Should Off-Topic threads about other books related to SW be allowed?

There has been no hard and fast rule on allowing OT discussions of books, although generally they have been allowed.

The question being asked here is if you would like to see some threads discussing non-SW books if they are of a similar vein to SW, and/or by established SW authors.

 

Yes. I guess I'd say SFF/Horror only, as it's the "weird fiction"/fantastique genre that Star Wars fits in. That said, I did have a pretty interesting Great Literature thread going for a while, too.

 

This is a Star Wars Lit board, not a Literature (SciFi/Fantasy/Horror??) board...

 

Myself, I think it's nice to broaden the horizons sometimes - not too often, but sometimes. Simply because, SW is part of a genre - the genre of science-fiction and fantasy. I don't see much wrong with acknowledging that the rest of the genre exists...

Of course, only in moderation, yeah? Don't want it so we click on Lit Page One and there's no SW there at all - but frankly, I sincerely doubt that would *ever* happen anyway!

 

I voted "Yes," but I would have voted "Other" if given a choice -- let me explain.

Babylon 5 novels can be tangentially tied to Star Wars, both in thematic elements and because Keyes wrote novels in both areas. I can see that being a viable candidate for a thread.

But the Spiderman novel thread? Farscape? Other than sci-fi (or repulsorlift vehicles) I don't see how all other sci-fi/fantasy novels should be tied in here...

So basically, my feelings would be -- if it can be tangentially tied to Star Wars, I'd be for it -- otherwise I'd prefer to not have the clutter.

 

J_K_DART

Of course, only in moderation, yeah? Don't want it so we click on Lit Page One and there's no SW there at all - but frankly, I sincerely doubt that would *ever* happen anyway!

Take a look at this board.

 

As long as a book does relate to SW in some way, I'm fine with it. On the other hand, there are certain books that I think would be better off discussed over in the Amphitheatre, where they currently have a lot of book threads, if I'm not mistaken.

So I voted "yes", but it's really more of a, "Yes, if..." Then again, I don't think we really have a problem with this currently in Lit anyway.

 

I voted yes, but I'd prefer to see a completely separate forum to avoid clutter.

 

We have something called "The Amphitheatre." I think it would be wise to throw new business like this toward that forum. There are more than enough SW topics to sustain Lit for a long time. I don't think OT threads about non-SW books should be allowed.

 

I think there should, just because conversation tends to lull and get spammy in the periods between Star Wars books. I think this would reduce that tendency.

 

Between books, definitely, after all it is a Literature forum and between books we have almost nothing to talk about...

 

No that's what The Amphitheatre and Your JC Community are for.

But I guess that could go into the EUC

 

YJCC is too cluttered as it is, and it seems not many people visit the Amphitheatre, IMO...

 

Maybe just a few for similar series (ie Babylon 5, etc), or a huge "Other Books" type thread for each major genre (ie horror, sf/f, mystery, etc).

EDIT: I actually like flying_fishi 's idea better.

 

Yes. But I think only for EU authors... like a discussion on the 'Caine' books.

I KNOW there's the A&A forum, but I don't think enough people visit that

~monogpfm

 

Initially, I was of the opinion that OT threads should be allowed in Literature. Banning them seemed like a case of over-moderation. At first glance, there is really is no need to ban the OT threads. They don't put much strain on the moderation team, and it would appear that there is little to gain from making this change.

However, I agree with Lord Bane. The Amphitheatre really is the most appropriate place, thus I feel we should limit the Non-Star Wars Literature to the Amphitheatre, etc. Also, these topics will have the added benefit of a more diverse group of posters, as there are people who frequent the Amphitheatre who do not normally participate in Lit.

 

Although I do visit the Lit. board mainly to read about SW literature, from time to time a topic about a non-SW book comes up, and I think that's great! Since it seems like most of the Lit. forum regulars read extensively, it's nice to be able to chat with fellow board members about non-Star Wars books. I'm not suggesting that topics like "The New Tom Clancy Book-Like or Dislike?" be allowed, but if the book is judged to be reasonably related to Star Wars, I think a topic about it should be allowed.

 

I say no. The reason is Gatherer said that was one of the main reason's he started the authors board in the first place. Back in the day it was OK, but now that we have a specific board for them, I don't see why we need them in the Lit forum any longer.

 

What about discussing Heinlein? Or Feintuch? Or Card?

 

I think this is what the Authors & Artists Forum is for...

 

Yeah, but not too many people frequent that forum...

As long as the authors are EU authors (Like Stover, Williams, etc.) I don't see why not, but no Tom Clancy and other authors...

 

In the "Games" forum they discuss other games besides Star Wars. I don't see how it could hurt to discuss other books.

 

I think they should be, but only if they are by Star Wars authors. IMO, general book discussion should be in the Amp.

 

I think if the topic is a compare and contrast one with SW then it would be ok, otherwise, the Ampitheater is the place to go. That board moves slowly so there is a better chance the topic will stay on the first page and not get lost as well, plus you will get more than just Lit people posting.