Hacker News Reader

I remember reading Asimov talking about his early relationship with Ellison. Ellison was the super smart way too young guy always showing up at the sci-fi conventions, hanging out with the grown ups, who everyone knew was gonna make it some day. (That's my recollection from many years back—pretty sure the gist is accurate though.)

View on HN

He said, "Are you Isaac Asimov?" And in his voice was awe and wonder and amazement.

I was rather pleased, but I struggled hard to retain a modest demeanor. "Yes, I am," I said.

"You're not kidding? You're really Isaac Asimov?" The words have not yet been invented that would describe the ardor and reverence with which his tongue caressed the syllables of my name.

"Well, I think you're—" he began, still in the same tone of voice, and for a split second he paused, while I listened and the audience held its breath. "—a nothing!"

Ha! What's that from?

Asimov's own biography.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com