2002-08-15 - 3:09 p.m.
Musings on fanfic and distractions from work

One of the most entertaining things about Stargate SG-1 fanfiction, at least so far, is spotting the scientific and historical goofs. I mean, I only have undergraduate degrees, in computer science and literature no less, and I'm spotting goofs in astronomy, physics, physiology, geology, and at least a dozen other fields that I have no special knowledge in. Don't these people do any research?

Oh, I forgot. This is fanfiction. It might be science-based, rather than fantasy like Buffy (easier to fake), but it's still fanfic. Silly authors don't think it's important to make sure they know what they're talking about. Even the decent writers tend to make at least one slip per story ... I'll have to go back through and make notes of the ones that didn't, so I can watch them for new stories in future.

I mean, come on. A non-gaseous planet the size of Jupiter? I'm pretty damn sure there would be serious gravity issues there with the formation of such a world to begin with, but even if it could exist, anyone who 'Gated to the surface of it would be so much pancaked sludge. Or some strange disease that makes eyes and ears and mouths grow shut, and yet Dr. Frasier is able to fix them with no scarring ... the fu'? Riiight.

As for human nature ... Making folks more obstinate than necessary to set up unnecessarily painful and emotionally wracking situations, or else making enemies with die-hard beliefs fold like a pack of cards at three words from Daniel? *snort* Those kind of situations are why I don't watch sitcoms and soap operas, they don't belong in "intelligent sci-fi." Blecch.

Not to mention the Mary-Sues. Oh, here's Jack's previously unknown sister, whom Daniel drools over giddily despite the existence (or recent death) of Sha'uri. Or Daniel's foster sister appears; she's also a beautiful super-intelligent archeologist in perfect physical shape who just happened to be MIA and unable to help him back when he was homeless, friendless, and jobless. Or there are the Marty-Stu's who appear out of nowhere, sweep Sam off her feet, then either die tragically or turn evil and leave her to the comforting arms of Jack, nevermind regs and their canonical decision not to get involved.

I really would like to see that Angel/SG-1 crossover, though. Wesley and Daniel really need to meet. I'm just not sure how to believably intermesh their two historical world-views, since each theorizes a different supernatural or extraterrestrial starting point for the human race.

*reading back through entry* Heh. Three guesses what I've been concentrating on instead of work the past day and a half, to keep from blowing gaskets. Hey, it works. Not as good as racing, or bashing things, but at least it keeps me occupied. And yes, hee, first-person battle games help too, Timethian.

... Although I lean heavily toward RPG's. Diablo II is a good one, especially in Act III, with all those maddening little peashooters running around. Hyah! Urgh! Splatter! Vwoosh! Thwack! Aieee! (And gee, can I be any siller? Imitating game noises in type. *grin*)

*checking clock* Hrmph. Five hours past time for our meeting, and no supervisor. Good grief. She's as side-trackable as I am, looks like. I've been at my desk all day, except for ... hmmm ... about five short breaks, for the restroom or to fetch something. No message on my phone or on email. She did say she'd summon me. Bet she'll ask later why I didn't check in with her, though ... Damn. Guess I'd better.