News

Prolific Author Philip Jose Farmer Dies at 91

Submitted by eDave on Sat, 02/28/2009 - 10:50

Contributor Frank G. posted the news to the Google Group that Mr. Farmer died on 25 February 2009. Mr. Farmer wrote a wide variety of works but is perhaps best known for the Riverworld series. Others that this poster enjoyed were The World of Tiers and Dayworld, but this list hardly scratches the surface of the body of Mr. Farmer's work. Here is the link Frank posted, which refers to this story on io9, which in turn refers to the official P.J. Famer site provided above.

Audio Rights from Device Readings of Works?

Submitted by eDave on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 09:20

President Alicia Henn posted a link to this (well-written) article by Roy Blount, Jr., addressing the question of whether authors should receive payment for audio rights as a result of Kindle 2 (and other similar devices) converting text versions of works to speech.

An interesting question. My initial impression is that having your device read your book aloud is no different than having a friend read it to you. That seems like a fair use of the product that you have purchased. However, Blount presents a strong case for author compensation as a result of Kindle readings. Click the title to see why.

R-SPEC on Facebook

Submitted by eDave on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 01:52

We have a Facebook presence, now, thanks to member Pat Rapp. Thank you, Pat!

SL's Talis Sci-Fi & Fantasy Portal needs you

Submitted by eDave on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 01:21

This was a tough one to categorize, and its for anyone who is in SL. Because of what is being asked, newbies probably won't be able to help, but it couldn't hurt to ask.

Franja Russell, the person in charge of the Talis Sci-Fi & Fantasy Portal, needs help setting up the Portal with the March theme that it, as part of the larger body of Alliance groups, will be adopting. She will be on SL at the following times:

Thurs. 8--11:15 am & 3--6 pm.
Friday 8--9 am & 2--6 pm.

The theme needs to be set up by Saturday, which is when the Portal hosts a live stream of Ursula Le Guin from a real life conference in California.  That starts at 3:30 pm on Saturday.   Franja will be in SL in the morning.

Franja asks that you IM her if you can help out any of those days/times. Again, her name is Franja Russell.

 

Nancy Kress - Reading in Brockport 26 Feb. 2009, 7pm

Submitted by eDave on Tue, 02/24/2009 - 00:20

Acclaimed local author Nancy Kress will be reading at the Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, New York, at 7pm on Thursday, 26 February 2009.

Free Science Fiction

Submitted by eDave on Sun, 02/22/2009 - 23:10

Futurismic.com has compiled a list of free science fiction available on the internet. Happy reading! Thanks to contributor Frank for the tip and link.

Member Nancy Kress in March 2009 Asimov's

Submitted by eDave on Sun, 02/22/2009 - 23:01

Nancy Kress is again featured in Asimov's with her novella, Act One. Congratulations, Nancy!

Member Nancy Kress's Blog

Submitted by eDave on Sat, 02/21/2009 - 09:44

Esteemed member Nancy Kress maintains a blog at this location. She keeps it up to date and includes good material.

R-SPEC March Meeting

Submitted by eDave on Sat, 02/21/2009 - 09:32

The next R-SPEC meeting is March 3, at 7pm, at the Pittsford Barnes and Noble. The topic will be member favorites. Click the headline for more.

Ursula K. Le Guin: Reading in Second Life

Submitted by eDave on Sat, 02/21/2009 - 08:53

Ursula K. Le Guin will read from her novel, "Always Coming Home," in Second Life on Saturday, Feb. 28th, at 3:30 pm in conjunction with Second Life Librarians and the Potlatch 18 Science Fiction Conference in Sunnyvale, California. Click the headline for more.