[SolaceQuantum]

Could you indicate won works that aren't really deserving stories? The works I've read recently have been entertaining reads that explore humanity in interesting ways, that have been produced with excellent craftmanship.

[LegitShady]

Awards don't exist in a vacuum. The stories that make it to nomination and win are competing but no longer on the story but the adjacent political bent.

there were more interesting stories that did not win because they did not espouse the right politics or identity.

I have no interest in singling out stories that won I'm interested in why they won.

I'm glad you enjoyed what you read but to me the modern Hugo is the brand that intentionally devalues itself for the purpose of political manipulation in sledgehammer levels of subtlety.

I am less likely to buy a modern day Hugo winner than another book, because they've demonstrated that the values they use to decide who wins are too politically motivated and don't match my interest.

[6gvONxR4sf7o]

Eh. When I look at the Hugo lists, I'm looking for truly excellent work to read. It still checks that box for me more than other awards I'm aware of, so I don't feel it's devalued. The winners still seem very deserving. You could argue (and I think you may be) that many runners-up are also deserving. Of the stories that deserve to win, they choose one they more endorse the message of. That seems fine to me.

I've only really sought out the short story winners, but they remain really really excellent, and who cares about the subtlety. A sledgehammer can tell a great story, and at the end of the day, it's the greatness I care about, not how it's achieved. Last year's winner, Welcome to Your Authentic Indian Experience™ for example, wasn't exactly subtle, but it was really really excellent and enjoyable. Likewise the year before's winner: Seasons of Glass and Iron.

Between writing and editing this comment I read this year's winner and decided you are absolutely wrong.

[baud147258]

> Between writing and editing this comment I read this year's winner and decided you are absolutely wrong.

Which book are you talking about?

[SolaceQuantum]

Can you link more interesting stories that did not win because they did not espouse the right politics or identity? What made them more interesting?

[danbolt]

I'd love to hear about this difference between the new Hugo-awarded novels and the authentic Hugo awards of old. Would there be any good examples of this?

I know you mentioned you didn't want to single out anything particular, but I feel like I could use a reference point or two to help understand the "why"s you mentioned.