”I would completely re- design them in my mind. Everything I see gets tucked away somewhere. The finished piece is never what it started out to be.”

“I wasn’t expecting to do well,” Julie said of her first Worldcon. "there were some really good costumes. I’m glad they do have class divisions, I don’t see the point of making a Rosebowl float to get up on stage.”Julie won the BEST NOVICE Costume Award.

That about this year’s Rustycon? "We wanted to do something silly.” Julie Zetterburg and her friends singing “It’s a Mall World after- all” won the Best Humor Award.

In the science areas Art Bozlee put on a Russian Manned Space Program show. It was very well done and Art had great information & a good slide presentation. Bob Asprin did a panel where he answered questions & talked about his Thieves World and future projects. There was a scattering of programming on the SCA, Art, Costumes, and writing.

Rustycon was blessed with some great filksinging which lasted far into the night. Bob Asprin and Bill Warren entertained the fans with a variety of fannish songs. To help spice things up Bill and Bob had a little "E” rivalry going (“Give me an E!”).

Many fans found the dance lacking that certain something that is found at NorWesCon dances. It was hard not to compare the two. One area to improve in next year.

Most fans go to conventions for the social aspects, such as; dancing, partying, and seeing new & old friends. Most reviewers found the dance wanting and the parties sparce, but the fans were great! The “Make-Your-Own” parties were the rule of Saturday night with the fans doing nicely there. Limited party action left time for a few other things such as the pre- Super Bowl football game between the Vikingcon Vikings, lead by Larry Baker, and the NizzFizz Bombers, lead by Tony Blankenship & Mike Bentley. The action was fast and furious with the Bombers coming out on top 14 to 0 infront of the Phoenix Ballrooms. A rematch could come at NorWesCon.

Sunday night partying would have been all washed up if Bob Asprin hadn’t shown up for further adventures of his filking at the con suite, that and a half gallon of Canadian Whiskey, which was passed around to many open mouths.

In spite of the non-numbered con badges, Rustycon 1 was a success and should be on your calendar for next year.

review byBentley & Booze, Johnson and Loomis

[Shennesea in a dark dress with white fur around her neck.]
Best Fantasy

[Lita Smith Gheret in a furry barbarian costume, holding a spear.]
Best of Show

[Brad Allen in an armored costume.]
Best Science Fiction

[Four people in what appear to be European costumes and holding signs; the two signs that can be seen say ‘ring’ and ‘well’.]
and Best Humor

[Bottles of booze and cans of beer.]
Saturday Night party supplies

ART SHOW AWARDS

BEST OF SHOW
Milo Duke "Bushi Bunnies”
Ray Williams “Red Queen”

BEST SCIENCE FICTION
Mark Skullerud"View from the Circus System"

BEST FANTASY, NON-UNICORN DIVISION
Milo Duke “Bushi Bunnies”

BEST SCIENCE FICTION 3-D
Bo Bond “Lord Henry"

BEST FANTASY 3-D
Rhonda Gheen “Wyvern”

BEST OF THIEVES WORLD
Dameon Willich “Lethande”

SPECIAL JUDGE’S AWARD
Salvador Dali

MASQUERADE AWARDS

BEST FANTASY
Shennesea

BEST SCIENCE FICTION
Brad Allen

THE ASPRIN
Howard Owens

BEST OF SHOW
Lita Smith Gheret

LUCAS FILM AWARD
James Smith

BEST HUMOR
Julie Zetterberg and Co.

JUDGES CHOICE
Shadowhawk and Friends

Reviews

THE KEEP: Adrift in the Bewilderness

by Mike Dunn

When I heard that a movie was being made of F. Paul Wilson’s horror novel, The Keep, I was moderately optimistic–based on the promise of the novel’s plot. You know its kind: the sort of mass-market paperback potboiler loaded with supernatural menace and gory happenings, and indeed it fit the pattern. But the thing which drew me to the novel (unlike others of its kind) was the sheer inventiveness of the conflicting fources: the Nazi SS versus Dracula! Hot damm! I put my money on the Nazi SS and started reading right away. And the first third of the book is truly spooky and hair-raising, only dwindling into supernatural/Theosophical nonsense about halfway through, and degenerating into the most incredible, deus ex machina finale. Well, it was at least half a good book, and I thought that a competent director would wisely preserve the opening half and seek to simplify the conclusion for cinematic purposes.

Alas, this director (Michael Mann) decided to do the entire story–and in a style that involved long, dreamy establishing shots and slow-montion meditations over the mis-deeds of the Nazis as they succumb to the force behind the walls of the Keep. As any student of the conservation of time and space can deduce, it would have been impossible for any director to make a movie of reasonable length if he simultaneously indulged in such a dreamy style and attempted to tell the entire story. Consequently, vast chunks of plot have been ripped out of the storyline, leaving the remaining story to be nothing but a discontinuous sequence of scenes. Very beautifully photographed, to be sure, and frequently visually stunning. But totally incomoprehensible for anyone who has not read the book…and damned bewilderig for anyone who has. At a cost of $11 million, I was literally astonished that this film had all the coherence of 90 minutes worth of out-takes.

How many ways can you do something ineptly? Essentially all of the authentic horror of Wilson’s novel was either discarded or suggested, with most of the fright-inspiring action either happening off screen or transpiring so rapidly that the viewer has no time in which to understand what was supposed to have happened–thus undercutting the presumd horror. The music is ably composed by Tangerine Dream and underlies some memorable scenes, but I couldn’t help wondering if a gothic horror story in the Carpathian Alps is properly served by electronic music. There is an obligatory nude love scene that, so help me, is inserted in such a manner as to be completely unmotivated or meaningful. Neither the name of the monster nor of the heroic antagonist is even uttered until five minutes before the end of the film—and even then, you don’t know who is which (unless you have read the book). And the mind-boggling final battle occurring in the book between the monster and the hero is reduced in the film to a wimpy anti-climax. Even the hero (Scott Glenn) is ill-chosen, resembling as he does a somewhat handsome version of David Carradine and performing with all the elan of a marionette.

Is there anything good to say of this film? Perhaps. The visualization of the setting and the monster is something worth seeing. And there are some special effects concerning the monster (for instance, the monster is a towering wraith of inrushing smoke, with red-glowing eyes and cranial lobes) that merit congratulation. But you would have to be a die-hard enthusiast too attend this film without thingking you have been ripped off.

The book (in softbound) is about a dollar cheaper than seeing the film and, while lacking, is both superior to its comtetitors and head and shoulders above the film. You can always see the film on HBO or wait until it comes around on the late show. By all means, KEEP away from the boxoffice.

Movie poster for The Keep.

BOOK REVIEWS

by Jon Gustafson

If you are like me, there will be one or two special people on your Christinas list (yes, I know it’s after Christmas) for whom you had absolutely no idea what to get… so you bought them a digital pancake-turner and hoped that you could find something at a later date that would be a more appropriate gift. Well, here are a couple possibilities for your perusal.

The first is Rowena (Pocket Books, #47055–8, $8.95) by Rowena Morrill, A gorgeous book of Rowena’s paintings. This is a trade paperback (measuring a generous 8 1/2" by 11") edition with a foreword by Theodore Sturgeon, an introduction by Boris Vallejo, and a nice piece by Rowena on how she goes about painting one of her excellent works. All the reproductions are “suitable for framing” (or so says the back cover blurb… but if you want to do that, I’d suggest getting a second copy to cut up) and superbly printed on a heavy, high gloss paper and each painting has a short and sometimes humorous note about it. Highly recommended.

The next is also a large, trade paperback: this time it’s from Donning. It is Lightrunner (Starblaze/Donning, $9.95) by Lamar Waldron and Rod Whigham and what is called a “graphic novel”, that is, a novel done in comic book format. This is a real rouser of a book, with space pirates and stolen spaceships and telepathic aliens and a plot to conquer the Universe (well, almost anyway) and rayguns and sexy ladies and, gee willikers, just lots of neat-o stuff! The basic plot involves Burne Garrett and his attempts to prove his innocence after he accidently takes off in a top secret military spaceship. He is forced to crash-land on an alien planet, captured by pirates, then captured by the law, then escapes and then jumps all over the known Universe with the sexy daughter of a wealthy businessman looking for evidence to clear himself. In one particular way, this book reminded me of Return of the Jedi — neither one gives you enough breathing space to think about any possible flaws in the plot or holes in the logic. The artwork is quite good and the coloring is excellent, as is the printing. The story is not Hugo material, but it makes for interesting reading and I think most SF fans would enjoy it. Recommended.

Letters

Brian McNett
[REDACTED] Circle Dr.
Bremerton, WA 98312

Dear Editor:

I read in the newspaper about a month or so ago about an extremely cruel hoax concerning a nonexistant 9 year old boy suffering from leukemia in Paisley, Scotland. The intent of the hoaxers was that people would send, not the post cards requested, but money. The sad thing is that many well-meaning people actually did send money, and the hoaxers not only haven’t been caught, but actually started a similar hoax several months later. What I find particularly disgusting about this is the tremendous scope of it.

I would like to say that by the time the notice came out in WESTWIND # 71, the SECOND such hoax was well under way. I sincerely hope that no-one in our fine fan organization was taken in the vicious perpetrators of this vile misdeed.

Ah, well, such is life!

Diane Fox
Box [REDACTED] P.O.
Lakemba N.S.W. 2195
Australia

Dear Editor:

Enjoyed Jon Gustafson’s “Serpent’s Tooth” book review as usual - “Nagasaki Vector” sounds like a book worth getting. I already have “On the Good Ship Enterpise” and from what I’ve so far read of it, I agree with the review (Have only skimmed the book so far as I have batch of renewables to read first).

“Westwind” no. 72. It’s good to see another Steven Fox cover, this one is espiccially good.

Would tend to agree with Michael Scanlon’s view that a thriller should be thrilling. However, “The Varkaus Conspiracy” still sounds interesting and worth looking out for.

Likewise for “Life Probe” I’ll watch for other books by Michael McCollum as well. Haven’t got “Starships” either, another enjoyable - sounding book nor the Ben Bova Book. Will keep a look out for “Roche World” too. I have “Dragons Egg” and have not yet read it.

Now for “Westwind” no. 73, Fred the computer certainly sounds both exciting and unerving to have around. Approved very much of Judy Suran’s guide to BYO etiquette.

More interesting reviews from Jon Gustafson, I’ve heard much good of “Friday” but not yet read it. Glade that “Pawn of Prophecy” got a good review I also expected something fairly average when I started this book. The interesting thing about it, is that Eddings uses every cliche of fantasy but in a tongue and cheek yet thoughtfull way. He makes the apparent stereotype characters come to life, and what is more becomes very likeable. It’s a little like what George Lucas did in the “Star Wars” film.

“Courtship Rite” isn’t easy to get here but I had marvelous luck to buy a second hand copy that someone sold to the local book shop. Havn’t started it yet, sounds like I’ll enjoy it when I do.

Tend to dissagree on David Grimes comments on “Floating Gods”. This is one I enjoyed - instead of the usual cliche hero type that we usualy get in fantasy. The book centered on a brilliant but inept artist who simply succeeded by accident. There was a rather refreshing fealing to this touch of realism in a somewhat unreal tale. A fantasy hero who usualy keeps his word in the cupboard and doesn’t know how to use it in a nice idea. So was the verson of the “rescue the fair maiden” senareo, and the fact that he wasn’t in love with heroism but simply admired her brains and talent. The idea of the “dying god" was an interesting one too. not a great book but worthy of interest.

Well that is all for now - all the best.

WESTWINDS welcomes letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit in accordance with our editorial policy. Letters should be sent to M. Bentley: PO Box [REDACTED]; Seattle, WA 98133

Brian D. Loomis
[REDACTED] Evanston N.
Seattle, WA 98133

Dear Editor,

Having just returned from Rustycon two weeks ago, I felt compelledto write an impromptu review of the convention. First things first, I enjoyed Rustycon. It made an otherwise dull January palatable for this Sea- ttlite. With the demise of the SF Expo it filled the vacuum very nicely indeed. Yet for all of my enjoyment it seemed to fall prey to what is going wrong with the majority of cons lately.

Rustycon, in all honesty, was just another generic SF Con. A fact made all the more evident by the locale in which it was held. As you wandered down the halls of the Sea-Tac Hyatt, memories leapt to mind of past NorWesCons, and as the memories poured through ones concisness you became vaguely dissatisfied. Where are the throngs of people? The ever present aura of restrained energy that accompanies a truly unique and special convention? Alas, neither were there. I realize that it was a first time con and such character takes time to build, but as is the trend of late, it did not seem as if anyone had even tried to achieve such a character. It was just another con.

It had a mediocre dance which left me cold, bored, and very irate. Of the cons that I had attended in 1983, only two had remarkable or even mentionable dances: NorWesCon 6 and NorWesCon 6.5. Of the first time con’s I attended, the dance was the biggest hole in the programming. If a con com desires to put on a dance, by all means do so, but if they do make sure they have competent people to present it. I myself consider a well planned dance to be an excellent boon to a con, it’s one of factors that takes me to conventions. Yet it has also been my sad realization that most commitees merely hand it over to the first person that volunteers. I am by no means a pro choreagrapher, but I do know what people will dance too. The Meco version of the theme to Battlestar Galactia, is not on that list. As this has become my pet peeve at cons, I will also recomend to those hosting these dances abandon pre-programmed taped music. It does not allow for audience taste response. If the fans scream and shout, rush to the dance floor and obscure it with their bodies, when you play a lively Beatles number, don’t assume that they will then want to return to their seats and sit on their butts through five sets of undanceable Rush singles.

Enough is enough though, Rustycon has the potential within its staff to become a truly memorable con. It also has the advantage of northwest fandom, a bright and interesting lot that can achieve a great deal when they get their minds out of the hummdrummery of the mundane world, and more into how to be part of a gathering of wondrous ideas at their local cons.

[Art by Paul Kurranko of a man in a space suit holding a ray gun.]
artwork by Paul Kurranko (C) 1984

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