SWIL

From SWILwiki

SWIL has changed a lot over the years since it was founded. A look at SWIL's history shows how its focus has shifted from one thing to another, as dictated by the interests of current non-members. Every once in a while, someone in the past will have the clever thought to write something down which we can dig out of George and copy out, and use to get a sense of SWIL-that-was.

Thank you, past people!

Table of contents
1 In 1981
2 In 1991
3 In 1995
4 In the Phoenix
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In 1981

From the 1981-82 Student Handbook:

SWIL: mutated reality is a body of anthropomorphic globules dedicated to the proposition that all fiction is not created equal; science fiction and fantasy are better.

Each week we unite to reaffirm our existence. Meetings are called to disorder Sundays at brunch. We discuss questions concerning Truth, God, Death, and fourty-two. Like other cults, we also engage in ritual activities such as reading and filksinging, attending science fiction conventions and presenting movies. We will also be sponsoring a sf writers workshop this fall.

Occasionally from beyond the blue event horizon of our collective soul, there emerges the Unicorn Star, our timeless, semi-annual publication. Requirements for voting non-membership are sentience and attendance at three consecutive meetings. Membership is somewhat easier to attain (sentience is not obligatory).

Interested humans should contact Jim Huang (Fearless and Charismatic Leader, President and Elightened [sic] Despot) or Alice Macneal (Keeper of the Keys to the Dungeon).

Let there be SWIL.

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In 1991

From the 1991 freshman mailbox stuffing:

Vampires, Pterodactyls, Cybernetics (all this and Saturday brunch too!)

The Swarthmore Warders of Imaginative Literature invite you and any of your friends who happen to be awake to the first of our weekly meetings, this Saturday, August 31st. We assemble at high noon in the large reserved room in Sharples for food, discussion, and the propagation of wild rumors about the world of science fiction and fantasy.

SWIL is a group of Swarthmore students who share an interest in speculative fiction. In addition to our weekly meetings we bring speakers (last year Samuel Delany), show movies, and maintain the Cordwainer Bird Science Fiction Library, housed in the second floor of Cornell (the college's science library, not the New York university). This library, open to all students, is funded by SWIL's annual book buying budget. Birdwainer (as it is called) includes hundreds of works of speculative fiction, ranging from epic novels to fanzines, from space opera to cyberpunk, from JRR Tolkien to Harlan Ellison. You can also find copies of the SWIL-published student magazine, Bug-Eyed Magazine.

But wait! There's more! SWIL is looking to revive a weekly discussion table about speculative fiction. With the help of enthusiastic readers this currently dormant activity can once again thrive. Organizational details will be announced at the first meeting. And in November SWIL will organize a trip to PhilCon, one of the largest regional science fiction conventions in the country. This year's guest of honor is David Brin.

The Swarthmore Warders are not solely concerned with reading and talking. We're also involved in knightly conquest, terrible singing, and dressing up in silly outfits. The Pterodactyl Hunt, SWIL's premier tradition, consists of a campus-wide battle of players vs monsters and demons which is fought with newspaper "swords." Those who emerge victorious receive prizes of pizza or chocolate. The Live Chess match (held every semester) features colorful costumes (black and white of course and maybe a few more) and, well, extreme silliness while two brave souls attempt to play a game of chess with people for pieces -- watch for it Saturday afternoon on Parrish lawn. Other SWIL activities include the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, filk singing (singing science fiction fannish folk songs), and a Schlock Film Festival every spring featuring the very worst that Hollywood has to offer.

While not officially sponsored by SWIL, there are often in-dorm showings by SWILfolk of films and TV shows of interest, including not only media science fiction but animation, British comedy, and Muppets. SWIL is also a good place to meet people interested in role-playing and wargames, comics and graphic novels, and humorous music.

SWIL currently has 15-20 active voting non-members and is looking for enthusiastic people to take part in events this year and in the future. Meetings are every Saturday at noon; voting non-membership is awarded to all beings who have shown up at three consecutive meetings and shown sentience. Non-voting membership requirements are less stringent: neither sentience nor attendance is required. For any information, contact Jeff "Secret Master of SWILdom" Hildebrand (x8016) or Josh "Official Understudy" Smith (x8013). We hope to see you on Saturday.

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In 1995

From the Guide to Student Life:

SWIL is a body of sentient beings dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of science fiction and fantasy, given that more and more of it is becoming reality, we think; therefore we are...

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In the Phoenix

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