[Salgak]

This is NOT the news I wanted to pass to FR. . .

[SeaDragon]

So sad......... :-(

[coconutt2000]

This is sad. :-(

Jim Baen's company was and is one of the best science fiction publishers in the business, and the conservative viewpoint expressed in the books has done a lot for preserving conservatism in a popular genre. Not to mention, Baen was a supporter of the military.

[discostu]

Oooh that's a bummer. Baen was probably the most open to new and interesting sci-fi of any of the publishing houses; I don't think it's possible for someone equally cool, intelligent, and willing to experiment to take over the business.

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

..... A moment of silence .......

[Centurion2000]

Godspeed Baen. He was a hell of a publisher.

[Uriah_lost]

I'm saddened, Jim really made an impact in bringing back military oriented Science Fiction. I hope the momentum continues.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

Jim will be greatly missed. . . .

An understatement.

[Salgak]

Additional detail, from the Baen Bar. Note, this news just broke within the last hour or so. . .

*******************************
Subject: In Memorium - Jim Baen
Author: Arnold Bailey
Date: 29 Jun 2006 01:39 PM

We regret to inform you that publisher Jim Baen passed away on June 28th. He suffered a massive stroke on June 12, 2006 and never woke from it. Jim Baen was a founding partner of Baen Books, one of the largest independent publishers of popular fiction. Since its inception in 1984, Baen evolved to be one of the leading publishers of science fiction and fantasy, and in recent years a leader in electronic publishing and the fight against encrypted books.

Jim Baen started his career in publishing in the complaints department of Ace Books. He moved on to Galaxy magazine in 1973, where his editorial acumen turned the magazine into one of the leading short story venues of the day. He returned to Ace under publisher Tom Doherty to run the science fiction line. When Doherty left to found Tor Books, Jim went with him and established its science fiction line, purchasing its first 170 titles. In 1984 a deal with Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books gave Jim a chance to found his own independent company. S&S has distributed Baen Books ever since. Recently, Baen Books has enjoyed a string of New York Times bestsellers by such authors as David Weber, John Ringo and Eric Flint. Jim also personally worked with Jerry Pournelle, David Drake, Larry Niven, Charles Sheffield, Lois McMaster Bujold and many other authors who shaped the field of modern science fiction. In recent years Jim continued to develop a whole new generation of science fiction writers.

Jim Baen was a personal and vocal champion of unencrypted ebooks. The Baen Books Webscriptions program is a model in the field, and the discussion board at

http://www.baen.com

“Baen’s Bar,” is an active forum and thriving online community. Jim’s piquant wit and incisive commentary will be sorely missed.

Jim is survived by two daughters, Jessica Baen, 29, and Katherine Baen, 14.

The surviving partners of Baen and his heirs intend to continue Jim’s legacy of innovative, independent publishing. Longtime Baen Books executive editor Toni Weisskopf will be acting publisher and direct day-to-day operation of the company. Remembrances of Jim’s life will be held at Tri-noc-Con in Raleigh, NC Saturday, July 22 and Lacon IV, the Worldcon, in Los Angeles, CA in August.

For a complete obituary please go to author David Drake’s website:

http://www.david-drake.com

[Hetty_Fauxvert]

What a shame. Jim Baen published some of the best SF in the business, and wasn't afraid to take on new authors. A real loss to the business (as well, I'm sure, to his family).

[ibheath]

He will be missed.

[ASOC]

Sorry to see Jim go, but maybe he'll let us know what's coming....

He was enough of a businessman to have a succession plan in place and I'm sure, if the likes of David Drake are running things, we will continue to enjoy cutting edge literary works and just plain good stories.

I have been a fan of Davids military sci-fi for years. I hope he puts out more Slammer stories, or anthologies like "All the Way to the Gallows"

[Starter]

Oh hell. Looking at my bookshelf, there's a lot of Baen stuff up there. You'll be missed, Jim.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Rest in peace.

[Ironclad]

A very great man, who published some of the most important philosophical work of the last three decades. He was an educator as much as a publisher, and he didn't publish liberal crap. Quite the opposite - he was responsible for the mass communication of some of the best politically incorrect, anti-liberal, work ever. Anyone who adopted Steve Stirling when Baen did deserves a place in the pantheon (regardless of what one thinks Steve is really talking about).

[zeugma]

Jim Baen was a visionary in every sense of the word. He'll be missed by many who've become addicted to just about anything Baen Publishing releases. I pray that whoever takes his place recognises like he did, that his customers aren't thieves.

My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friends, as the loss is much greater.

I'll raise a glass to Jim for the many hours of pleasure he has brought me over the years. 

[SunkenCiv]

Thought this topic might interest you. :'(

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1654933/posts?page=29#29

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1654795/posts?page=38#38