Minicon 15 (1979)-History of the Future-Ted Sturgeon, Clifford Simak, Lester del Rey, Gordon Dickson

Minicon 15 was held April 13-15, 1979 in Minneapolis. In this recording, four of the most respected authors of their time, Ted Sturgeon, Cliff Simak, Lester del Rey and Gordy Dickson have a free ranging discussion on topics from earlier science fiction views of the future, to what the literature has "missed", and the relationship of technocracy to then current society. Lester del Rey is at his most opinionated, getting laughs and applause, as well as exhibiting his encyclopedic knowledge of the field. There are discussions of freedom vs governance, the problems of finding information, and, triggered by a question from the audience, a long discussion on education. Cliff Simak tells a deeply personal story about his son's experience in the public school system, and the other authors speak of their own experiences with education. There are predictions, anecdotes, and a few surprising revelations.
Thanks to Geri Sullivan and the Video Archeology project for providing the recording. For more Fan History, subscribe to this channel, and visit fanac.org/ and fancyclopedia....

[@engineerforthefuture8593]

Some incredible insights from these fellows. So glad this was recorded for more people to experience.

[@DSnake655]

Great documentation of literary history.

[@vilstef6988]

Of these four admired authors, the one I spoke the least to was Cliff Simak.
I'm very happy the sound on this is so good!

[@Seven-Planets-Sci-Fi-Tuber]

Wow. First time laying eyes on those people whose stories I've read so many of.

[@jimf5160]

A truly excellent discussion...I was at that con, but missed that program.

[@vilstef6988]

I was at this con but didn't see this panel, but I was lucky enough to get a lot of facetime with Theodore Sturgeon.

[@Ringcaat]

Lovely lovely! A nice perspective on things with plenty of modern relevance. It was kind of intellectually intense so I didn't play it all at once!

[@brettrobson5739]

I really enjoyed watching Cliff Simak smoke.

[@vilstef6988]

The story Gordy wrote which he was citing was called Computers Don't Argue. I think it won the Nebula.

[@keomgranger695]

Now I know how to pronounce Simak's name.

[@sameash3153]

Holy Hell, Del Rey was based!