Elves of the Subdimensions

August 23, 2006 7:35 PM

Flurb - issue #1, from Rudy Rucker.
posted by tellurian (10 comments total)

“They tend symbiotes called cows!”
posted by Citizen Premier at 8:32 PM on August 23, 2006

The first couple of Rudy's *ware books were fun at the time, and did a decent job at exploring cellular automation among other topics. But I've not enjoyed his subsequent works, which seem written as though they were children's books. He's got some intriguing ideas, sure... but I don't think he's developed as a writer. Flurb reinforces my belief.

But, hey... to each their own. Thanks for the link.
posted by F Mackenzie at 9:35 PM on August 23, 2006

Both Rucker and Di Filippo have a certain style that comes across as "child-like" at times, but these guys are not interested in oprah-style prose - they are more playful than that (!). It is in the spirit of play that you have to approach their work. Di Filippo's work in Fractal Paisleys is a good example of a child-like story about ideas and idea-play, as is Freck and the Elixir by Rucker. Basically I love these authors - they are very good at what they do - but it's not for everyone, and it is especially not for people who want to read a story with a certain "seriousness" and gravity. These stories are playful and not more - but seriously playful.
posted by sirvesa at 9:43 PM on August 23, 2006

Thanks for the link. Lead me to start reading "Lifebox". I think his writing style comes thru as clear, concise and.... playful, yes. *enjoys*
posted by pointilist at 11:06 PM on August 23, 2006

WTF. ummm. WTF
posted by jacob hauser at 12:10 AM on August 24, 2006

Rudy Rucker..who's that?

Oh, I remember. Wasn't he the brilliant mathematician who told us that by using Apple Computers we were going experience extreme longevity in a hyper-democracy where we were all (globally) going to mandate public policy in a never-ending rave?

Pass me that Piracetem, I got some serious global issues to solve before dawn. With nanothech. And AI. Oh, and, some wicked dance beats.
posted by sourwookie at 12:15 AM on August 24, 2006 [1 favorite]

And yes, I've played with his software and read all (I think) of his "."ware novels.
posted by sourwookie at 12:17 AM on August 24, 2006

Whoa, Marc Laidlaw^ has a story on here. For those who don't know, Laidlaw is possibly the only writer to ever become famous for writing... a video game (the Half-Life series).
posted by neckro23 at 2:09 AM on August 24, 2006

I went straight for the Terry Bisson. That man is deliciously fucked up.
posted by Terminal Verbosity at 6:36 AM on August 24, 2006

Thanks for this -- I love Rudy Rucker's stuff. There's a rumor that Michel Gondry is directing a film version of "Master of Space and Time" which would be the greatest thing ever.
posted by jlub at 10:11 AM on August 24, 2006