This doesn’t mean that it is “bad,” merely that it is different. I enjoy some slipstream, but much of it is simply not to my taste. I offer this list as a public service to slipstream’s authors and readers. Always be kind.The inclusion of a story by Sterling himself is interesting because in his orginal article he says: Morale of the story: Greediness will make you lose everything. John felt incredibly sad and he realised that we should never be greedy but always follow our heart and help the poor and needy people. Then another person came to him the next day to get healed, but the magic pot was no longer a magic anymore. When he got back, he looked for the old man, but he was not there. John did not get any reward from the queen and he returned to his shop. The Queen got upset and shouted at John “Go away you dirty cheater!” John was humiliated in front of other people who were waiting to see his magic. When he gave the Queen the magic water, she still did not get healed. He followed the messenger and got to the Queen’s palace. “Help! the queen was bit by an insect.” But then John replied, “Sir, please wait for your turn can’t you see the old man who is in the line?” The messenger replied “Come with me the Queen will shower you with gold.” Greed took over John’s mind. But then the queen’s servant came running. One day another old man came and lined up. Word got around the town and soon everyone was coming to John for the magic healing water. Suddenly, a huge wave of crystal water splashed on his face and wiped his headache off clean. He closed his eyes and tilted the pot over his mouth. He picked up the stained pot and hoped that he can manage to get a drop or two. Hours past and John got thirsty and was getting a big headache. John acknowledged the old man’s words and replied, “yes sir.” But right then john realised that the old man had drank up his whole water supply! But still John was happy that he had helped someone. Then the old man said in a clearer voice “keep on helping people like this son and you will be blessed.” John did not know what to do but he was kind-hearted, so he gave the man a pot of water. He looked like he could not even say a word, but he managed to utter one word out which was “water!”. He sat down on a bench near the grocery store. One day an old man came strolling down his path he looked very pale, thirsty and hungry. It was one breezy day with lots of debris flying everywhere.

The magic shop short story