Should I Vote in the Hugo Award?

[forestofglory]

For a long time I've wanted to voted in the Hugo Awards, but not really been able to afford to do so. I think it is neat have fan voted award that is taken so seriously. I've been following the award for a while and it has influenced my reading. I quite enjoyed Jo Walton's serries of posts on the award. So I would like to be part of the process.

This year I could afford to vote, but I still think the price is bit much. It's $60 for a supporting membership to world con -- and yes that does come with some other benefits, including the Hugo's voter package, but I just want to vote. It's a bit like just wanting a sandwich but having to pay for a hat too. I'm sure it's very nice hat, but I just want the sandwich. I'd rather just pay for the thing I want then have to pay for more stuff to get the one thing I do want.

Another problem is nominating. So far this year I have not read any eligible novels that I would nominate. I have about 10 eligible novels on my to-read list though -- I should be able to read all of them by March 10, which is the deadline for nominations. The other categories are harder. I haven't been reading much short fiction, and I never know how many words things are. There are few things I have bookmarked to read though, so I could come up with few things in each of the short fiction categories if I tried. Graphic Story should be easy at least. I'm mostly likely have to pass on the other categories though.

So I should I vote? Have you ever voted or considered voting? If so what was it like?

Comments

[renay]

I don't really understand why it's $60 this year. Last year I paid $50, and for Loncon3 it's $40. If it had been any higher this year I wouldn't have been able to afford it (and am glad it's going to be cheaper next year.) I went through the process last year but found it extremely confusing; I also didn't end up voting in any of the fiction categories due to lack of time. It amuses me it's so high in a year when I'm trying to get more of my friends (mostly women who read YA SF/F: to join up and nominate/vote. /o\

One of the bloggers I follow wrote about her experiences reading/voting for the awards, which was illuminating and might be helpful to you. :)