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Notes -
Do they still work relatively well at selecting good books? Are there other, less problematic, awards?
I have no idea, I haven't read a "Hugo Nominee/Hugo Winner" in ages. I had a look at this year's slate, there was one novel that vaguely interested me, but looking it up - ah, it's about colonialism and feminism and religion and I don't even have to read it to know what it will be like.
Also, you don't get to look down your nose at H.G. Wells (even if he is open to criticism) when you're relying on his original work to be the source for your reworking. Get your own characters and events.
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Dragon Awards are pretty good for finding decent 'popular' works.
Prometheus Award if you want things that lean libertarian.
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I would say they haven't been useful at selecting good books since 2000. It really has been a while.
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