Breeds

I read the third volume of Year's Best Australian Science Fiction & Fantasy edited by Bill Congreve & Michelle Marquardt. I was curious to see how knowing the editors changes how I react to a book. See I hadn't met either Bill or Michelle before I read the first one. I'd met Bill and briefly discussed his editing philosophy before reading the second one. But between then and now I've had number of conversations (and a few drinks) with both Bill & Michelle and I'd read fiction written by both of them. Would it change my opinion of the work?

But there was a problem. Turns out I have read most of the stories before. That colours opinions much more than knowing the editors. Still I was able to nod and smile and say - "oh yes I can see why they like this one" a lot. Actually I liked most of them too. But it probably wasn't exactly the same set that I would have chosen and even if I had picked exactly the same ones I wouldn't have put them in the same order. But that's what personal taste will do for you.