Over here...
http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=59372 talks about why he doesn't think Schlock Mercenary is Hugo material. Down in there is the notion:
"Fun is not enough. I don’t want to just like it, I want to twist my brain around it and spend hours pondering the work the author did with the characters and plot once I’m finished."
I'm fascinated with the implications. I guess unless a piece forces you to work hard to understand it, unless it is hard to understand -- well, that's just not art, my man!
Odd. I'm a reader, and I actually prefer something a bit lighter. But I guess that just proves that I don't have the proper approach to reading. I should be looking for the obtuse, the impenetrable, the literary pains that force twisted brains and similar delights.
I don't know. I think I'll stick with Schlock.
YEAH! Thanks, Howard, for writing something that is understandable. Even if that does disqualify you in some eyes. Please don't stop.