are myriads of you, who possess minds capable of encompassing the whole scope of human imagination, whose minds truly know no barriers, will welcome Stirring Science Stories with open arms. We, on our part, will justify that support by continuing to give you between these two covers, the most audacious and imaginative fiction to be had.
The vortex, which is the midway
dividing line, will serve as
a combination editorial and correspondence
department. We have only
a few letters this time since only a
handful of super-fans who make fantasy
their all-in-all heard about our
project in time to write us opinions.
A few words from Olon F. Wiggins. Director of the Colorado Fantasy Society and Chairman of the 1941 World Science Fiction Convention
Committee:—
"There is definitely a place for a magazine combining the elements of science-fiction and weird-fantasy. I'm sure the magazine will be a success under your editorship—and if wishing you all the luck in the world will help—then you have my well wishes."
Managing Editor's Note:—
Thanks, Olon, we certainly intend to do our best. But perhaps the readers are wondering just who the editor thinks he is that he should be able to select just what is good and what is not among fantasy offerings. We think that's a serious point; we have often felt that putting together a magazine is not just a business routine; it is and should be a work of art done by experts, and not by just some literary store clerk. Forrest J Ackerman and Morojo, famous foremost fantasy fans, listed our editor's credentials when they first heard about Stirring Science Stories:—
"So it's come at last, the establishment of Wollheim as editor of a magazine of fanciful tales. . . . Possessor of a world-famous fantasy collection, noted as a book-reviewer, author of science-fiction stories, and one who has had the distinction of being the Top Fan for some time during the last decade, we can think of few fans so fit. Knowing your literary and science standard, your long record as a crusader for better things in the field of imaginative fiction, we anticipate a publication with editorial policy of significant science fiction and fine fantasy, that will be a wonderful success. . . ."
This is Wollheim again. We don't think our past record is as marvelous as our two Los Angeles fans outline, but we do admit to be just a bit frightened that so much is expected of us. Now we'll just have to grit our teeth and live up to expectations. Ackerman and Morojo go on to make a few suggestions
"We submit that stories of dynamic concept, sound psychology, humanitarianism, wit, satire, and grip can be had from Coblentz, Keller, Heinlein, deCamp, Bond, Hubbard, Moore, Van Vogt—. While these authors should be illustrated by artists worthy of their talents, it is senseless to suppose one can find one's favorite artists illustrating everything in all of them, so we should be satisfied with occasional pictures by the favorites, while recommending you concentrate on developing Mooney, Marconette, Wright, Perri and Hunt. Dold and Ferguson might be contacted to see if they would be interested in illustrating once again. And the unique hand of Hannes Bok is not yet being overworked. . . . By the time of the 3rd World Science Fiction Convention, the so-called 'Denvention' in
Denver—'41, we hope your mag
