gregl@tektronix.UUCP (Greg Lacefield) (03/28/86)
(------------------------------ For the Line Eater ---------------------------) (Flame on) I really find it hard to believe (and quite hilarious, frankly) that there are folks out there who ACTUALLY THINK they can explain UNexplainables in Star Trek or, for that matter, any other sci-fi adventure. Don't you people realize that these all come from someone's IMAGINATION?? Let's take Star Trek as an example. I LOVE the show and the movies. But I am not about to presume to explain how photons, phasers, propulsion systems and the like function, what they can/can't/should_be_able_to/should_NOT_be_able_to do, etc., especially when nobody living now could POSSIBLY understand the technology that would have evolved that far (23rd century) into the future (assuming that it grows at the present rate of doubling every 2-3 years). (Flame off) I do think these discussions are interesting, but I hope that everybody out there doesn't really BELIEVE all this stuff. Greg Lacefield :-> ...!tektronix!gregl
steve@bambi.UUCP (Steve Miller) (03/31/86)
> > I really find it hard to believe (and quite hilarious, frankly) > > that there are > > folks out there who ACTUALLY THINK they can explain UNexplainables in Star > > Trek or, for that matter, any other sci-fi adventure. > > I do think these discussions are interesting, but I hope that everybody out > there doesn't really BELIEVE all this stuff. Someone in net.tv.drwho (Mark Modig?) once made the point that explaining unexplainables in the context of a fictional universe in order to maintain consistency is a characteristic of the true fan. It's a kind of puzzle: How do I reconcile last week's story with this week's, in a fashion consistent with the underlying premises of the series? If you can find a convincing answer, it helps to maintain the suspension of disbelief that series sf requires. Also, it lets you feel like you have some interaction with the series, as opposed to being merely the passive observer. Further, it is good mental exercise. Remember the sf author advisors in _Footfall_ ? -Steve Miller ihnp4!bambi!steve