Open Road - Info

Subscription Instructions:
Address: Majordomo@imi.gla.ac.uk
Message Body: subscribe ansible

Also available in print. details at the Web site.

WWW location: http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/SF-Archives/Ansible/Ansible.html

Contact Information:
e-mail: David Langford ansible@cix.co.uk

Cost: Free!

Review

The Ansible has a long, illustrious and well connected history, which shows in the content and listings of every issue. Packed full of news blurbs and fabulous (and often hilarious) gossip, this e-mail-zine easily provides the SF info fix I need every month. Take an easy chance, visit the Ansible Web site and check out the past issues, you will not be disappointed.

Content - 5
The gossip alone is worth reading the Ansible for, let alone the extensive listing of conventions and assorted gatherings. The Infinitely Improbable section leads you through the latest awards and award short lists, new periodicals, new books, obituraries and other bits.

Writing Quality/Style - 5
Excellent blend of information and humour. Almost everything is delivered with a decent touch of wit or sarcasm. Well organized and easy to read, but just messy enough to show a touch of character.

Regularity - 5
Monthly. The issues I've received have arrived during the first week of every month.

Extras - 5
All issues have the obligatory un/subscribe, copyright and distribution info. Attached to the Web site are a few extra goodies like the other David Langford columns and the UK SF Fandom Archive.

Overall - 5
Reading the Ansible I regularly find a author, book or publication that I'm willing to try. David Langford's style and information make this one worth subscribing to whether you live in the UK or not (of course it's probably even more useful if you have the chance to visit some of the local cons and shows).

Subscription Instructions:
Address: majordomo@unfortu.net
Message Body: subscribe ntknow

WWW location: http://www.ntk.net/

Contact Information:
e-mail: terry@spesh.com

Cost: Free

Review

Content - 5
Loaded up with nasty (and usually hilarious) barbs and the latest tech news as seen from the UK. Other than the Hard News, regular features include: Geek Media (TV and Movie Listings), Meme Pool (Latest un/infectious mind bugs), Event Queue (interesting happenings), Anti-News (all the news not fit to print) and Tracking (changes and refound news?).

Writing Quality/Style - 5
I always chuckle. Technology is not supposed to fun dammit! okokok NTK now does not lose sight of its need to inform, but does so in a highly engaging and entertaining tone.

Regularity - 5
Every week - though given Danny O'Brien's (one third of the "special projects team") self deprecation you'd think it'd never get out...

Extras - 5
Standard mailings list info included, along with a Web site well organized for back issues and article searches. Each issue has an excellent set of links backing up most of the current news and info.

Overall - 5
Like the above description says technology news is dominated by US publications and points of view. The way I look at it: even if NTK now had half the content and info they do, it would be worth the read for the change in perspective. And of course, the humour never hurts.