Consider that the Lord of the Rings movies were wildly popular.  Consider that the Harry Potter movies and books are also lucrative and have large audiences that cross demographics.

Consider that (I think) the fantasy side of publishing houses is not doing as terribly as the sci fi side of publishing; at least, from a completely outsider perspective, more fantasy-ish novels seem to be selling than sci-fi.

Now consider the state of the fantasy short story.  Of the big four print magazines (Asimov’s, Fantasy and Science Fiction, Realms of Fantasy, and Analog) only one truly offers readers what most folks would consider “fantasy” fiction– Realms of Fantasy.  F&SF used to, but, IMO, have moved on to offer more literary directed fare such as slipstream and magical realism, occasionally diving into contemporary fantasy, but largely staying away from what the mainstream public would consider fantastical stories.  Asimov’s will occasionally print contemporary fantasy or slipstream/magical realism as well.

Only Realms of Fantasy offers unabashedly popular fantasy fiction.

Consider also that the Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror anthology, compiled by Ellen Datlow, has been axed for this year.  YBFH gathered the best short-stories in the fantasy and horror genre (as decided by the editors); it has been a staple in the industry for many years.

IF it can be said that fantasy is a popular genre in books and movies, why don’t the print magazines (who are, one would assume, interested in things like staying afloat) publish more stories geared toward traditional fantastical fiction?

Some more facts– F&SF just changed their format from being a monthly mag to a bi-monthly magazine.

Asimov’s also changed their page count and their page layout, going for taller pages, and a thinner mag.

Analog is the only magazine of the big four to offer strictly hard sci-fi fare; it also has (I think) the widest readership.  As far as I know, they have not changed their publication schedule or their format.

Readership of all the big magazines is dropping.  Hemmorhaging might be a better word for it, according to some folks.  I *think* that Realms is the least affected, but don’t quote me on that.  Things are dire in the short-story market, no matter what way you look at it.

Can a switch to fantastical fare facilitate a postive financial flow? Or is the idea folderol?  🙂