The original version of this page can be found at : http://forum.sfreader.com/default.aspx?f=5&m=56746
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/1/2007 12:19 AM | clear your browser cache and reload the home page at
flashingswords.sfreader.com
For those that would like a print copy, click on the image of the cover.
For those that want the online version, click on the Current version link.
For those that would like to download the various e-reader formats, such as .pdf, msreader and mobipocket, there's a link on the right menu near the top called FS e-Issues
Leave feed back in this forum :) or email if you'd rather.
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/1/2007 12:22 AM | Wow, talk about not wasting any time!
Great cover, that's all the further I've gotten so far.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : MichaelEhart - 11/1/2007 12:53 AM | It is really a quite stunning cover, isn't it?
Buy my book!
The Servant of the Manthycore available Nov. 17th from DEP
Illustrated by Rachel Marks, with an introduction by Michael Moorcock
Read me in 2007!
"The View From the Shotglass Floor" Ray Gun Revival, Feb 2007
"Voice of the Spoiler" The Sword Review, June 2007
"Servant of the Manthycore" The Sword Review, July 2007
"Darkling I Listen; and for Many a Time" Fear and Trembling, coming soon!
"Weaving Spiders Come Not Here" The Sword Review, August 2007
"Six Zombies Doing That Mick Jagger Strut" Damned in Dixie, Summer 2007
"Nothing But Our Tears" The Sword Review, September 2007
"Night of Shadows, Night of Knives" Magic and Mechanica, Fall 2007
"The Scarlet Colored Beast" The Sword Review, October 2007
"The Stars by Law, Forbidden" Unparalleled Journeys II, November 2007
"Who Comes for the Mother's Fruit" Every Day Fiction, November 2007
"Stand, Stand, Shall They Cry" Flashing Swords, November 2007
|
| Posted By : Bruce Durham - 11/1/2007 10:15 AM | Great cover. Looking forward to reading this.
Come visit the Community Forums of CPI's Official Site of Conan author Robert E. Howard
Recently published: Marathon in Issue #10 of Paradox, Kalini Steel in Freehold: Southern Storm, Fool's Treasure in Freehold: The Protector and Old Havana in When the World Runs Thin
Upcoming: Night of the Meld in Flashing Swords #9 and Valley of Bones in Return of the Sword
Some people dream of success while other people live to crush those dreams. |
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 11/1/2007 10:18 AM | Congrats! But Isn't this the editor issue? I don't see you and Jason on the cover.
Jordan Lapp
Managing Editor
|
| Posted By : Nik - 11/1/2007 10:21 AM | Looks great. Expect my order soon.
Nicholas Ian Hawkins
Forthcoming
"Knowledge and Dust," in Magic & Mechanica, from Ricasso Press, Fall 2007
Published
"Relativity," in FLASHSHOT, September 28, 2007
Visit my website, Trampler of Beautiful Phrases, at nihawkins.wordpress.com |
| Posted By : Nik - 11/1/2007 10:33 AM | I put a post about this on my blog today, including links to the web page and the Lulu page. So the two people who read my blog (my Mom and some dude named Sven) now know about the triumphant return of Flashing Swords and how to buy it.
Nicholas Ian Hawkins
Forthcoming
"Knowledge and Dust," in Magic & Mechanica, from Ricasso Press, Fall 2007
Published
"Relativity," in FLASHSHOT, September 28, 2007
Visit my website, Trampler of Beautiful Phrases, at nihawkins.wordpress.com |
| Posted By : John M. Whalen - 11/1/2007 11:10 AM | | Impressive! |
| Posted By : von Darkmoor - 11/1/2007 11:59 AM |
Jordan Lapp said...Congrats! But Isn't this the editor issue? I don't see you and Jason on the cover.
Thanks for looking for us and asking, Jordan. CW is just too humble sometimes and refuses to be recognized for the driving force and rallying point she really is. 
I, on the other hand, only have my charm and looks going for me. I thought it better to go with the dangerous dancing dervish on the cover instead. 
|
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 11/1/2007 12:01 PM | LOL! Awesome! So CW's the one holding the blades?
Jordan Lapp
Managing Editor
|
| Posted By : Bruce Durham - 11/1/2007 1:59 PM | Ordered my copy. Does a whip come with it?
$118 for super fast shipping? Holy Crap!!! I'll stick to regular post, thanks.
Come visit the Community Forums of CPI's Official Site of Conan author Robert E. Howard
Recently published: Marathon in Issue #10 of Paradox, Kalini Steel in Freehold: Southern Storm, Fool's Treasure in Freehold: The Protector and Old Havana in When the World Runs Thin
Upcoming: Night of the Meld in Flashing Swords #9 and Valley of Bones in Return of the Sword
Some people dream of success while other people live to crush those dreams. |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/1/2007 2:02 PM | Bruce Durham said...Ordered my copy. Does a whip come with it? $118 for super fast shipping? Holy Crap!!! I'll stick to regular post, thanks.
I think that for the 118.00 they had better have superman deliver it to your door! I'd stick to regular post, too.
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 11/1/2007 2:04 PM | $118??? If I had that kind of money lying around I'd totally do it just to see what happens.
Maybe they *gasp* point you at the website and say, "THERE IT IS". The fastest shipping of all.
Jordan Lapp
Managing Editor
|
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/1/2007 2:26 PM | | The cover is impressive. The move to offer a hard copy through Lulu is brilliant. I can't wait to read it -- though I must for a sort time.
|
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/1/2007 3:33 PM | | I will be reading the online edition and plan on ordering a Lulu copy in the future. But upon previewing it I must make a suggestion. The block, non-justified paragraphing with a space between each works fine with the online edition, but doesn't look so hot in the hard copy, especially with the space between paragraphs removed.
Unless it is a real hassle, I suggest changing the format to indented, right justified -- standard copy format -- for the Lulu edition. It would look much better and be read easier, I think.
|
| Posted By : James Enge - 11/1/2007 3:44 PM | I agree with all of the above about the cover (superb work) and the Lulu hardcopies (wonderful idea).
I read Steve Goble's Calthus story this AM; typically great stuff. I'm looking forward to reading the rest, but at the moment the Spider God is after me (as the Gray Mouser says somewhere).
James Enge
http://jamesenge.com/
"Turn Up This Crooked Way" (selected by Rich Horton for his "Virtual Best" of 2005) in Black Gate 8
"A Covenant with Death" in Flashing Swords 6
"The Red Worm's Way" in Flashing Swords E-Zine Annual
"A Book of Silences" in Black Gate 10
"The Lawless Hours" in Black Gate 11 |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/1/2007 3:53 PM | Awesome!
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Nik - 11/1/2007 4:30 PM | TRtheJ said...
Unless it is a real hassle, I suggest changing the format to indented, right justified -- standard copy format -- for the Lulu edition. It would look much better and be read easier, I think.
I heartily agree. This would be a major improvement for future hard copy editions. Regardless, I'm buying issue 8.
Nicholas Ian Hawkins
Forthcoming
"Knowledge and Dust," in Magic & Mechanica, from Ricasso Press, Fall 2007
Published
"Relativity," in FLASHSHOT, September 28, 2007
Visit my website, Trampler of Beautiful Phrases, at nihawkins.wordpress.com |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/1/2007 4:31 PM | TRtheJ said...
I will be reading the online edition and plan on ordering a Lulu copy in the future. But upon previewing it I must make a suggestion. The block, non-justified paragraphing with a space between each works fine with the online edition, but doesn't look so hot in the hard copy, especially with the space between paragraphs removed.
Unless it is a real hassle, I suggest changing the format to indented, right justified -- standard copy format -- for the Lulu edition. It would look much better and be read easier, I think.
I'll keep that in mind for the next issue. Thanks :) |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/1/2007 4:32 PM |
:) Thank you, Daniel. That means a great deal to me. |
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/1/2007 5:01 PM |
crystalwizard said...
TRtheJ said...
I will be reading the online edition and plan on ordering a Lulu copy in the future. But upon previewing it I must make a suggestion. The block, non-justified paragraphing with a space between each works fine with the online edition, but doesn't look so hot in the hard copy, especially with the space between paragraphs removed.
Unless it is a real hassle, I suggest changing the format to indented, right justified -- standard copy format -- for the Lulu edition. It would look much better and be read easier, I think. I'll keep that in mind for the next issue. Thanks :) I'm signed up with Lulu -- still writing a novel I plan to publish there -- and am wondering if, after you've opened Flashing Swords Volume 2; Issue 8 for sell, it isn't possible to change the formatting...? It'd sure make the introductory issue more enticing to those interested.
Uh, but for those who have already ordered a copy, there might be crumbles...? Anyway, if a format correction can be done, I'd suggest it. |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/1/2007 5:15 PM | TRtheJ said...crystalwizard said...TRtheJ said...
I will be reading the online edition and plan on ordering a Lulu copy in the future. But upon previewing it I must make a suggestion. The block, non-justified paragraphing with a space between each works fine with the online edition, but doesn't look so hot in the hard copy, especially with the space between paragraphs removed.
Unless it is a real hassle, I suggest changing the format to indented, right justified -- standard copy format -- for the Lulu edition. It would look much better and be read easier, I think.
I'll keep that in mind for the next issue. Thanks :)I'm signed up with Lulu -- still writing a novel I plan to publish there -- and am wondering if, after you've opened Flashing Swords Volume 2; Issue 8 for sell, it isn't possible to change the formatting...? It'd sure make the introductory issue more enticing to those interested. Uh, but for those who have already ordered a copy, there might be crumbles...? Anyway, if a format correction can be done, I'd suggest it. It is, yes, but I don't want to do that with live orders coming in. That'll mess up the production schedule and possibly the delivery dates. It's not a good idea to do revisions like that. |
| Posted By : Dungeoneer - 11/1/2007 6:55 PM | | TO: Crystalwizard and the Forgers of the Flashing Swords
Like WOW! When I first discovered Flashing Swords, it had just, and I mean JUST, left on "indefinite hiatus". Being so pre-occupied with catching up on issues, it took me about a week or so to figure it out. Boy, was I distraught once I did!
Then, to make it worse, a forum thread suggested it might vanish into the ether if some stalwart hero-type didn't step forward and save the day.
And then Crystalwizard came forth. Kinda weird, in a way. I mean, wizard-types are supposed to be into magic, not swords, right? (No offense to Gandalf fans, I got a strong D&D background) But she came forth, just the same, and rallied around herself a band of able and talented partners and companions. A day needed to be saved and, like in any S&S story worth its salt, they set forth to do just that.
They came up with a lot of ideas, all of which looked good on paper (and on screen). Promises were publicly made, boosting everyone's expectations. They promised a lot, increasing the pressure on themselves as people wondered: would they deliver? Could they deliver? Or would the next ish totally suck?
Well, at long last, the New and Improved Flashing Swords, Volume 2, Issue 8 has been released. I have just finished reading it. I can safely say that it, in fact, does NOT suck at all. In fact, its really great! There is action, adventure, and excitement! There are plenty of obligatory swordfights! There are even a few stirring moments in there! There are poems which are very good (despite a lack of rhyming [it's a 'Me' thing]), and a very informative little history lesson!
Or, to make a long story short (too late, I know), ya done good! And to everyone else reading this, you don't have to take my word for it! Check it out for yourselves!
Tim
Flashing Swords' UnOfficial Self-Appointed Token Fan
(until Crystalwizard tell me to cut it out)
|
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/1/2007 7:02 PM | Indeed Tim, it looks great. I'm holding off reading too much until my print copy arrives (didn't go in for that 118 dollar shipping though, I'm not that impatient  )
Have you guys ever thought about losing the 'volume' designation? Does that ever serve a purpose when the issue numbers aren't fixed to it? Just a pointless detail I thought I'd comment pointlessly upon.
Will there be interior illustrations in future print editions (not of this particular issue, but other issues)? I think that would add a great deal to the appeal of purchasing a print edition. Also, will you offer a subscription service and rate?
Glad to hear the same artist will return for the next cover, issue 8 looks really sweet.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/1/2007 7:18 PM |
crystalwizard said...
TRtheJ said...
crystalwizard said...
TRtheJ said...
I will be reading the online edition and plan on ordering a Lulu copy in the future. But upon previewing it I must make a suggestion. The block, non-justified paragraphing with a space between each works fine with the online edition, but doesn't look so hot in the hard copy, especially with the space between paragraphs removed.
Unless it is a real hassle, I suggest changing the format to indented, right justified -- standard copy format -- for the Lulu edition. It would look much better and be read easier, I think.
I'll keep that in mind for the next issue. Thanks :)I'm signed up with Lulu -- still writing a novel I plan to publish there -- and am wondering if, after you've opened Flashing Swords Volume 2; Issue 8 for sell, it isn't possible to change the formatting...? It'd sure make the introductory issue more enticing to those interested. Uh, but for those who have already ordered a copy, there might be crumbles...? Anyway, if a format correction can be done, I'd suggest it. It is, yes, but I don't want to do that with live orders coming in. That'll mess up the production schedule and possibly the delivery dates. It's not a good idea to do revisions like that. Yes, good point. And hey, if orders are coming in, all is good. |
| Posted By : von Darkmoor - 11/1/2007 8:31 PM |
Bill Ward said...Indeed Tim, it looks great. I'm holding off reading too much until my print copy arrives (didn't go in for that 118 dollar shipping though, I'm not that impatient :wink: ) Have you guys ever thought about losing the 'volume' designation? Does that ever serve a purpose when the issue numbers aren't fixed to it? Just a pointless detail I thought I'd comment pointlessly upon. Will there be interior illustrations in future print editions (not of this particular issue, but other issues)? I think that would add a great deal to the appeal of purchasing a print edition. Also, will you offer a subscription service and rate? Glad to hear the same artist will return for the next cover, issue 8 looks really sweet.
Tell you what, Bill - send me a flat $100 and I'll sign it and deliver it right away.
And thanks for reminding me of that 'volume' thing - I wondered that way back when and then promptly forgot about it. I'm with you on pointlessness of it. Good questions, Bill, keep 'em coming.
|
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/1/2007 8:39 PM | |
Okay. Wait a minute. I just ran into something that has me wondering. Not letting it deter my plan to by the hard copy, I downloaded the PDF version of this issue for easier reading and noticed the format of the free PDF download is perfect, though I prefer indented paragraphs, with full justification left and right.
Knowing Lulu prints through PDF files, and assuming a version of the free PDF file was uploaded, I am left to wonder if the preview doesn't represent the actual book offered...?
I apologize for this yammer, but while I know content is the most important thing, I think format comes right up to it 'cause bad formatting, making reading tough, can turn some readers away from that content. I just want Flashing Swords to be successful and I want to help all I can.
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| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/1/2007 10:45 PM | Bill Ward said...
Have you guys ever thought about losing the 'volume' designation? Does that ever serve a purpose when the issue numbers aren't fixed to it? Just a pointless detail I thought I'd comment pointlessly upon.
I had thought about it but wanted to keep it consistant with what it was previously. However since this is the last issue for vol 2 (4 issues per vol.) we can lose it with the next issue and it won't hurt my feelings one bit.
How does the readership feel about that?
Bill Ward said...
Will there be interior illustrations in future print editions (not of this particular issue, but other issues)? I think that would add a great deal to the appeal of purchasing a print edition.
I dunno. Maybe. Let me see how the deadlines fall into place after this next issue. we're only going to have 4 weeks between deciding on what goes in and the issue going live. Let me get past that point and I'll see.
Bill Ward said...
Also, will you offer a subscription service and rate?
Hadn't thought about it.
So: Comments from everyone else on Bill's question?
Bill Ward said...
Glad to hear the same artist will return for the next cover, issue 8 looks really sweet.
:) Thanks. I'll pass the message on to her.
Kelly |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/1/2007 10:49 PM | TRtheJ said...
Okay. Wait a minute. I just ran into something that has me wondering. Not letting it deter my plan to by the hard copy, I downloaded the PDF version of this issue for easier reading and noticed the format of the free PDF download is perfect, though I prefer indented paragraphs, with full justification left and right.
Knowing Lulu prints through PDF files, and assuming a version of the free PDF file was uploaded, I am left to wonder if the preview doesn't represent the actual book offered...?
Remember that Lulu also runs the uploaded .pdf's through their own processor. The .pdf you downloaded is exactly the same one I uploaded to Lulu. And the proof copy I got looked fine. Maybe their free preview does something strange to the text like you are suggesting. I dunno.
TRtheJ said...
I apologize for this yammer, but while I know content is the most important thing, I think format comes right up to it 'cause bad formatting, making reading tough, can turn some readers away from that content. I just want Flashing Swords to be successful and I want to help all I can.
nothing to apologize for. If I didn't want feedback, I wouldn't have asked for it.
And one way you can help is by getting everyone you know, and that includes your local library, interested in getting a copy of the magazine.
Kelly |
| Posted By : MichaelEhart - 11/1/2007 10:53 PM | Finished the magazine tonight. Thanks, CW, for including me in this fine project.
No one can claim that S&S is dead when there are writers out there like SC Bryce, Mike Turner, Steve Goble and TW Williams spinning tales like these. The poetry was a treat, too--- good work Jason and Mike. And I am always down for a little history with my S&S--- McCullough was quite readable. The interviews were fun, especially the one of Ralan.
Good job on the resurrection of a favorite!
Buy my book!
The Servant of the Manthycore available Nov. 17th from DEP
Illustrated by Rachel Marks, with an introduction by Michael Moorcock
Read me in 2007!
"The View From the Shotglass Floor" Ray Gun Revival, Feb 2007
"Voice of the Spoiler" The Sword Review, June 2007
"Servant of the Manthycore" The Sword Review, July 2007
"Darkling I Listen; and for Many a Time" Fear and Trembling, coming soon!
"Weaving Spiders Come Not Here" The Sword Review, August 2007
"Six Zombies Doing That Mick Jagger Strut" Damned in Dixie, Summer 2007
"Nothing But Our Tears" The Sword Review, September 2007
"Night of Shadows, Night of Knives" Magic and Mechanica, Fall 2007
"The Scarlet Colored Beast" The Sword Review, October 2007
"The Stars by Law, Forbidden" Unparalleled Journeys II, November 2007
"Who Comes for the Mother's Fruit" Every Day Fiction, November 2007
"Stand, Stand, Shall They Cry" Flashing Swords, November 2007
|
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/2/2007 12:41 AM | MichaelEhart said...
Finished the magazine tonight. Thanks, CW, for including me in this fine project.
No one can claim that S&S is dead when there are writers out there like SC Bryce, Mike Turner, Steve Goble and TW Williams spinning tales like these. The poetry was a treat, too--- good work Jason and Mike. And I am always down for a little history with my S&S--- McCullough was quite readable. The interviews were fun, especially the one of Ralan.
Good job on the resurrection of a favorite!
Thanks for the compliment Mike :)
Joe McCullough will have a regular contribution in every issue. It'll be non-fiction historical along the same lines as the article in this one. About the same length, as well.
I liked the interviews too :) I really enjoyed meeting Maggie at Fencon and I'm hoping she'll submit a story to FS. She said she would, she hasn't yet.
>No one can claim that S&S is dead
No, that claim can not be made. Not realistically, at least.
How does everyone feel about the length of this issue? Was it too long? Not long enough? Just about right?
Kelly
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : von Darkmoor - 11/2/2007 9:31 AM | | Too short!
Oh, should I be voting on this . . . 
Thank you, Michael, for your considerate praise of all of the work in this issue. I do believe, however, you forgot to praise the main piece. What's up with that?
|
| Posted By : Dungeoneer - 11/2/2007 10:07 AM |
von Darkmoor said...Hey, thanks Tim! Awfully nice of you to say so. What is that now, 40 of your 42 posts here in the Flashing Swords thread?  
You're welcome, of course! And I thought it was 39 out of 42 (which would make this one 40 out of 43). Not good enough? Sorry, Chief, I'll try and up my ratio to your advantage. ;)
I just had a really pertinent question more suitable to another thread!
Tim |
| Posted By : Bruce Durham - 11/2/2007 11:14 AM | I second the call for a subscription rate and perhaps a bulk purchase rate for X-Mas gifts or selling at cons. Or for wallpapering...
For $118 I'd prefer to have Ironman deliver it over Superman. But then, if vD volunteers I'll even stand him a beer or three...
Come visit the Community Forums of CPI's Official Site of Conan author Robert E. Howard
Recently published: Marathon in Issue #10 of Paradox, Kalini Steel in Freehold: Southern Storm, Fool's Treasure in Freehold: The Protector and Old Havana in When the World Runs Thin
Upcoming: Night of the Meld in Flashing Swords #9 and Valley of Bones in Return of the Sword
Some people dream of success while other people live to crush those dreams. |
| Posted By : Nik - 11/2/2007 11:29 AM | My two cents:
I'd subscribe; I'm going to buy every issue anyway, so it would be nice to see a reward for loyal readers (i.e., a discount for subscribing).
From a reader's perspective, I also recommend either scrapping the volume designation or using it as it is intended for a quarterly pub: one volume per year, each with issues 1-4. By my count, this last issue ended Volume 2, and you could start with Volume 3, Issue 1 with the next publication. Or you could just go with Issue 9--which might be easier.
But hey, I'm just glad to see FS alive and kicking, so do what you like as long as you keep throwing sword and sorcery tales at us.
Nicholas Ian Hawkins
Forthcoming
"Knowledge and Dust," in Magic & Mechanica, from Ricasso Press, Fall 2007
Published
"Relativity," in FLASHSHOT, September 28, 2007
Visit my website, Trampler of Beautiful Phrases, at nihawkins.wordpress.com |
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/2/2007 12:04 PM | Since this discussion of the Volume/Issue popped up I did a little research, a.k.a. leafed through some fiction magazines. What I discovered was something like this: Issue 345 Vol. 62; No. 3.
So you have 3 numbers per issue. So so if you keep the volume, which designates a year of publication, simply number each 1 to 4 and add the issue number. Therefore this would be: Issue 8 Vol. 2; No. 4.
|
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 11/2/2007 12:10 PM | Ugh. Just go with the comic book naming convention. Amazing Spiderman's up to number 400 hundred (or higher, who know?) and it hasn't confused anybody.
Jordan Lapp
Managing Editor
|
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/2/2007 12:35 PM |
Jordan Lapp said...Ugh. Just go with the comic book naming convention. Amazing Spiderman's up to number 400 hundred (or higher, who know?) and it hasn't confused anybody.
Marvel has gone back to conventional numbering?! A while back I was in a comic shop I saw Iron Man (a comic book that's been around since the 1960's) No. 5 on the stand. So I asked the vender what was up with that and he told me Marvel had decided to run series in slots of something like 30 issues. That way you get endless runs of collector desired No. 1's.  If Marvel's gone back to proper numbering, cool.
The way to do a proper, less confusing, "issue volume; number" is what the magazines I leafed through do. On the cover you have: Issue 8. And between the magazine name and the contents on the content page you have: Issue 8 Vol. 2; No. 4. |
| Posted By : von Darkmoor - 11/2/2007 12:48 PM |
TRtheJ said...
So you have 3 numbers per issue. So so if you keep the volume, which designates a year of publication, simply number each 1 to 4 and add the issue number. Therefore this would be: Issue 8 Vol. 2; No. 4. This I like.
|
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 11/2/2007 12:57 PM | | I haven't followed comics in a while. But, jason, you're seriously going to ADD another number???
Managing Editor
|
| Posted By : von Darkmoor - 11/2/2007 12:59 PM | not my call, but I'd vote for it. I use the Vol & No (properly) on my WWII journal right now. I like having the ability to know at a glance what issue in what year and how long it's been around. I know others don't, but it's a small enough, or at least can be a small enough, piece of text as to be easily ignored by those who don't wish to read it
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| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/2/2007 1:26 PM | *runs 15 different numbers across the banner of the next issue and let's you guess what they all mean*
Enough. Please. We're not going with the comic book numbering system or getting complex.
I'll give you guys these choices to pick from:
We will continue with the current designation:
Vol X, Issue X
Vol. will increment by 1 number each year.
Issue will increment by 1 number each issue
(so 2008 would be Vol. 3, issue's 9, 10, 11, 12)
OR
We can go to a Yearly Quarter numbering system:
1st quarter, 2008
2nd quarter, 2008
OR
We can go to a date driving system:
Feb. 1, 2008
May 1, 2008
Or we can just go to an issue number and drop everything else:
Issue 9
Issue 10
Issue 11
You've got 2 months to vote and give me feed back to take to the editorial team for final decisions.
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 1:29 PM | I like having the ability to know at a glance what issue in what year and how long it's been around.
***
I agree. Although Jordan's idea is simpler which is good, the standard in scholarly journals is always with Vol. and issue #. As a reviewer of short fiction, I found it easiest when *both* were included, so I cold type #303 or whatever in my column but I could easily scan the covers (or links) through the archives.
So you'd have whole number 303 (an agregate count) and volume issue number (a reference count).
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 1:39 PM | | You include a whole number (overall number of issues that have been published) so right now FS is assembling issue #9 vol3. issue 1. since it is a quarterly. You'd just make the issue number(s) look like this:
Flashing Swords Vol. 3, issue 1, # 9. Or Flashing Swords Vol. 3.1 #9. Or even FS 3.1 #9.
That way, a reviewer can easily find generically "volume 1" to preuse the earliest stories, but not have to type such a long issue number over and over again in the eventual review or essay or critique or whatever. You can just type "issue 9" or "#9".
By contrast a whole number counting -- without the volume/issue reference number -- gets confucsing to reviewers or collectors becuaswe they have to do a little math: "let's see: issue 3 of volume two makes, what's that? whole numebr # 7? Or was that 6? Arrggh!"
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/2/2007 1:42 PM | I don't see any fiction magazines using a volume system*, and FS is far from being a scholarly journal, it is not a reference work. While I can understand the initial use of it to some extent, I think one of the things FS wants to do is present a slick, contemporary, appealing package: useless volume designations aren't a part of a contemporary vision in my opinion.
And who knows if the quarterly schedule will hold? In my opinion simpler is better, for publishers and readers both, and there isn't really any reason for FS to have an idiosyncratic numbering system that differs from 90 percent of what's out there.
*Other than in the fine print on the inside cover where it doesn't confuse anyone, similar to the aforementioned Issue 8, Vol 2 kind of thing. They just aren't put on the front cover.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 1:45 PM | useless volume designations aren't a part of a contemporary vision in my opinion.
***
It actually helps reviewers and collectors, though.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 1:49 PM | Plus, when you are doing a quarterly, it easily allows people to see right away whether the quarterly issues are being published on schedule.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/2/2007 1:52 PM | Well, useless only in the sense that it doesn't need to be part of the cover designation of the volume, as it doesn't actually 'modify' the issue number. Nobody says 'check out my story in volume 2 issue 7 of FS.' they just say issue 7.
If it has an archival use I can understand using it in some unobtrusive way, although I'm still not convinced its *that* useful even to reviewers: why can't they just refer to or search the issues like most people do already, ie. just by looking for or talking about issue 7.
It does help with quarterlies on schedule, but that's two edged: what if FS slips an issue or two out of whack? What if they want to change their schedule in some other way, like release a special issue, or switch to a different format, etc. I think losing volume would give them more flexibility for the future.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 1:53 PM | useless volume designations aren't a part of a contemporary vision in my opinion.
***
Dude no-one who isn't looking for these numbers is going to pay any attention to them. And they are far from useless.
Having *only* a whole number is useless because it doesn't show anything to the observer about the 'zine being quarterly or whatever. I mean collectors and reviewers, mainly.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 1:55 PM | why can't they just refer to or search the issues like most people do already, ie. just by looking for or talking about issue 7.
***
Apparently you've never been a short fiction reviewer! When you are inundated with hundreds and hundreds of zines and pubs and issues, it really helps. At a glnce I can recall: this is a quarterl zine, the issue I am referring to is from yyear 1 or year 2, etc. I want something before or later. Whole issue numbers don't tell me that: I'm saying: is this bi-monthly, quarterly.
And, in fact, any publisher should make it as *easy* as possible for reviewers to work with their pubs. Any little bit helps.
Additionally, it is usually wise to put enough info: short story synopsi, author info, and even partial reviews in easy grab n' get mode for reviewers.
Who are some of the most overworked and undervalued peeps in the biz.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/2/2007 1:59 PM | OK, it doesn't show it as a quarterly, but as I say what if that changes?
As far as no one looking for them paying attention to them I agree for the most part (and I also think the issue isn't tremendously important, despite the words we are expending on it), but I think they have the potential to confuse people who are wondering where the first four issues in volume two went, etc. that don't realize how the system is set up.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/2/2007 2:02 PM | Daniel said...
Apparently you've never been a short fiction reviewer! When you are inundated with hundreds and hundreds of zines and pubs and issues, it really helps. At a glnce I can recall: this is a quarterl zine, the issue I am referring to is from yyear 1 or year 2, etc. I want something before or later. Whole issue numbers don't tell me that: I'm saying: is this bi-monthly, quarterly.
OK, those are good reasons I hadn't considered. But wouldn't a less obtrusive volume designation serve the same purpose? Also, is it only quarterlies that utilize 'volume?'
Furthermore, I do still think the ability to change from quarterly to something else in the future is something to think about.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 2:05 PM | Technically you should remain faithful to the calnder. Or why have a quarterly. If you miss an issue it will show up in the whole number by contrast with the volume/issue number.
So if you missed an issue, you could have, say, Vol. 3.3 #10, rather than #11. But if you just scrap the calender and call the issues "quarterly' no matter when they come out, no number system will be meaningful at all.
If you just want to use whole numbers and not designate quarterly issues, then your pub is not a quarterly: it is 'irregularly" published.
I think that's an important distinction for readers, collectors, reviewers, and potential submitters.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 2:17 PM | Plus you can keep track of subscriptions and subscribers can keep track of issues they are due by whole numbers and see whether issues are coming on a quarterly or irregular schedule. instead of tracking how long someone has subscribed you track the whole number issues they are entitled to....
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 2:23 PM | My last thought here: coming out ON TIME is the most important thing for any periodical. Especially a quarterly. You HAVE to go by the calendar. If the issue is not ready by the calendar date, better to miss an issue than screw up the quartlery schedule. That is the whole point of the numbering system; to easily demonstrate whether quarterly issues are being fulfilled. Whole number contrasted with vol/issue allows this at a glance.
It is far better to miss an issue completely than to publish one off-schedule.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 11/2/2007 2:26 PM |
Daniel said...
It is far better to miss an issue completely than to publish one off-schedule. Really? Why? Just curious.
Jordan Lapp
Managing Editor
|
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 2:31 PM | |
There's lots of reasons, Jordan. I'll just scratch teh surface here:
To begin with the whole idea of a periodical is that it is fresh. If you are late it is like delivering stale cookies to a party that's already over. People are thinking: "I want the *latest* stuff." If they are subscribers part of the reason they subscribed is to get 1st class treatment. Late issues are like getting a table next to the dumpster, in dining terms. Or coach in flight.
Secondly, if you forsake adherence to the calendar and still call yourself a quarterly, you look really unprofessional. And it gets extremely disheartening to everyone involved feeling the sustained paucity of lag.
America loves winners not Johnny comelately's.
As far as commerciality goes: quarterlies are a scholarly format for a *reason* it is a non-commerical mode. You are dealing with a format which is so slow compared to the rest of commercial entertainment you are going to be "scholarly" whether you want to be or not. The quarterly is a risky format for fiction magazines in commercial terms.
I mean "hot and slick adncommercial" every 3 months?
A whole new *product* every 3 months, maybe. That would have enough acceleration to be considered slick and commercial. I don't believe the slick and comemrcial quarterly has ever found much traction.
A pub like FS doesn't have to be afraid of its format or what have you -- there is great potential for it, but I wouldn't say slick and commercial are the only -- or even prevailing -- elements that will make it work.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 2:44 PM | On the flip side: when you miss an issue every subscriber's subscription is extended in time further down the road and they can but a back-issue or antho to hold them over (you offer 'em a rock bottom discount or even a freebie as an apology for missing the issue). You'll still be fulfilling your subscribers' orders eventually. You'll still be getting good word-of-mouth. You can save expenses if you really need to. You just: miss an issue. No big deal as long as it doesn't happen very often. That kicks the expenses down the road allows for a rallying time.
Lagging will kill suck at your soul. Trying to catch-up will kill you.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/2/2007 2:50 PM | Daniel said...
My last thought here: coming out ON TIME is the most important thing for any periodical. Especially a quarterly. You HAVE to go by the calendar. If the issue is not ready by the calendar date, better to miss an issue than screw up the quartlery schedule. That is the whole point of the numbering system; to easily demonstrate whether quarterly issues are being fulfilled. Whole number contrasted with vol/issue allows this at a glance.
It is far better to miss an issue completely than to publish one off-schedule.
Yep. And that's why we went live with the new issue as close to midnight on Nov. 1 as posible. I have every intention of following that pattern. The idea of publishing off schedule makes me shudder. I don't want that kind of unreliable reputation.
I'd miss the issue if I had to, but I don't want to have to. |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 2:51 PM | You are doing great CW!!! Let me admit: I had no vision for FS -- but also admittedly no time to prepare one! -- and it showed. Your vision is spectcularly cool. I am like a kid in a candy store over there lately.
Thank you so much for rescuing this venue.
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 11/2/2007 2:56 PM | Here here!
Jordan Lapp
Managing Editor
|
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/2/2007 3:06 PM | I have never been "confused" by the Volume 2, Issue 8 on Flashing Swords cover. Admittedly, it is different from any other magazine I read, but what's confusing about it? We're, by issue number, reading the last issue of Volume 2, which designates Flashing Swords "second year" of publishing.
Though I know it's not an option, again, on the cover should by only Issue 8 and inside either with the copyright or on the contents page Issue 8 Vol. 2; No. 4. Since I last visited the forum I have found this in every magazine I've looked in. And it's been that way as far back as I can remember. The purpose: At the end of each year, magazines collect every issue of that year and have them bound into Volumes for themselves and libraries. Or at least the used to 'cause I remember seeing such volumes when researching papers in school -- a while ago.
By the way, even comic books used Issue Vol.;No. and probably still do.
Anyway, as Daniel said, most readers don't even pay attention to such things. So while I'm a stickler and would like to see it done properly, if it continues as -- Volume 2, Issue 8 -- on the cover that's fine. I vote leave it as is, even though... |
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/2/2007 3:08 PM |
Daniel said...You are doing great CW!!! Let me admit: I had no vision for FS -- but also admittedly no time to prepare one! -- and it showed. Your vision is spectcularly cool. I am like a kid in a candy store over there lately. Thank you so much for rescuing this venue.
I agree. |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/2/2007 3:12 PM | Daniel said...
You are doing great CW!!! Let me admit: I had no vision for FS -- but also admittedly no time to prepare one! -- and it showed. Your vision is spectcularly cool. I am like a kid in a candy store over there lately.
Thank you so much for rescuing this venue.
:) You're welcome Daniel and thank you for the compliment.
It's not just me though, remember, there's a team behind this and I depend heavily on their input. The pats on the backs to go all of them too. |
| Posted By : Daniel - 11/2/2007 3:14 PM | Cheers to (and for) the FS staff!!!!
<CW, being the big-wig there's like being a quarterback, you'll get all the props and heckles, too from bystanders lke me who don't have enough of an attention span to actually read the FS masthead
"Art is the celebration of the ego's destruction."
Daniel |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/2/2007 4:27 PM | Daniel said...Cheers to (and for) the FS staff!!!! <CW, being the big-wig there's like being a quarterback, you'll get all the props and heckles, too from bystanders lke me who don't have enough of an attention span to actually read the FS masthead
:) and I don't mind taking the blame, but I do want my staff to get recognition for their work as well. There wouldn't be a magazine without them.
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : Bruce Durham - 11/3/2007 10:58 AM | crystalwizard said...
:) and I don't mind taking the blame, but I do want my staff to get recognition for their work as well. There wouldn't be a magazine without them.
Indeed. The entire staff of FS has to be commended for relaunching this great publication.
Come visit the Community Forums of CPI's Official Site of Conan author Robert E. Howard
Recently published: Marathon in Issue #10 of Paradox, Kalini Steel in Freehold: Southern Storm, Fool's Treasure in Freehold: The Protector and Old Havana in When the World Runs Thin
Upcoming: Night of the Meld in Flashing Swords #9 and Valley of Bones in Return of the Sword
Some people dream of success while other people live to crush those dreams. |
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/4/2007 2:41 PM | | I just finished reading this issue. A very good read indeed. Good stories, good action with a little good poetry to spice it up. Two good interviews and a touch of history.
Did I mention it was good?
Anyway, I enjoyed it. Thank you. I look forward to future issues. |
| Posted By : Despiciblus - 11/4/2007 5:03 PM | The new issue of FS was fantastic, and is clearly a labor of love. I’m looking forward to the next issue.  |
| Posted By : jonesha - 11/4/2007 8:33 PM | hello all,
I just got back from the World Fantasy Con and saw that the new issue had posted! Congratulations! I look forward to reading it.
Best wishes,
Howard
Managing Editor Black Gate |
| Posted By : DraperJC - 11/5/2007 10:02 AM | Fans of Michael Ehart's story about the Servant of the Manthycore can read my interview with him on my blog. It's running all week.
Joshua 24:15b "As for me and my house..."
http://scriptoriusrex.blogspot.com |
| Posted By : jonesha - 11/7/2007 2:48 PM | Thanks, Kelly. I came back sick, but had a great time. Anyone who wants a REALLY detailed report can find it here, on the Black Gate blog:
http://bg-editor.livejournal.com/11359.html
I hope to steal time to read the new issue soon!
Howard
Managing Editor Black Gate |
| Posted By : Nik - 11/12/2007 12:19 PM | I received the print edition of Flashing Swords this weekend. I've almost completed it already. The cover and layout look great, and the content is even better. Well done.
Nicholas Ian Hawkins
Forthcoming
"Knowledge and Dust," in Magic & Mechanica, from Ricasso Press, Fall 2007
Published
"Relativity," in FLASHSHOT, September 28, 2007
Visit my website, Trampler of Beautiful Phrases, at nihawkins.wordpress.com |
| Posted By : von Darkmoor - 11/12/2007 12:49 PM | Great to know, Nik, thanks for the update!
|
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/12/2007 1:40 PM | Nik said...
I received the print edition of Flashing Swords this weekend. I've almost completed it already. The cover and layout look great, and the content is even better. Well done.
:) Thanks, Nik. Compliment much appreciated.
I'm curious what your favorite part of this issue is? |
| Posted By : Nik - 11/12/2007 6:27 PM | crystalwizard said...
I'm curious what your favorite part of this issue is?
Ah, it's specific feedback you want.
I guess what I liked best was the variety. The majority was short fiction, as it should be, but I liked the inclusion of a little poetry, an interview with someone in the business, and a non-fiction article on a topic readers and writers of sword and sorcery or historical swashbuckling (and the other genres Flashing Swords publishes) will enjoy.
I also think it's right about the perfect length, too. It's a relatively quick read, readers don't feel like they're hefting a novel or a giant anthology, and it also seems manageable for you and the other editors so you can stay on a quarterly schedule without going bonkers.
Nicholas Ian Hawkins
Forthcoming
"Knowledge and Dust," in Magic & Mechanica, from Ricasso Press, Fall 2007
Published
"Relativity," in FLASHSHOT, September 28, 2007
Visit my website, Trampler of Beautiful Phrases, at nihawkins.wordpress.com |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/12/2007 7:03 PM | I've read my hardcopy too, very nice issue and I enjoyed the variety.
What I'd like to see in future issues if practicable:
A more optimal print layout: ie. narrower margins and standard paragraph indents w/o the space between paras
Perhaps the inclusion of reviews or similar non-fiction (the promise of McCullough's continuing historical articles is great)
Perhaps interior illustrations or other graphical flourishes of some kind, to add a little visual variety
Overall a great return to form and promise of future goodness from FS, congrats to the whole team for a job well done.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/12/2007 8:52 PM | Bill Ward said...
I've read my hardcopy too, very nice issue and I enjoyed the variety.
What I'd like to see in future issues if practicable:
A more optimal print layout: ie. narrower margins and standard paragraph indents w/o the space between paras
Perhaps the inclusion of reviews or similar non-fiction (the promise of McCullough's continuing historical articles is great)
Perhaps interior illustrations or other graphical flourishes of some kind, to add a little visual variety
Overall a great return to form and promise of future goodness from FS, congrats to the whole team for a job well done.
I intend to include at least 1, if not two, interviews in each issue and there will be at least one article from Joe in each issue as well.
Layout is open to change, and I think I'd like to know what the readership in general would prefer so I'll start a poll for that in this forum.
Interior illustrations might be hard. That requires either a very fast artist or being able to decide on at least 1 story before the end of the reading period. We'll see. |
| Posted By : Dan Nelson - 11/14/2007 11:55 PM | Hi,
I was wondering how many print copies of issue #8 yu have sold. Is that proving to be a viable option for future issues?
Also, have any of the stories in issue #8 been published before?
|
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/15/2007 12:16 AM | Hi Dan,
I don't have a count of how many have been sold at present, just a rough estimate of some where between 3 and 10. it's only been available for 14 days so yes, I'd say it's proving to be a good option. And since it costs me absolutely noting but time to provide it by using lulu, why not make it available to those that want it?
When issue #9 comes out, it'll replace #8 so anyone that wants a hard copy of 8 had better get it before Feb. 1.
Some of the stories in #8 are reprints and some are not.
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : Swashbuckler - 11/15/2007 12:43 AM | Dan: My Calthus story, "The Gods-forsaken World," originally appeared in GrendelSong No. 2. The version in Flashing Swords restores a wee bit of text cut from the GrendelSong version, but it's essentially the same piece.
Steve Goble
Visit my blog, Swords Against Boredom, for news on published fiction and upcoming stories. |
| Posted By : che2000 - 11/15/2007 11:27 AM | Just finished the new issue - wonderful, wonderful stuff.
"It's Doctor Evil, I didn't spend six years in Evil Medical School to be called "mister," thank you very much." |
| Posted By : SC Bryce - 11/15/2007 12:06 PM | Got my print copy (I prefer reading paper rather than on-line). I like the format a lot.
SC Bryce
www.SCBryce.com |
| Posted By : Dan Nelson - 11/15/2007 1:55 PM | I thought the title sounded familiar. My memory is going.
Swashbuckler said...Dan: My Calthus story, "The Gods-forsaken World," originally appeared in GrendelSong No. 2. The version in Flashing Swords restores a wee bit of text cut from the GrendelSong version, but it's essentially the same piece.
|
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/17/2007 1:00 PM |
crystalwizard said...Hi Dan, I don't have a count of how many have been sold at present, just a rough estimate of some where between 3 and 10. it's only been available for 14 days so yes, I'd say it's proving to be a good option. And since it costs me absolutely noting but time to provide it by using lulu, why not make it available to those that want it? When issue #9 comes out, it'll replace #8 so anyone that wants a hard copy of 8 had better get it before Feb. 1. Some of the stories in #8 are reprints and some are not.
Wouldn't it be a good idea to keep issue 8 available after issue 9 comes out? I mean as long as it is available it could sell. |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/18/2007 2:32 AM | TRtheJ said...crystalwizard said...
Hi Dan,
I don't have a count of how many have been sold at present, just a rough estimate of some where between 3 and 10. it's only been available for 14 days so yes, I'd say it's proving to be a good option. And since it costs me absolutely noting but time to provide it by using lulu, why not make it available to those that want it?
When issue #9 comes out, it'll replace #8 so anyone that wants a hard copy of 8 had better get it before Feb. 1.
Some of the stories in #8 are reprints and some are not.
Wouldn't it be a good idea to keep issue 8 available after issue 9 comes out? I mean as long as it is available it could sell. It'll be available to download online. It won't be available in print. We're a traditional magazine. |
| Posted By : gwthomas21 - 11/19/2007 10:07 AM | I think adding more interviews and non-fiction is a nice touch. I love stories but I love talking about S&S too.
GW
G. W. Thomas has appeared in over 350 different books, magazines and ezines including Writer's Digest, The Armchair Detective and Black October Magazine. He draws the web comic CHUCK THE PENGUIN. His website is www.gwthomas.org |
| Posted By : TRtheJ - 11/19/2007 1:59 PM |
crystalwizard said...
TRtheJ said...
crystalwizard said...
Hi Dan,
I don't have a count of how many have been sold at present, just a rough estimate of some where between 3 and 10. it's only been available for 14 days so yes, I'd say it's proving to be a good option. And since it costs me absolutely noting but time to provide it by using lulu, why not make it available to those that want it?
When issue #9 comes out, it'll replace #8 so anyone that wants a hard copy of 8 had better get it before Feb. 1.
Some of the stories in #8 are reprints and some are not.
Wouldn't it be a good idea to keep issue 8 available after issue 9 comes out? I mean as long as it is available it could sell. It'll be available to download online. It won't be available in print. We're a traditional magazine. A traditional magazine? Cool. And an honorable idea. I was simply looking at it in terms of a restarting e-zine which is asking for donations to keep running. By leaving past issues available, there is always a chance of selling them. Even established fiction magazines like Weird Tales do it. True, it is and will be available on the site, but some -- many readers, I'm sure, would like a copy they can hold, carry with them rather than having to be pinned down to their computer, if they had the option. Just a suggestion. |
| Posted By : SC Bryce - 11/19/2007 2:38 PM | I like having back issues available too. I'm a regular purchaser of them. Black Gate, for example, I discovered late and ended up buying all the back issues.
SC Bryce
www.SCBryce.com |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 11/19/2007 2:52 PM | Our contracts don't allow us to keep the magazine in print forever. They don't even allow us the right to keep the stories archived on the website for more than a year. After a year, the author can (and a couple have) request that their story come down.
Were we doing a large print run, there would be back issues to sell We're not. So, unfortunately, there won't be any back issues to sell.
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/19/2007 3:58 PM | You should put that info somewhere on the FS frontpage so that wafflers might be motivated to buy the current issues before they disappear. I think a lot of people would just assume because its POD they could always buy it at some future date if they wanted to have a collection.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : SC Bryce - 11/20/2007 7:29 PM | crystalwizard said...
Our contracts don't allow us to keep the magazine in print forever. They don't even allow us the right to keep the stories archived on the website for more than a year. After a year, the author can (and a couple have) request that their story come down.
Were we doing a large print run, there would be back issues to sell We're not. So, unfortunately, there won't be any back issues to sell.
Hadn't thought of that.
SC Bryce
www.SCBryce.com |
| Posted By : Bill Ward - 11/20/2007 8:59 PM | crystalwizard said...
Clear Cache, reload our home page, and tell me what you think, please.
Ah, was it there all along? Then what I meant to say was 'make it bigger.'
All the more reason to get multiple copies if your work is featured in the magazine, or if you are in the mood to speculate on the rising currency of various authors therein.
billwardwriter.com |
| Posted By : Dan Nelson - 12/3/2007 9:25 PM | I just finished my print version of issue #8. It felt way too short for $10. Even the stories seemed to be over too soon. The stories were good and interesting but then, bam, they were done. Like the story by Mr. Turner, the atmosphere was building and I felt like a lot was going to be happening then I discovered that I was at the end of the story. Something happened and the story was good but I felt like it could have been more. The issue as a whole felt that way. Overall, everything was consistently good. Maybe it was the page turning since the amount of words on one page in that format is not a lot so it feels like you are whipping through it.
crystalwizard said...Hi Dan, I don't have a count of how many have been sold at present, just a rough estimate of some where between 3 and 10. it's only been available for 14 days so yes, I'd say it's proving to be a good option. And since it costs me absolutely noting but time to provide it by using lulu, why not make it available to those that want it? When issue #9 comes out, it'll replace #8 so anyone that wants a hard copy of 8 had better get it before Feb. 1. Some of the stories in #8 are reprints and some are not.
Dan Nelson
King of Nothing and Emperor of Emptiness but things aren't really that bad. (-: |
| Posted By : Dan Nelson - 12/3/2007 9:30 PM | Stand, Stand, Shall They Cry was my favorite this issue. The characters seem full of potential.
While I whined about the length I think overall there was pretty good characterization in the stories this issue.
Dan Nelson
King of Nothing and Emperor of Emptiness but things aren't really that bad. (-: |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 12/3/2007 11:46 PM | Dan Nelson said...
I just finished my print version of issue #8. It felt way too short for $10. Even the stories seemed to be over too soon. The stories were good and interesting but then, bam, they were done. Like the story by Mr. Turner, the atmosphere was building and I felt like a lot was going to be happening then I discovered that I was at the end of the story. Something happened and the story was good but I felt like it could have been more. The issue as a whole felt that way. Overall, everything was consistently good. Maybe it was the page turning since the amount of words on one page in that format is not a lot so it feels like you are whipping through it.
:) sounds like you'll enjoy issue #9 then, it'll be around 10K words longer. I'm glad to know it kept you turning pages, wanting more. I'd much rather hear that, than have you tell me it was too long and bored you to sleep |
| Posted By : darkbow - 12/4/2007 12:53 AM | I'm thinking it's a good thing when you're leaving them wanting more.
www.tyjohnston.blogspot.com
"Hot Off the Press" available in Ray Gun Revival #25.
"Deep in the Land of the Ice and Snow" upcoming in the Flashing Swords anthology, "The Return of the Sword: A New Age of Heroic Adventure." |
| Posted By : Dan Nelson - 12/4/2007 1:57 AM | Seriously though. I know we are talking short stories and I don't want to imply that these were not good stories but I just had the feeling they would have been great stories had they been two act plays. Maybe I am just a novella kind of guy.
Dan Nelson
King of Nothing and Emperor of Emptiness but things aren't really that bad. (-: |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 12/4/2007 2:02 AM | Dan, I agree with you. most of the stories would be very nice if expanded, but then FS couldn't publish them. They'd be too long. However, unfortunately, FS publishes what most other magazines publish. Short Stories. Which are, by definition... short.
Never meddle in the affairs of a wizard unless you are soggy and hard to light!
Managing Editor of Flashing Swords
Visit my art gallery on art wanted
All my books in print |
| Posted By : erazmus - 12/4/2007 3:58 PM | I agree with what Dan said about Jewel. When writing it one of the problems I had was getting an Arabesce Fairy tale in at something resembling a modern publishable length. In reviewing the source material that inspired me to write this, The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night by Mardrus and Mathers (lacking a copy of the full Burton in the house) I noted that most of the tales of Sherazade run much longer than what is considered a "short story" these days. I eliminated the "telling" format, which helped a great deal, but cut down drasticly on the set-up used in telling tales in this style.
Originally what I had intended included much more on Al-San's situation, and perhaps I reduced this too far. Okay, honestly I eviserated this aspect of the tale and should have gone back and repaired the damage. The markets for a thirty-five hundred word story are many, the ones for a seventeen thousand word one are few. That is no excuse for not following the story instead of the markets. Probably I would have repaired this had I not done much of my cutting of this one while it was in outline form.
Live and learn.
Mike
Michael D. Turner
"Psyched Up" in _Turn the other Chick_-ed. E. Friesner-Baen books
www.baen.com
"Dutchman Rescue"in Continuum SF #6
www.continuumsciencefiction.com/orders.htm
"An Incident at Black Tongue Tavern" in _Bash Down the Door and Slice Open the Badguy_ from Fantasist Enterprises:
www.fantasistent.com/books/anthologies/BASH.php
"Stains" in Tales of the Talisman 3-1 www.zianet.com/hadrosaur/index.html
"Slushpiles" in Between the Kisses
www.samsdotpublishing.com/betweenkisses/TurnerSlushPileS.htm |
| Posted By : Dan Nelson - 12/4/2007 4:19 PM | Well, better a short story being read then a longer tale languishing in a crypt!
Dan Nelson
King of Nothing and Emperor of Emptiness but things aren't really that bad. (-: |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 12/4/2007 4:52 PM | erazmus said...
But that is a hard. cold comfort at three AM when your using duotroupe to find a place to send a story that hasn't all ready rejected it.
Mike
if everyone is rejecting a story, perhaps you didn't tell it right. Maybe it's supposed to be a chapter in a larger work. Maybe it needs to be part of a collection and put out in a book. Maybe it needs to be cut way down and turned into flash. If you're the only one that likes it, that should tell you that you are missing the audience with your arrows. |
| Posted By : Jordan Lapp - 12/4/2007 4:53 PM | Or, like some of my trunk pieces, that it HAS no audience (other than Mom. Hi Mom!)
Jordan Lapp
Managing Editor
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| Posted By : erazmus - 12/4/2007 5:04 PM | Or that it just isn't that stories time. I've sold stories to good markets that had languished in slush piles for years. I seldom go back and rework a story unless asked to, until I've exhasted the places I'd like to see a story. Sometimes its just a matter of getting a given story in front of the right editor at the right time.
Its funny, one story I had and couldn't place eventually sold, then sold again as a reprint, and a third time as wll, at a market that had rejected it years before when I was trying to place it originally. Timing counts, and you can't control it.
Mike
Michael D. Turner
"Psyched Up" in _Turn the other Chick_-ed. E. Friesner-Baen books
www.baen.com
"Dutchman Rescue"in Continuum SF #6
www.continuumsciencefiction.com/orders.htm
"An Incident at Black Tongue Tavern" in _Bash Down the Door and Slice Open the Badguy_ from Fantasist Enterprises:
www.fantasistent.com/books/anthologies/BASH.php
"Stains" in Tales of the Talisman 3-1 www.zianet.com/hadrosaur/index.html
"Slushpiles" in Between the Kisses
www.samsdotpublishing.com/betweenkisses/TurnerSlushPileS.htm |
| Posted By : crystalwizard - 12/4/2007 5:07 PM | erazmus said...
Sometimes its just a matter of getting a given story in front of the right editor at the right time.
And sometimes that means waiting until one editor leaves, and other editor takes over. |
| Posted By : MichaelEhart - 12/4/2007 5:43 PM | | Mike, I thought the length was just right on yours. Shaharazahd's stories were intended to last all night, which as you say is far too long for modern short-story requirements. A solid story and some quite charming atmosphere.
Buy my book!
The Servant of the Manthycore available Nov. 17th from DEP
Illustrated by Rachel Marks, with an introduction by Michael Moorcock
Read me in 2007!
"The View From the Shotglass Floor" Ray Gun Revival, Feb 2007
"Voice of the Spoiler" The Sword Review, June 2007
"Servant of the Manthycore" The Sword Review, July 2007
"Darkling I Listen; and for Many a Time" Fear and Trembling, coming soon!
"Weaving Spiders Come Not Here" The Sword Review, August 2007
"Six Zombies Doing That Mick Jagger Strut" Damned in Dixie, Summer 2007
"Nothing But Our Tears" The Sword Review, September 2007
"Night of Shadows, Night of Knives" Magic and Mechanica, Fall 2007
"The Scarlet Colored Beast" The Sword Review, October 2007
"The Stars by Law, Forbidden" Unparalleled Journeys II, November 2007
"Who Comes for the Mother's Fruit" Every Day Fiction, November 2007
"Stand, Stand, Shall They Cry" Flashing Swords, November 2007
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| Posted By : Bruce Durham - 1/4/2008 11:03 AM | Like usual, I'm a little late to the dance. Lulu had trouble recognizing the Canadian border, so it took from November 1 until mid-December to receive my copy. And that was with kind, loving help from CW. With X-Mas & News Years I could only read it in small bits, which is why it took me until yesterday to complete it. In a word: Bravo! Nicely done. It's so good to see FS live again.
Come visit the Community Forums of CPI's Official Site of Conan author Robert E. Howard
Recently published: Marathon in Issue #10 of Paradox, Kalini Steel in Freehold: Southern Storm, Fool's Treasure in Freehold: The Protector and Old Havana in When the World Runs Thin
Upcoming: Night of the Meld in Flashing Swords #9, Abuse of Power in Flashing Swords #10 and Valley of Bones in Return of the Sword
Some people dream of success while other people live to crush those dreams - |
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