Grasping for the Wind

Black Gate Publishes my Letter to the Editor

After I wrote this post yesterday, my copy of the latest Black Gate Magazine came in the mail and guess who's letter to the editor was published? That's right, little old me.

In Issue 9, a reader of the magazine (Lawrence Ore), and a Christian, had written to protest some of the more adult material that had begun appearing in the printed stories. He wanted the magazine to be something he could keep on his coffee table and that his kids could read.

For issue 10, I wrote in supporting Ore's request. I noted my own Christian beliefs and I also made note of the fact that there are plenty of mature themed fantasy magazines out there, but very few "family-friendly" ones.

Let me point out here that mature does not mean graphic. One story depicted a rape scene, which prompted Ore's response and I agree that the boundary had been pushed a little far with that one, but that descriptions of sensuousness or loving touches or gazes did not seem gratuitous or offensive in the majority of the stories.

Black Gate is by no means wholly clean, but then I don't expect it to be. In his response to me and others, the Chief Editor, John O'Neill, pointed out his goal for the magazine was for his twelve year old to be able to pick it up and read it without his having to worry about nightmares or needed to have "the talk" at a young age. He said he would continue to print mature (not graphic) material, but would add an advisory stating which ones might be offensive to some readers.

I find this an excellent solution. Black Gate needs to stay on track with its stated goals of bringing back the era of pulp fiction of the '30s and '40s. The stories that were read in that era were read by the same kids who loved the Superman comics. Thus, although Black Gate is not a kid's magazine, some of its material is suitable for pre-teens. Black Gate's efforts will hopefully bring about a new generation of fantasy lovers, and perhaps foster better parent-child relations. After all, if parents and children share a common interest, be it fixing cars, playing baseball, or reading fantasy how can they help but be closer to one another?

What are your thoughts on where a writer should draw the line, especially in fantasy? Do you support Black Gate's decision to allow mature content (again, not graphic content)? Why or why not?

PS: Buy a copy of issue 10 at your local bookstore (I know Barnes and Noble carries it) and read the text of my letter as well as the interesting and thoughtful comments of others. (And the stories too, of course!)

PPS: Thanks, John O'Neill, for putting in my letter.

Posted by John on April 13, 2007 11:51 AM | Posted to Fantasy | Literature and Language | Personal Journal
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