Somehow that seems like an appropriate image this year. If nothing else I guess it will allow certain people to claim that they are being horribly persecuted, which will make them happy. I’m all for spreading happiness.

So yes, the Hugo Award nominating period for 2016 is now open. Details here. You have until March 31st to vote, but if you don’t yet have nominating rights you need to get your supporting membership of Worldcon today.

I don’t have anything much that is award-worthy this time around. There is, of course, this. However, getting nominated for making jokes about John Scalzi is probably too meta, even for the Hugos.

On the other hand, there’s a book that I have a short essay in that I would like to see get a bit of recognition. That book is Letters to Tiptree, which is eligible in the Related Work category, and which is currently on sale in ebook formats so you can get it really cheaply (for example, via the piranhas). I note that should it get nominated the glory will go to the editors, Alex Pierce & Alisa Krasnostein, and not in any way to me.

Apropos which, I still occasionally get spam emails address to Mr. Hugo Pimpage. I have no idea why, but it always cracks me up.

There are lots of other things I think are nomination-worthy this year (Rat Queens!), but if I were to put a list of them here I’d probably get accused of running a slate. Instead I have filled this post with subliminal messages (Squirrel Girl!) that will compel you all to vote for my preferred works without realizing that you are doing so (Radiance!). I apologize for making you all my helpless, robotic slaves, but I was born EVIL and therefore have no choice in the matter.

While I am on the subject, I see that Mr. Scalzi had a lengthy post on the topic of Imposter Syndrome yesterday. I can assure you, from experience (and I suspect that John will back me up here), that by far the best way to get “found out” and be told that you are a worthless, talentless hack who has cheated their way to success is to win a major award or two. It helps a lot in this regard if you happen to be female, and being able to tick various minority boxes is also a bonus. So, dear readers, if there is a writer out there who you really hate, and who you think needs taking down a peg, why not considering nominating them. I’m sure you will find the reaction, if they win, deeply satisfying.

This post was brought to you by the meme, “Ye Gods, not more award drama!”. My sympathies go out to all of the people involved in Hugo Administration this year. Here’s hoping for a less bumpy ride this time around.