;
but there is one disturbing factor which impels me to write
again.

I refer to the irresponsible outbursts of certain ----
[censored] who squeeze into "The Readers' Corner" and
sputter out senseless denunciations of the magazine, its
appearance, its policies, and so on. I do not object to
logical, well-founded criticism, but I most decidedly do
object to the ---- [censored] remarks and invidious
comparisons indulged in by various ---- [censored] Readers.
It's about time someone told them where to head in, and, by
your leave, I'll do it.

The most recent offender is J. Vernon Shea, Jr., a
Pittsburgh lad of eighteen who, in the March issue, ventures
to criticize the grammar of Ray Cummings, call the Editor
harsh names, and demand that the magazine conform to his own
dizzy notions. He concedes that Astounding Stories prints
consistently interesting tales, but charges that the Editor
is indifferent to "the advancement of Science Fiction." Mr.
Shea, can't you see that the publication of first-class
stories, as in this magazine, is the best possible way to
popularize Science Fiction? Or do you simply prefer inferior
stuff?

Then there's D. R. Guthrie, from way back in Idaho, who
liked a yarn in another magazine so much he had to tell us
all about it--as if we didn't have the best Science Fiction
ever written right here in Astounding Stories. Guthrie's
another who seems to prefer brass to gold.

Going back an issue or two, we note a letter from Edwin
Magnuson, a deluded denizen of Duluth, who says he's plumb
disgusted because Astounding Stories receives far more
bouquets than brickbats, when according to him the mag
deserves to be panned plenty. Get in step, Edwin, you're
falling way behind!

And I mustn't forget M. Clifford Johnston of the Newark
Johnstons, who calls Astounding Stories trash and its
Readers morons. Well, there are various degrees of mental
incompetence, and the moron is far above the idiot, Mr.
Johnston!

Now that I've taken a few hasty pokes at those who most
deserved them, I'll give my own comments on some of your
latest stories--and anyone who feels like telling me where I
get off is welcome to do so.

First, let me take my hat off to Jack Williamson. I never
thought much of