The only thing I have to add here is that, whenever I personally remember seeing Martin discussing one of the books he edited, it was something along the lines of "Hey, this new book that I edited is out now, you should pick it up!" And most people, not knowing a lick of information about the publishing industry, just see "NEW BOOK - BUY IT!" And thus, the "illusion of sabbaticals" that I was discussing.

I think you and I understand each other pretty well here, Wert. On a rational level, I get that all Martin's "other activities" doesn't necessarily mean he's abandoned aSoIaF. I just feel like he does a particularly poor job of interacting with his fanbase these days - and it's not entirely his fault, but it's not entirely not his fault either. And that's the only bit that annoys me.

Thanks for keeping it civil - much more enjoyable that way.