He is in Wisconson this weekend, attending his final con. Saying goodbye to his fans because he says that he is dying.
http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/artic...?article=30610
I have no idea how bad it is and he won't reveal what, exactly is wrong, but I admire what he has done for writers and creative types like us and I thought it would be a nice gesture to give his legacy a thought this weekend. You know, while he's alive instead of those glowing tributes that are bound to happen after he leaves us. Heck, for all I know, he might stick around another year or two. But it seems that's not the case.
We, as writers, owe him a moment in our thoughts this weekend.
Abrasive though he may be, he was in there fighting for our writing rights for years. Standing up to the powers that be so that we, as writers, could have a chance at having a chunk of what we're due to us. Both money wise as well as legal. And yes, there have been other writers who have (and still, to this day), fought for our rights AS writers.
But I doubt there are none as passionate as Mr. Harlan Ellison.
Does he have friends? Sure does. Neil Gaiman and Dan Simmons to name a few.
And from what I hear...it is not easy to get into that position. Being his friend.
Because he also has a few people out there who do not like him simply because he says what's on his mind. He says things that are right and true.
You may not agree with him on many subjects, but if you are a writer, no matter what you think of him personally, you have the rights that you have today, THANKS to his efforts on your behalf. I think, at the very least, we should all think of those efforts this weekend, if not, the man.