Why do people compare?

[Syf]

I just have one major question for all those fans of different Science Fiction shows and movies.

Why do people compare "this one" to "that one" (insert any show, series, or movie(s) into those quoted spots)???

I mean really, lets be logical here. What exactly is the point? I am a fan of several Science Fiction shows in their different forms, even including books. I can see comparing if they were meant to be competitors originally. But most shows are not. Why people can not just enjoy each of them, and not argue over which is better is confusing to me. I love watching anything Star Wars, Star Trek, B5, BSG, DW, etc. I can not even list all the series or movies or books I like. Each one has an attraction in it's own way to me personally. As long as the studios don't force me to choose which one I am going to watch at a specific time, I don't. In said case, I will pick the one I like a bit more. However, that is based on my personal opinion, which I like better. Is it not the same for anyone that likes scifi shows? Since the shows are not made to be of the same fictional "universe", how do people justify saying that this ship is more powerful than that ship? Again, this is only a matter of opinion of any person suggesting such a ridiculous thing really. How do you compare something that can not really be compared? Everything is really only a matter of one's own opinion.

I would like to here everyone on this subject. Let us talk about why people do this. Let's hear how you approach this subject.

[EAS_Intrepid]

Because it is human logic to compare things.

I am just happy that we don't narrow it down on technical details of how many megawatts an Earthforce Particle laser has and how thick the armor of an Imperial Star Destroyer and then we calculate everything and find it out...
THAT be plain stupid nerdy thinking.

[Hellkite]

I concur with your feeling Syf

But I see it a physiological thing that most well look to setup a pecking order in their mind

[Syf]

Personally, I prefer not to use human logic, myself. Humans, Bah, they are flawed in their thinking.:lol:

Really, I do understand that some people have to make themselves feel important, by causing any conflict they can. That is human logic. To project an artificial sense of importance to those around you, hoping that they will give you the attention you so crave. My children do it all the time. But why would any adult want to act like a child? Lol, I have started this discussion, in hopes that perhaps some people will see the "light" of true logic. I see them as having a problem, similar to that of a drunk, or stoner. The only difference is it's purely psychological.:)

Actually EA, there are people that do just that. And it's just plain stupid. What real purpose does it serve, other than to create conflict of views (opinions)? Let's not forget the first word in psychological is PSYCHO.:lol:

[EAS_Intrepid]

Really, I do understand that some people have to make themselves feel important, by causing any conflict they can.
They are called politicians :lol:

Seriously, my friend, I do agree with you on that point. I give less than half a buck for a tech comparison between Star Wars and Star Trek or so. And I tell you, there are countless books and pieces of Fiction (not only SciFi, but also social fiction) I really enjoy, starting with Babylon 5 and BSG over Trek TOS to Orwells "1984".



Actually EA, there are people that do just that. And it's just plain stupid. What real purpose does it serve, other than to create conflict of views (opinions)? Let's not forget the first word in psychological is PSYCHO.:lol:

I know :roll: . Isn't it a pity? Arguing about real-world systems or so has some kind of background, but SciFi tech? Technobabble alert.

On the other hand, I don't find it too wrong comparing certain literature.... say Orwell's "1984" and Burgess' "Clockwork Orange" (the book). Because these two books have several similar points of either storyline or events. (In that case the prosecution of a certain crime).

Or, a more SciFi topic, Bab5 and DS9. Said to have similar storylines, fans like to argue about it. As long as it doesn't go into a flame war or in open hostile trench fighting, I have no problem about comparing.

Umm, people got their Doctor-titles about comparing two pieces of media...

[Syf]

Indeed. A flame war is about the only thing as comparing "technobabble" is good for. That's why I started this thread. We can compare and discuss those people that would compare these things. Now I too think some shows are better than others, but I admit, that is my opinion, and it matters not to anyone else but me.

Now on the flip side of the coin, I see no problem with comparing ourselves, our society, and our race to the "possible future" these shows inspire.

[Majestic]

Some people may say Parallels is a mod designed to compare shows against one another. If they think or say that then they have missed the point. Parallels is being made to tell a story, a new story of how these races of humans would react if they ever meet each other, its not being made to say who is the strongest or the better show.

I agree with you guys up^ there about comparing shows. Its flame war material and narrow minded people start such debates/flame wars on what show is better and it is usually about Star Trek vs Star Wars.

I myself refuse to join in such debates/flame wars.

[Syf]

I could imaging it any other way (Parallels). It's not a means of comparing, it's more of a matching up the different shows to be on 'equal" footing. Your taking into account the age of the races involved, then balancing the whole mod with these concepts in mind. So no, it is not ment to compare. It's mearly a fun way of saying "what if these shows were all of the same universe". I think the creators of all those series and films would be proud of what your doing with the mod.

Now it would be different if you were making it where one side was god-like powerful, and all those other sides were outgunned.:thumbsup:

[Rodglas]

Its fun, that is my answer. When done in a reasonable and friendly way comparing star wars to trek or Andromeda, or b5 is fun.

I have been fortunate enough to participate in many such discussions over the years and have had a great time doing so.

The problem in this form of debate is trying to debate with a hardcore fan of one series (movie or whatever). One need to be a broad based sci-fi to do a real crossover debate that can be reasoned out to a friendly conclusion.

I love sci-fi, if it is Star Trek, B5 or whatever and because I do I trying to figure out just how they stack up against each other.

Rod.

[Syf]

I think really, most people do. But like you said, the hardcore fans will often resort to flaming, or other forms of insulting others if they fail to see exaclty what they say it is. Why they think they are right is insane. Afterall, SciFi is fictional, meaning not real. There's really no harm in sharing your opinion, just as long as you (the fan) don't try to force others to have your opinion, when clearly they don't. Now when someone wants to prove they are right, I say build the mega-obber 200 yrs advanced canon or space drive engine to prove it. but until I see it work, then see a real working version from another show, it just fiction. Some people like Harry Potter more than Lord of the Rings. It's the same thing... A saying here goes: "Whatever floats your boat", meaning whatever makes you happy. This is all that really matters.
:thumbsup:

I think some people would be upset if they knew we had a topic about them!:lol:

[Tholian_Storm]

Now on the flip side of the coin, I see no problem with comparing ourselves, our society, and our race to the "possible future" these shows inspire.

The way we're going these days , I doubt we'll ever come close to attaining a Star Trek-topia. Most of my life I've actually been depressed because I can't live the "want free" life that I grew up seeing on Star Trek. It gives me physical pain at times because what I want , I'll probably never live long enough to see come about.

Maybe I'm just being a little pessimistic at the moment because of the bad start to the week I've had , but if things on Earth don't get straightened out soon , we're all doomed - whether through violence or through humanity's (in general) self-centered short-sightedness.

But as far as your original point about comparing shows , books ,etc against one another is kind of silly. Kinda like the "How would the Enterprise-A compare to an Imperial Star Destroyer?" Well , to me it would depend on whether or not Kirk was calling the shots , Scotty was ridin' herd on the engines , and Spock saying , "Captain , I find this to be....fascinating , but I believe it is time for me to return to Vulcan for pon-farr so I don't beam over there and pwn Lord Vader's pansy rear!"

That's just me. Me , I LOVE comic books , but comparing Ghost Rider (favorite Marvel) against Aquaman (favorite DC) would be pointless. Getting mad because someone doesn't share my opinion is even more pointless. Not everyone likes Arthur Curry (Aquaman) , but I do and I can't make someone enjoy his stories on the level that I do. So , yeah. That's my nickel's worth of free speech.