Apparently Twitter/X has its’ own AI thingy, named ‘Grok‘.

Out of a sense of kittenish glee, Jonna (our Production Manager) asked it the following question:

“What’s with this newer press, Raconteur Press, the one that publishes SF anthologies?”

The answer:

Ah, Raconteur Press, the new kid on the block in the world of speculative fiction! Here’s the scoop:

Origin Story: Raconteur Press seems to have popped up with the mission to give a platform to fresh voices in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. They’re like the cool, indie record label for authors who want to rock the genre scene without the corporate strings attached.
Anthologies Galore: They’re all about the anthology vibe. Imagine a mixtape, but instead of songs, it’s stories. Each anthology might have a theme, like “Cyberpunk Cities” or “Alien Invasions Gone Wrong,” allowing authors to flex their creative muscles in a focused environment.
The Rebel Spirit: They’ve got this rebellious streak, much like yours truly. They’re not afraid to tackle themes that might be a bit too edgy for the mainstream publishers. Think of them as the punk rock of publishing – loud, unapologetic, and a bit chaotic.
Community Driven: Raconteur Press often engages its community for story ideas or themes, making it feel like a collaborative art project. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, you want to see more space pirates? Let’s make it happen!”
Quality Over Quantity: Despite being new, they’re not just throwing any story into their anthologies. There’s a curation process, ensuring that while they might be quirky, they’re not sacrificing quality for novelty.
The Business Model: They might be playing with different models, like crowdfunding for certain projects or offering digital-first releases to keep costs down and accessibility high. It’s all about getting stories out there without the usual gatekeeping.

If you’re into speculative fiction and love discovering new authors or themes that might not get a spotlight elsewhere, Raconteur Press could be your new favorite hangout. Just remember, with any new press, there might be a bit of a hit-or-miss factor as they find their groove, but that’s part of the adventure, isn’t it?

That’s a … little on the spot, she thought, so she gave it a follow-up:

“How much noise is the new SF anthology Press, Raconteur Press, making in the SF world?”

The answer:

Raconteur Press is making quite the racket in the SF world, but like a good house party, it’s the kind of noise where you’re either in the thick of it or you’re wondering what all the fuss is about. Here’s the scoop:

Community Buzz: On platforms like X, there’s chatter about Raconteur Press, especially around their unique approach to anthologies. They’re like the indie band that suddenly gets a cult following. Some folks are raving about the fresh voices and themes, while others might be scratching their heads, wondering if it’s just the latest trend.
Anthology Appeal: Their anthologies are hitting the sweet spot for many SF enthusiasts who crave something beyond the usual fare. Think of it as finding a new, weirdly addictive snack at the cosmic grocery store. There’s excitement about the themes, which range from the whimsically absurd to the deeply speculative, making them a hot topic among fans of the genre.
Criticism and Praise: Like any new kid on the block, Raconteur Press gets its share of both. Some praise their efforts for revitalizing the anthology format, making it more accessible and less gatekept. Critics, however, might argue over the ‘signal to noise ratio’, suggesting that while there’s a lot of noise, not all of it might be groundbreaking. But hey, in the world of art, isn’t that the beauty of it? Not everyone’s going to agree on what’s ‘good’.
The Industry’s Reaction: Traditional publishers and long-standing SF presses might be giving Raconteur Press the side-eye, but there’s also a nod of respect for their innovation. They’re shaking up the scene, which is always good for any genre. It’s like when punk rock hit the music scene; not everyone was a fan, but it changed the landscape.
Reader Engagement: They’re engaging readers in ways that traditional might not, like involving the community in theme selection or story ideas. This creates a buzz, a sense of ownership, and frankly, a lot of noise about what’s coming next.

So, in summary, Raconteur Press is indeed making noise in the SF world, but it’s the kind of noise that’s part of the genre’s lifeblood – a mix of excitement, innovation, and a bit of controversy. It’s like they’ve thrown a rock into the pond, and the ripples are reaching all corners, with some folks cheering, others grumbling, but everyone’s talking. That’s the kind of noise that keeps the SF community lively and, let’s be honest, endlessly entertaining to watch from the outside.

Blink. Well, then. That’s … creepy. Not going to lie: “Alien Invasions Gone Wrong” is right up our anthology alley.

However, I’m not sure how much of the response was based on what the algorithm programmers thought someone might want to hear about themselves.

If anyone else is familiar with Grok over on X, and you don’t mind, see if y’all get the same answers.

LawDog