End of the Yellow Brick Road

[kevin_standlee]

As those of you who follow the Emerald City weblog already know, Emerald City is ceasing publication in a few months, once the stock of previously-committed reviews is exhausted. I am as disappointed as anyone at this announcement, even though I had advance warning of it. I don't think I can really express an unbiased opinion on this, but given that keeping the magazine going was wearing Cheryl out and certainly not making money, and was thus neither a profitable job nor an entertaining hobby, I can understand her decision. I know, however, that I will definitely miss Cheryl's mix of well-though-through book reviews and her incisive convention reviews. Although I didn't always agree with Cheryl -- you should have seen the e-mail exchanges as I editorialized in my proofreading reviews of issues -- I think we need people with the willingness to call things the way they are and not be afraid to give a negative review "because someone's feelings might be hurt." Unfortunately, it seems to me that people are nowadays less willing to do this unless they hide behind an anonymous handle or something like that.

For some years, Cheryl's Worldcon Review has, in my opinion, been the definitive post-Worldcon report, eagerly sought-after the way those of Mike Glyer's were from the decade before. In addition, the EmCit Hugo Recommendations Page was the place I turned first when thinking about how to fill out my Hugo Nominating Ballot, and that was a valuable service to many people.

Thank you, Cheryl, for over ten years of hard work and devotion. You made a difference in fandom, and that chrome rocketship on the entertainment center was well earned. I sometimes think that you don't think you deserve it, but I hope you take home another one in a few weeks.

Comments

[twilight2000.livejournal.com]

Damn! I'll miss her reviews as well. I've thoroughly enjoyed her work on those occassions I've been able to read it.

[dave-gallaher.livejournal.com]

Damn shame, really, but I'm sure the effort to produce Emerald City is tremendous. It will be missed.

Dave

[alexmc.livejournal.com]

> I think we need people with the willingness to call things the way they are and not be afraid to give a negative review "because someone's feelings might be hurt." Unfortunately, it seems to me that people are nowadays less willing to do this unless they hide behind an anonymous handle or something like that.

True, true. My experience also.

[redneckotaku.livejournal.com]

I am going to miss her Worldcon reviews. They have helped me understand the good and the bad events that happen during one of these events. I hope she keeps at least blogging those reports on her website or something like that.

[alexmc.livejournal.com]

I hope so too. However there is a big difference between doing one off fanzines and having a monthly schedule to maintain.

[cherylmorgan.livejournal.com]

As I have just been telling Kevin in email, whatever I end up doing once Emerald City has finished, I very much doubt that it will involve book reviews or con reports.

[thirdworld.livejournal.com]

We will miss your efforts. Too few of us do regular Worldcon reports of any depth. Thanks for all your hard work on all fronts.

[twilight2000.livejournal.com]

Good heavens, Niel Gamon blogged about this!

http://syndicated.livejournal.com/officialgaiman/

[kevin-standlee.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Neil and Cheryl have known each other for a long time. She was part of the Conspiracy to try and get him to come to ConJose's Hugo Ceremony, for instance.

[cherylmorgan.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is true. I knew Neil before he was famous. It is a mark of what a great bloke he is that we have remained friends despite him becoming a global celebrity.

[twilight2000.livejournal.com]

Ah :> Cool!