Vote for Russell Davis for SFWA President

I have only been a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America for a short time, but it's clear to me that only one of the two candidates for President is actually qualified for the post -- and that's Russell Davis. So I won't even bother talking about the other guy.

Russell isn't only an experienced writer, he is also an experienced editor. He knows the business from both sides of the table. He's also been an active member of the SFWA, and knows how the organization works...and doesn't work. On top of that, he's smart, affable, and enthusiastic -- he can make the kind of changes that are necessary to stream-line the SFWA  and make it a more professional, and respected, organization. As he says:

SFWA is an organization at a crossroads and the path we choose now will have significant consequences in the future. Continuing on our present course may lead to the fracturing of our organization, while using the past as our only guide may lead us into permanent irrelevance in the much-changed world of publishing.

I know Russell and I've talked with him about his vision for the SFWA. He also knows how important it is to network with the other major writing organizations on issues of common interest to ALL writers, regardless of whatever genre they toil in.

The other guy running for President is a step backwards and a vote for mediocrity and irrelevance. You'd  be putting someone in charge who has no significant writing or publishing experience on either side of the table. It would be like hiring your gardener to remove your brain tumor.

Vote for Russell Davis. He's the right guy at the right time.

Comments

[Mark Terry]

Lee,
Why did you join SFWA?

Mark

[Lee Goldberg]

I try to join all the professional organizations that are relevant to my writing and TV work. I do it to educate myself about the industry, meet new people, and to support advocates for writers.

I am also a member of the Western Writers of America (though I am rethinking that one), Crime Writers of Association (UK), Crime Writers Association (Canada), Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Writers Guild of Canada, Writers Guild of America, Novelists Inc, The Authors Guild, International Association of Crime Writers, Sisters-in-Crime, Producers Guild of America, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. I think there may even be a couple that I've left out...

[Mark Terry]

That's sort of comprehensive.

I'm in MWA and ITW and the Association of Health Care Journalists. I was part of the American Medical Writers Association, but who they represent and what I do were pretty far away from each other, despite most of my writing dealing with healthcare in some fashion.

Those dues add up, though.

[Jim Winter]

Let's put it this way. If the other guy is elected SFWA president, my ex-"publisher" should run for president of the MWA.

Which would save me about $95 a year.