2016 Hugo finalists

[MikeB1972]

Originally Posted by Yapyap

The novel, novella and both long and short form dramatic presentation categories seem to still have some genuinely interesting variety and something for everyone to vote for. I'm hoping people won't be put off by some of the actually deserving (as well as popular) works having been on either the rabid puppies slate or the sad puppies recommendation list (especially the latter).

Overall I'm just sad that the Hugos have been so overshadowed by all this outside drama these last two years. Especially this year, when I'm for the first time actually caring enough for something to want to win (Heaven Sent, which to me was probably not just the single best episode of Doctor Who ever but also the best episode of television I've ever seen, full stop).

I'm not sure about overshadowed, nominating/voting is a lot higher than before it all started, so I'm still convinced it's doing more good than harm long term
4032 nominating ballots in 2016
2122 nominating ballots in 2015
1923 nominating ballots in 2014
1343 nominating ballots in 2013
1101 nominating ballots in 2012
1006 nominating ballots in 2011

[DiapDealer]

More votes by themselves are neither "good" nor "bad." So far, it doesn't really seem like more votes has translated to more titles/authors being nominated. It's just resulted in more identical ballots being submitted. Not that I think that's inherently bad or anything, but neither do I see the good (unless more people voting is the entire goal, of course).

"Good" in my opinion would be more people voting for what they liked, rather than what someone suggested they nominate (or what someone hopes will send some sort of "statement)." It's always going to be a popularity contest... I'd just rather it be less of a team sport.

I HAVE found that it's been a lot easier to just not give a hoot about the Hugo's than I thought it would be, though. Hasn't adversely affected the quality of my reading material one iota by doing so.

[pwalker8]

Originally Posted by DiapDealer

More votes by themselves are neither "good" nor "bad." So far, it doesn't really seem like more votes has translated to more titles/authors being nominated. It's just resulted in more identical ballots being submitted. Not that I think that's inherently bad or anything, but neither do I see the good (unless more people voting is the entire goal, of course).

"Good" in my opinion would be more people voting for what they liked, rather than what someone suggested they nominate (or what someone hopes will send some sort of "statement)." It's always going to be a popularity contest... I'd just rather it be less of a team sport.

I HAVE found that it's been a lot easier to just not give a hoot about the Hugo's than I thought it would be, though. Hasn't adversely affected the quality of my reading material one iota by doing so.

Pournelle's Iron Law of Bureaucracies has reared it's ugly head with Hugo's. This bruhaha over the last couple of years is just a reaction to that.

I totally agree with your comments. People should vote based on what they like and it's been a while since the Hugo's have effected the quality of my reading selection.