User:DoctorWho42/Credo

"Credo" is an essay by American author James Blish. It was published in the 1968 short story collection Best SF: 1967.

Publication history
"Credo" was first published in the 1968 book Best SF: 1967 or The Year's Best Science Fiction No. 1 edited by Brian W. Aldiss and Harry Harrison.

Content
The author thinks annual "Best Of" volumes should frighten magazine publishers. It might reduce them to feeder lines. However, this has not been the case. One science fiction practitioner has admitted anything with the byline while another is more concerned with its politico-ethical content. As a counter-prescription, the author outlines guidelines that should satisfy a "Best" Volume. 1. It should be /science fiction/. Hence no fantasies, political parables nor what-is-its. 2. He reiterates the first point to include no cartoons, pseudoscientific articles, how-to-write pieces nor bad verse. 3. It should be honest. A volume cannot promise all the best due to costs, length, and contracts. 4. It should be responsible. If an editor is overruled by another, it should be mentioned. Finally "Best" cannot satisfy all readers but it remains at least the ideal. If the author were a magazine publisher, a good start would give cause to reflect. He thinks Harry Harrison has a good start on one.