Putting Books In Boxes: The Genre Wars

[Jabotikaba]

Mary wrote: "The problem with that theory is urban fantasy. If I tell you a story takes place in Boston on March 13 1996, that doesn't make it not fantasy"
Well, yes, that's a real problem. Then the only thing left is the terminology, and I'm not too sure about that.

[Bookworm]

To put it simply:


Are phenomena/problems explained/solved scientifically (SF) or is the magical, supernatural element used (Fantasy) ?

That's why Arthur C. Clarke's statement

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

is not really helpful, in that regard.

As I said in a different chat: Budget is distributed between genres. Authors (and publishers) should adress the correct target audience otherwise they will disappoint their readers (and will lose them subsequently).

That doesn't mean you have to agree with the categorization of the 1000+ sub(genres) in SF or Fantasy

[Brian]

I love that line from Clarke.

Both the Jedi from Star Wars or the Q from Star Trek have 'godlike' powers, but both would be classified as Sci-Fi.

As you say, the best judge has to be the reader.