6.29.2006

Jim Baen 1943-2006

Patrick Nielsen Hayden knows a thing or two about science fiction, and publishing.
This is his post, with links, about the death of Jim Baen (1943-2006) a guy who knew a thing or two about them as well.

This is Donald Hall, the new poet laureate:

You think that their
dying is the worst
thing that could happen.

Then they stay dead.
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9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks Miss Snark. He will be greatly missed.

6/29/2006
Kate said...

OMG. I practically lived on Baen Books for a while...RIP, Jim Baen.

6/29/2006
Douglas Cootey said...

Perhaps the greatest sadness I experience as I age is watching the movers and shakers who influenced my youth pass on. I suppose it is worse for them than it is for me, but I take it hard nonetheless.

Jim Baen never personally impacted my daily life, but the works he brought to market did. I can only hope to be as accomplished as he was when it is my time to move on. I am still impressed that he embraced the digital culture by releasing ebooks for free and increased book sales because of it instead of taking the RIAA/MPAA approach of carting its customers off to debtors prison in a haze of piracy paranoia.

He was a visionary man and I only hope his successors share his vision.

6/29/2006
Annie Dean said...

I admired his maverick spirit. Hope he's still pioneering, wherever he may be.

6/29/2006
SAND STORM said...

"Distressed Haiku": "You think that their / dying is the worst / thing that could happen.
Then they stay dead."

"The Painted Bed" so sad, honest and brilliant. Not an easy read.

Thanks for reminding me.

6/30/2006
Southern Writer said...

I love the Donald Hall poem. How insightful.

verification: injdtt - that's Southern for idiot.

6/30/2006
Anonymous said...

I have been reading Baen books for years, but only recently discovered who Jim Baen realy was and what he meant to the industry and to aspiring young authors. I am sure he will be greatly missed. -JTC

6/30/2006
magz said...

wow. the origal reference was lost on me since I'm so far unfamiliar with Mr. Baen's work.

But that Donald Hall thing, spoke to me. Best poetry you've posted so far, hands down. Thank you!

6/30/2006
jude calvert-toulmin said...

I've been thinking about that Donald Hall poem ever since I first saw it on here a few days ago.

Thanks for posting that; an incredible piece of writing.

7/04/2006

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