Essays and Editorials

This is an experimental feature of the Sci-fi Database. It is a place for individuals to post original essays and editorial reviews regarding whatever science-fiction franchise they happen to be interested in. (Please use the 'Groups' category at right to navigate to the medium of the chosen franchise; submit essays under 'Ship' and editorials under 'Ship type/class,' and in each case select the medium from 'Parent Group.' Examples are provided in those sections.)

A number of conditions exist for approval of entries to this section, and this section may be taken down at any time for any reason, stated or unspecified.

The first condition is that this is not a place for wild ranting, for personal attacks on posters, celebrities, or anyone else, or for useless naysaying and thoughtless criticism. A higher standard is demanded, and entries should be supported by references (for essays) or specific, demonstrable observations (editorials). There is of course a place for personal opinion, but civility and professionalism will increase the likelihood of moderator approval.

The second condition is that sloppy, incoherent submissions will not be accepted. The moderators will not make your work presentable if you yourself cannot. At a minumum, use spell/grammar checks and try to follow an orderly, point-by-point outline. Some flexibility in terms of personal style will be permitted for editorials, but essays should be somewhat standardized, and should be easy to follow in terms of organization.

The third condition is that the titles of submissions must be standardized. They should follow the pattern (Type of submission): (Title of submission). - (Name of author(s)). So, for example, one could have titles like this:

Essay: On the Nature of Phasers in Star Trek. - picard122
Editorial: Reasons to Hate the First Alien vs Predator Movie. - colonial_marine

This will help keep entries organized and easy to browse.

The fourth condition is that this is not, strictly speaking, a debate forum. A formalized debate system may be implemented with moderator approval if posters show an interest; otherwise debates should be taken up on the forum, where the public will not confuse them with completed essays. One possible debate format would be the 'double helix' as follows:

1. Both debaters present a completed essay/statement of position at the same time.

2. Each debater posts a rebuttal to their opponent's first essay (within a predetermined timeframe).

3. Each debater posts a counter-rebuttal to the rebuttal (within a predetermined timeframe).

4. Each poster completes a final essay/statement summarizing their points (within a predetermined timeframe).

Readers can then judge each position on its own merits.

This style avoids a back-and-forth mentality - and more importantly, prevents either debater from going first or getting the last word - while still allowing each debater to adapt to the debate and craft their responses in an organized fashion.

Any questions or feedback about this special experimental feature is appreciated, and can be directed to the SFDB forum. If anyone believes their submission is being vetoed unfairly by the moderators, they can post the essay/editorial to the forum for all to see, and to get direct feedback as to why it was not accepted for approval. And of course, the views and opinions of posters do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the moderators, administrators, or other members of the Sci-fi Database team.

I hope that this feature proves useful, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating, and that participants will maintain the high standards set out above.

- Torvus

Record 1525 - universe - Last update 21 Nov 2007, 00:38:28

Entry written by: Torvus

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