I've been thinking about what direction the blog should take for a while and wanted to get some feedback from you guys, the ones that read the blog. I started Walker of Worlds to spread the word on books I've read and loved, but this was pretty much exclusive to science fiction. This year I've started to read fantasy and urban fantasy and found that as the year has progressed I've been looking at these books more and more when deciding what to read next.
However, my first love is sci-fi, and that will never change. With all the talk of sci-fi dying/will die/on the downward spiral I'm getting ever more irritated with all those that jump on the bandwagon. Yes, their arguments may hold merit, but god damn I love my sci-fi and can't bear to see other condemn it as a genre that has seen its heyday.
So, in 2010 I'm looking to shift the focus back on to science fiction - but is that want you want to read about? If not I'm sure I can recommend a good half dozen blogs that will be able to focus more specifically on fantasy - but do you think my opinions on books I read in that genre count? Don't get me wrong, I will read fantasy books - some of my most eagerly anticipated books are sequels in that genre - but how what would you like to read on here?
Ahh, the ramblings of a sci-fi lover...
"Princeps" by L.E. Modesitt (Reviewed by Liviu Suciu)
4 minutes ago
14 comments:
One of the reasons I like your site is because of its focus on sci-fi. Like you, I read sci-fi, fantasy, and similar genres but it seems like there are far fewer good sci-fi blogs (like yours) than there are good fantasy blogs. As such, I'd personally be disappointed if you were to shift this focus, but it's your blog of course :)
What Ben said, (and Mark C. Newton said) - I like that the prime focus of your blog is SF, though I do like the cover posts and Warhammer posts, too.
Same as the previous posters, I'd prefer a SF focus. A bit of fantasy is ok, but not too much :)
Now-a-days I'm all SF and your blog has provided insight to books of both genres and though presently I have no plans on picking up any fantasy I give your reviews on those a read to keep a clue on the state of them. I also enjoy the common interest in Neal's books and blog as a nice tie-in on blogs I follow.
As for the reference by some as to the demise of SF I'll believe that is happening when I see the likes of Asher, Hamilton, Reynolds, Niven, Baxter and others turn their attention to writing cookbooks, romance, DIY books or some other drivel instead of whisking us off to other worlds and places that our "modern" technology has failed us on the promise of the moon landings. We should at least have working bases on the moon and a presence on Mars by now much less the moons of Jupiter, 2010 indeed!
Hey Mark, I totally agree with Ben - Walker of Worlds' focus on SF is awesome, and the fact that you focus on SF makes a grand case against the arguments for the genre dwindling, so without your blog, people wouldn't find good SF to read. Stick with your first love! :-)
P.S. I'm formally offering Realms & Galaxies up to you - if you do review Fantasy & Urban Fantasy, I'd be happy to post your reviews as guest posts, linking back and all that, of course. :-)
skiffy skiffy skiffy! MDP
Mark,
I read tons of fantasy and view tons of fantasy blogs. I'm hanging around Walker of Worlds for your take on sci-fi. With Mark Chitty and WoW, gotta love me some sci-fi. Bring it on, brother!
Focus on Sci-Fi, man. It's what makes the blog special and it's what I pointed out in my feature about you. Not that it is so important, but yeah I say you stick to what you love and do not listen to the bandwagon that is screaming SF death.
But yeah, your choice. It's your blog, so do what is most comfortable for you.
I am a recent reader of your site and although I dabble outside the hard edged sci-fi I am a believer that the genre will evolve and overtake the clouds of obscurity currently forming in the critical troposphere. At the rebirth of the year there is a desire to change or transform and mere continuation seems less appealing but keep evolving and I shall be happy to keep visiting.
Hah, I was going to say that you should review precisely what you want to review but, seeing the comments above...
Perhaps you could review some of the older SF too?
Thanks all, muchly appreciate your comments :) I think I'll be keeping the focus mainly on sci-fi with any fantasy taking a back seat, but that's what I've been tryingt o do anyway.
There really are some excellent sci-fi books coming out next year and if I can spread the word on them wherever possible I'll be happy!
What Mark C Newton said!
If SF is your calling, then see to it you read what you enjoy reading most... There are too few SF blogs out there.
I just love ur blog :)
Great reviews and sometimes u even find a book that I havent read! That makes it even more compelling to read this blog!
Keep on doing what u feel for :)
Just remember: Do what ur good at!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Soren
I'm shifting to cover more SF too. As fantasy is more popular though, I'm aiming for a F:SF ration of 1:1 to 3:1. So far my readers have been very receptive to my SF posts.
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