Active Users:618 Time:26/12/2024 07:55:09 PM
Re: Hmmm Cockatiel of Doom Send a noteboard - 02/12/2009 10:48:02 PM
But in terms of the Book Club for this specific site? Well, the reason people come to this site is that they happen to appreciate a certain kind of literature, and that's probably what they're more apt to discuss here. This is where you come when you want to discuss science fiction and fantasy. That's not to say we don't read classics and "traditional" literature, but with all the websites in the world, surely there are some where people have book clubs discussing non-spec fic.

Hmmm. I am not sure I agree. I came to this site because I wanted to know what the hell was going on in on fantasy series ten years ago. I stayed because there was interesting discussion on a wide variety of subjects, including literature.


You do have a point there, but I still feel that the main reason *most* people come here is for spec fic. I am personally certainly not against discussing other things, although I tend to look like an idiot when I do, but the impression I get is that when people come to this site (wotmania turned RAFO) they are going to be most enthusiastic about the spec fic. Whether or not it's what everyone wants, I do think that's the focus of the site, and for right now at least, probably what it does best.

Ben has observed, and I am sure he is right, that we will only get new members by having a clear focus on something we are better at than the rest of the crazy internet people. But that should not exclude discussion (even organised discussion) of other subjects.

As for the extended fast food restaurant analogy: The best burgers are found in other places than Macdonalds, usually in places where they make other good food as well.


Well, yes. But people definitely get cravings for McDonald's, whether or not they make the best burgers. It's about what feels good at the moment.
Taking a break from being Ella

Reply to message
In Support of Other Fiction - 01/12/2009 09:06:14 PM 2085 Views
- 01/12/2009 09:22:56 PM 1159 Views
Re: - 01/12/2009 09:28:04 PM 1137 Views
Wow...we were just Santified *NM* - 03/12/2009 09:16:21 PM 568 Views
Well, let me offer a diverging view on the topic of speculative fiction. - 01/12/2009 09:46:35 PM 1066 Views
I would counter that the stripping away removes a level of reality. - 01/12/2009 10:05:28 PM 1151 Views
That's a Slippery Slope Because You Could Argue On the Same Basis That All Fiction Does That. - 01/12/2009 11:34:34 PM 1200 Views
I don't see the slippery slope, but rather, a confirmation of my original point. - 02/12/2009 01:41:24 AM 1145 Views
perhaps some university will do a study - 03/12/2009 03:55:54 PM 1104 Views
I'd like to see it - 03/12/2009 09:15:12 PM 1158 Views
I'll get to it once I finish my thesis - 03/12/2009 09:56:29 PM 1088 Views
If it looks like crap and smells like crap... - 03/12/2009 10:04:15 PM 1121 Views
I Think I'll Post a Thread on This. - 03/12/2009 06:47:05 PM 1073 Views
I'd like to see it. - 03/12/2009 09:23:07 PM 1119 Views
Regarding depth in Jordan - 03/12/2009 09:31:19 PM 1125 Views
I was thinking about that too - 03/12/2009 10:05:40 PM 1098 Views
Re: I was thinking about that too - 03/12/2009 10:09:26 PM 1197 Views
Destroying the Wheel is meaningless. - 03/12/2009 10:18:08 PM 1088 Views
Re: Destroying the Wheel is meaningless. - 03/12/2009 10:30:15 PM 1119 Views
I Totally Missed That. - 04/12/2009 10:45:56 PM 1175 Views
Re: I Totally Missed That. - 04/12/2009 10:47:59 PM 1159 Views
I Don't Believe It Cursory, But Comparative. - 04/12/2009 11:29:36 PM 1246 Views
Publication bookend Y2K? - 05/12/2009 10:36:01 AM 1174 Views
They're Thick Bookends. - 05/12/2009 06:12:06 PM 1100 Views
I'll Try to Have It Up Tomorrow Early. - 04/12/2009 11:24:18 PM 1203 Views
I like it. - 01/12/2009 10:28:48 PM 1118 Views
Thank you! - 02/12/2009 01:43:05 AM 1260 Views
I find Michel Houellebecq to be one of the most intriguing writers of our time - 01/12/2009 11:14:05 PM 1205 Views
And, in recent memory, Orwell was a first-rate writer. - 02/12/2009 01:44:29 AM 1199 Views
wait! there's somebody "dirtier" than Piers Anthony or Philip Jose Farmer??? - 03/12/2009 04:00:28 PM 1166 Views
PJF is dirty? - 04/12/2009 12:16:12 AM 1041 Views
Nice post. - 02/12/2009 12:03:09 AM 1217 Views
Perhaps you're right. - 02/12/2009 01:47:10 AM 1084 Views
In its entirety? No. - 02/12/2009 02:00:10 PM 1120 Views
I agree! - 02/12/2009 12:17:10 AM 1325 Views
Thank you! - 02/12/2009 01:50:22 AM 1035 Views
I guess I'll break my silence after almost a month and a half... - 02/12/2009 12:23:07 AM 1225 Views
Popcorn? - 02/12/2009 12:31:44 AM 1147 Views
Yes - 02/12/2009 12:39:10 AM 1186 Views
Lovecraft? - 02/12/2009 12:51:55 AM 1183 Views
Re-read what I said - 02/12/2009 12:55:08 AM 1252 Views
aahh - 02/12/2009 09:26:40 AM 1112 Views
Larry, please tell me you weren't... - 03/12/2009 04:33:32 PM 984 Views
I concur - 02/12/2009 12:27:13 AM 1105 Views
I like your framing of the issue (and Shannara is the Taco Bell of writing). - 02/12/2009 02:03:51 AM 1152 Views
Thank you - 02/12/2009 09:30:42 AM 1100 Views
more like the mom&pop greasy-spoon diner of writing *NM* - 03/12/2009 05:00:21 PM 531 Views
I'm going to put this in my sig, if you don't mind. - 02/12/2009 03:31:13 AM 1175 Views
hehehe - 02/12/2009 09:31:28 AM 1057 Views
Am i the only one who reads books for fun? - 02/12/2009 12:33:52 AM 1204 Views
There isn't necessarily a contradiction - 02/12/2009 12:38:43 AM 1147 Views
I certainly didn't read The Lost Symbol for ANY cultural, intellectual or edifying reason. - 02/12/2009 02:05:45 AM 1110 Views
it didn't come across that way - 03/12/2009 05:15:36 PM 1136 Views
Of course not. Personally, I don't touch anything other than mind candy when I'm in school, - 02/12/2009 03:29:23 AM 1077 Views
one of the things that is important to me in books/shows - 03/12/2009 05:20:29 PM 1011 Views
We agree! - 03/12/2009 08:03:00 PM 1109 Views
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a science fiction/fantasy movie. - 02/12/2009 12:54:08 AM 1170 Views
i was gonna point that out. thnks. *NM* - 02/12/2009 01:13:47 AM 482 Views
Reading only speculative literature is limiting and monotonous. - 02/12/2009 02:09:42 AM 1201 Views
I was going to say exactly that about "real" literature: monotonous and limiting. - 02/12/2009 01:57:49 PM 1103 Views
I think his point was that only SF/F wasn't good food. - 02/12/2009 02:15:29 PM 1082 Views
I would not disagree with you if you said that. - 02/12/2009 02:27:08 PM 1031 Views
Most non-speculative fiction is fluff as well though. - 03/12/2009 05:38:32 PM 1030 Views
hear hear!! I agree totally wert-man - 03/12/2009 07:20:09 PM 1095 Views
Which brings us back to my point. - 03/12/2009 08:04:24 PM 1148 Views
Actually, it is a film that does not fit neatly into one category - 02/12/2009 11:16:20 AM 1156 Views
Science Fiction is the most PERTINANT form of fiction in the world today - 02/12/2009 12:57:19 AM 1101 Views
don't get me wrong - 02/12/2009 01:28:08 AM 1137 Views
SF&F and 'real literature' are not mutually exclusive - 02/12/2009 01:19:05 AM 1090 Views
No, they are not - 02/12/2009 02:18:53 AM 1104 Views
This line is a load of bull - 03/12/2009 02:39:53 PM 1214 Views
So why don't we occasionally focus on "real" books that are technically spec fiction? - 02/12/2009 01:25:04 AM 1073 Views
Why must we limit our focus in that way? - 02/12/2009 02:20:11 AM 1065 Views
I don't see it as limiting or forcing. - 02/12/2009 03:16:07 AM 1087 Views
"Elite club" or "elitist clique"? - 02/12/2009 03:52:11 AM 1069 Views
Either way, I want in. *NM* - 02/12/2009 11:33:52 AM 574 Views
Elite club is how we midwestern rednecks refer to Elitist Clique. *chews on a piece of hay* - 02/12/2009 02:52:01 PM 1220 Views
I was born in the Midwest. - 02/12/2009 03:01:36 PM 1131 Views
I know. - 02/12/2009 03:12:05 PM 1061 Views
Green Acres in reverse, eh? - 02/12/2009 03:38:09 PM 1096 Views
lmao - 02/12/2009 06:21:17 PM 1247 Views
*piledrivers you* - 02/12/2009 06:28:02 PM 1034 Views
...! - 02/12/2009 03:17:57 PM 1079 Views
Admit it. You know what I'm talking about. - 02/12/2009 03:29:31 PM 1087 Views
Re: Admit it. You know what I'm talking about. - 02/12/2009 03:31:26 PM 1039 Views
Vermont isn't in the Midwest. - 02/12/2009 03:39:36 PM 1047 Views
Re: Vermont isn't in the Midwest. - 02/12/2009 03:42:47 PM 1085 Views
Huh! I really didn't think of you as being a masochist. - 02/12/2009 01:51:55 AM 1048 Views
Thank you! - 02/12/2009 02:21:00 AM 971 Views
Shitstorm! - 02/12/2009 03:06:59 AM 1028 Views
Heh heh heh. - 02/12/2009 03:45:40 AM 1079 Views
Read what you like to read. - 02/12/2009 04:18:53 AM 1159 Views
I'll super size you. Fine. *NM* - 02/12/2009 04:32:58 AM 542 Views
Oh noes! I'm getting word-fat! - 02/12/2009 04:59:05 AM 1083 Views
I seem to have struck a nerve. - 02/12/2009 05:20:27 AM 1114 Views
Apparently not the nerve you think, though. - 02/12/2009 06:42:02 AM 1187 Views
Intellectual achievement isn't a static measure. - 02/12/2009 02:13:10 PM 1101 Views
Re: Intellectual achievement isn't a static measure. - 02/12/2009 03:26:59 PM 1112 Views
Agreed. - 02/12/2009 03:30:50 PM 1028 Views
Re: Agreed. - 02/12/2009 03:32:06 PM 1025 Views
Re: Intellectual achievement isn't a static measure. - 02/12/2009 09:40:28 PM 1156 Views
I really did get under your skin - 02/12/2009 09:58:18 PM 1022 Views
- 02/12/2009 10:06:46 PM 1024 Views
Tom as much as you raise some great points, you are being a condescending ass. - 03/12/2009 04:26:27 AM 1084 Views
You're entitled to your opinion. I don't care. - 03/12/2009 04:51:18 AM 1057 Views
I keep replying. It's like a sickness. - 03/12/2009 05:15:28 AM 1073 Views
Your subject line reinforces my opinion. - 03/12/2009 05:31:50 AM 993 Views
Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room. *NM* - 03/12/2009 07:21:05 AM 524 Views
LOL! - 04/12/2009 12:21:36 AM 1039 Views
See, you just proved my point. - 04/12/2009 12:39:59 AM 1084 Views
Hm. - 02/12/2009 06:58:56 AM 1684 Views
Re-read my exact point. - 02/12/2009 02:18:20 PM 1036 Views
No. Some kind of reading is indeed essential. - 02/12/2009 02:28:22 PM 1186 Views
Somehow I get the feeling that this post hasn't caused quite as much controversy - 02/12/2009 06:53:18 AM 1190 Views
As I see it... - 02/12/2009 11:38:07 AM 1069 Views
Yep. - 02/12/2009 02:18:22 PM 1225 Views
Re: Yep. - 02/12/2009 03:35:38 PM 1090 Views
Euripides was poorly received, initially. - 02/12/2009 03:57:58 PM 1005 Views
Re: Euripides was poorly received, initially. - 02/12/2009 04:00:35 PM 1027 Views
I know. - 02/12/2009 04:18:16 PM 1093 Views
Re: I know. - 02/12/2009 04:23:14 PM 1036 Views
That is why he's so good, in my opinion. - 02/12/2009 06:15:45 PM 1187 Views
All reading of fiction is a diversion by the very nature of the activity. - 02/12/2009 03:43:05 PM 1090 Views
Diversion from direct action, yes. Diversion from reality, no. - 02/12/2009 04:15:48 PM 1050 Views
I maintain that all acts of reading fiction are a diversion from reality/ the realistic - 02/12/2009 05:43:16 PM 1062 Views
It seems a regressive argument to me. - 03/12/2009 01:18:02 AM 1020 Views
You're playing a game. - 03/12/2009 03:40:14 PM 1099 Views
I like your response. *NM* - 03/12/2009 05:37:09 PM 494 Views
I fundamentally agree with much of what you're saying, but there is a distinction. - 03/12/2009 06:44:02 PM 1088 Views
Oh I concur on that distinction. - 04/12/2009 09:06:34 PM 1134 Views
Spec fic is perhaps at it's best in autocracies? - 02/12/2009 04:10:56 PM 1008 Views
Bulgakov - 02/12/2009 04:25:17 PM 1069 Views
I've only read the first chapter of M&M. - 02/12/2009 04:36:09 PM 1036 Views
Re: I've only read the first chapter of M&M. - 02/12/2009 04:40:16 PM 994 Views
Not the greatest Tolkien scholar, me. - 02/12/2009 05:17:31 PM 1026 Views
Re: Not the greatest Tolkien scholar, me. - 02/12/2009 05:40:16 PM 1076 Views
I suppose. - 02/12/2009 06:26:30 PM 1076 Views
Re: I suppose. - 02/12/2009 07:25:26 PM 1078 Views
Well, I don't hold escapism in such low esteem *NM* - 02/12/2009 07:56:13 PM 534 Views
That is what I mean - 02/12/2009 08:36:02 PM 1009 Views
This was something I was exploring earlier. - 02/12/2009 04:34:41 PM 1116 Views
Funny thing about the hivemind antagonist. - 02/12/2009 05:13:30 PM 1079 Views
I didn't see the zombies reading speculative fiction - 02/12/2009 05:30:26 PM 1159 Views
Oh, they prefer Clive Cussler. - 02/12/2009 06:23:42 PM 1127 Views
i think it comes more down to quality than genre. - 02/12/2009 04:55:20 PM 1097 Views
I disagree with the ultimate conclusion but agree with many of your points. - 02/12/2009 05:43:04 PM 1071 Views
the illiad is a classic - 02/12/2009 06:35:24 PM 1089 Views
There's only one "L" in Iliad - 02/12/2009 08:18:38 PM 1054 Views
Is there a safe answer to that question? *NM* - 02/12/2009 10:33:21 PM 555 Views
Maybe not. *NM* - 03/12/2009 12:59:09 AM 526 Views
It took me a few minutes to agree - 02/12/2009 07:04:59 PM 1047 Views
Well, I'm glad if you got something out of the post! - 02/12/2009 09:13:26 PM 1059 Views
Re: Well, I'm glad if you got something out of the post! - 02/12/2009 09:20:49 PM 1038 Views
I don't know. I've only read about 30 pages so far. *NM* - 02/12/2009 10:05:54 PM 557 Views
Many people have mentioned that there's quite a bit of good sff lit out there and you seem to agree. - 02/12/2009 07:33:42 PM 1165 Views
Hmmm - 02/12/2009 08:40:53 PM 1068 Views
Re: Hmmm - 02/12/2009 10:48:02 PM 1085 Views
The website is called "Read and Find Out". It doesn't specify what we're supposed to read. - 02/12/2009 08:42:19 PM 1140 Views
Anti the idea ? I see no evidence for this. - 02/12/2009 09:50:37 PM 1090 Views
Heh - 02/12/2009 09:56:30 PM 1092 Views
What do you mean ? Almost all the repliers agree with Tom - 03/12/2009 11:01:08 AM 1061 Views
Re: What do you mean ? Almost all the repliers agree with Tom - 03/12/2009 11:10:35 AM 1079 Views
I see. You don't read announcements. - 03/12/2009 11:12:04 AM 1042 Views
No, but it does bill itself as science fiction/fantasy. - 02/12/2009 10:51:41 PM 1179 Views
Yes. - 03/12/2009 12:01:30 AM 1172 Views
I think Rebekah and Camilla put it well. - 02/12/2009 10:05:24 PM 1147 Views
I think they make good points, as I said above. - 02/12/2009 10:56:55 PM 1038 Views
I agree with in principle - 02/12/2009 11:22:19 PM 1024 Views
Certainly. People are free to skip any discussion. - 03/12/2009 01:01:40 AM 1137 Views
I have a few objections. - 03/12/2009 12:24:43 AM 1111 Views
where else should we talk about it? - 03/12/2009 12:37:26 AM 1068 Views
random thoughts stole my subject line - 03/12/2009 01:56:07 AM 1105 Views
I think I could agree with a "comfort food" analogy - 03/12/2009 02:12:01 AM 1118 Views
Re: I think I could agree with a "comfort food" analogy - 03/12/2009 02:38:17 AM 1178 Views
That's it - 03/12/2009 04:02:28 AM 1185 Views
Question: is it really science fiction without one of the following: - 03/12/2009 05:13:21 AM 1111 Views
Certainly - 03/12/2009 06:13:38 AM 1163 Views
technically speaking, fantasy is classed as a sub heading under science fiction. *NM* - 03/12/2009 02:51:12 PM 456 Views
According to whom? *NM* - 03/12/2009 03:55:45 PM 580 Views
Yeah. What she asked! *NM* - 03/12/2009 09:23:55 PM 547 Views
Yes, it is but actually... - 03/12/2009 09:31:44 PM 1088 Views
Eternal Sunshine doesn't have a mad scientist. - 03/12/2009 10:09:01 PM 1017 Views
Really? - 04/12/2009 07:01:42 PM 1063 Views
But Dan Brown rocks da house!!! *NM* - 03/12/2009 02:16:47 AM 555 Views
*pumps fist* Give it up for Dan Brown! *NM* - 03/12/2009 03:58:23 AM 546 Views
That's Dan "booyah" Brown!!! Booyah!!! *NM* - 04/12/2009 02:00:56 AM 555 Views
another thing wrong with your argument - 03/12/2009 03:30:19 PM 1074 Views
Absolutely not. And, as I said before, there's only one "L" in Iliad. - 03/12/2009 06:53:35 PM 898 Views
sorry about my atrocious spelling (including the one on pertinent) - 03/12/2009 07:14:59 PM 1199 Views
No problem. On the substantive points: - 03/12/2009 08:00:33 PM 1133 Views
more importantly, which I think it being lost in all this, - 03/12/2009 08:05:27 PM 1131 Views
I'm not reading the Iliad again, once was enough - 04/12/2009 12:19:07 PM 1059 Views
Congratulations on the replies count - 03/12/2009 09:30:41 PM 1198 Views
That was a well-thought out response, but I still disagree. - 03/12/2009 10:50:29 PM 1145 Views
Re: That was a well-thought out response, but I still disagree. - 04/12/2009 07:44:56 PM 1129 Views
But the objective truth of a setting can be measured. - 04/12/2009 10:37:10 PM 1057 Views
But does it make any difference in the objective value of the book? - 06/12/2009 09:35:59 AM 1215 Views
YES. - 06/12/2009 03:34:17 PM 1030 Views
NO - 07/12/2009 08:40:33 PM 1114 Views
Re: That was a well-thought out response, but I still disagree. - 04/12/2009 10:25:08 PM 1067 Views
Yes, it is worse with movies. Much worse, in fact. - 04/12/2009 10:33:18 PM 1110 Views
Re: That was a well-thought out response, but I still disagree. - 06/12/2009 09:36:11 AM 1072 Views
Maybe we're different, but I don't care for FX - 06/12/2009 01:37:53 PM 1018 Views
This is not about the personal taste - 07/12/2009 08:50:34 PM 1112 Views
I've obviously missed the show here... - 04/12/2009 12:14:30 AM 1037 Views
I'm not sure that's right. This thing just keeps growing. - 04/12/2009 12:46:24 AM 1150 Views
What, your penis? - 06/12/2009 02:40:09 AM 1040 Views
Don't you know it! - 06/12/2009 03:28:16 PM 956 Views
You talk the talk, that's for sure. - 07/12/2009 08:14:41 PM 1096 Views
Hate to break it to you... - 07/12/2009 09:54:24 PM 1143 Views
I thought you were gonna tell me... - 08/12/2009 03:07:54 PM 1209 Views
Metaphor versus literalism - 04/12/2009 05:42:03 PM 1112 Views
aha. but. - 07/12/2009 03:56:48 PM 1247 Views
Quoting Nietzsche is really hitting below the belt. - 07/12/2009 09:12:34 PM 1185 Views
It is good I was only paraphrasing, then - 08/12/2009 10:44:14 AM 1078 Views

Reply to Message