Definition of Science Fiction

If you've ever wondered what exactly the definition of science fiction is, you need look no further than the popular science fiction blog SciFiDimensions.

Science Fiction News

One of the more obvious ways to understand the true nature of the science fiction genre is to read as many sci-fi books as possible. The problem, especially if you're new to the genre, is in choosing which books are best. For long time fans, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest sci-fi news because there aren't many updated sources for information and updates. This is where SciFiDimensions fills an important gap. At this blog you'll find valuable book reviews of the latest science fiction novels, as well as fun and interesting news and updates about events going on in the sci-fi community. John C. Snider is the founder and editor at SciFiDimensions, and he recently sat down with LoveToKnow Sci-Fi to discuss not only the blog itself, but also his views and opinions about the present and future of the science fiction genre.

LTK: Your website mentions that you started the online magazine, SciFiDimensions, in 2000. How did you come up with the idea?

JCS: I was inspired mostly by the late, great print magazine OMNI, which ran from 1977 to 1995, and even enjoyed a brief online presence into the late 90s. OMNI billed itself as a magazine of science fiction and science fact. I just wanted to start a website that would allow me to write the things that interested me.

LTK: Do you feel that the field of science fiction has changed significantly since the Internet became popular?

JCS: If by "field" you mean the content of the genre, not really, no. The Internet has changed the science fiction community, in the sense that now just about anybody can get in on the conversation. It has also changed the way science fiction is distributed and marketed. People forget how groundbreaking it was that Joe Straczynski used the online forums to create fan interest in Babylon 5. But as far as the actual content of science fiction--the kinds of things people write about as a result--I don't think the genre has been affected all that much.

LTK: Could you describe some of your own freelance writing work and which other sci-fi publications you consider as some of the best in the industry?

JCS: I am embarrassed to admit I do not read or follow any other publications. I am, quite frankly, way too busy doing my own thing to keep up with them. I pop over to Locus on a regular basis, and SciFiWire, but that's about it.

LTK: Do you feel that with the current level of technology in society today - it's getting harder for Sci-Fi writers to "push the envelope" and go where no one has gone before?

JCS: Well, I think there are two things going on here. First, it is true that 21st century technology has become so highly specialized that it makes it increasingly difficult to feature it in a compelling science fiction story without subjecting the reader to a long, involved info-dump. A hundred years ago, H.G. Wells could write about traveling to the moon, and people could easily wrap their heads around the concept. But when you start writing about esoteric things like string theory, or the latest in exotic materials research, it starts to sound like a lot of handwaving and magic.

Second, I think science fiction has written itself into a corner, to some extent. The genre has far outstripped what we are capable of in terms of real-world technology. I mean, science fiction has had starships, warp drive, AIs, aliens of every description, yadda yadda yadda, but here we are in 2009 and we still don't have HAL-9000 or anything like it. We've never discovered any extraterrestrials, and it's been forty years since a human being set foot on another world. As a result, much of science fiction is driven by media tie-ins and hefty space opera epics that are hardly discernible from high fantasy.

Robert Heinlein - The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

LTK: Have you always been a fan of sci-fi? Could you describe some of your earliest memories of the genre (if you were interested as a kid).

JCS: Yes, I would say I've always been a fan. I grew up in rural Kentucky, and read most of the books in the tiny one-room public library--titles by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, John Christopher, etc. I did not watch Star Trek as a child, but only because the only time it was on TV was 11AM Sunday mornings, and we were always in church! As I mentioned earlier, I had a keen interest in OMNI magazine, and read it pretty much cover-to-cover every month.

LTK: Do you see the Sci-Fi genre as becoming more popular today throughout both print fiction and in films?

JCS: People have been predicting the death of print SF for forty years, but it hasn't happened yet. Still, the writing is on the wall for the print mags, who seem to be dying an interminably long death. When I go into a bookstore nowadays, the science fiction section is bigger than it has ever been, so I think print SF is safe, at least as far as novels go. (Whether or not quantity makes up for quality remains to be seen, of course.) As far as films, I think science fiction will continue to be immensely popular. All but one of the top ten grossing films of all time are "genre" films, so it's clear that science fiction, fantasy, horror and animation films have a future.

LTK: What are your future plans for SciFiDimensions in the coming years?

JCS: It is possible I may decide to retire SciFiDimensions at some point in the near future. I've had a pretty good run--nearly ten years as we're talking--and it has been very rewarding, but it is intensely time-consuming and it does prevent me from pursuing other creative projects (including writing my own science fiction!). But as long as I enjoy it, I'll probably keep on doing it.

LoveToKnow Science Fiction would like to thank John for taking the time to discuss the world of science fiction and sharing his opinions and perspectives with LoveToKnow readers. If you are an avid science fiction fan, or you're just curious about what the genre has to offer, make sure to visit Sci-Fi Dimensions to learn about the latest novels and news.

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