On the Notion of Pure Trek Fans...
Having recently returned to TrekBBS (primarily for the purpose of promoting our forthcoming Star Trek fan film series), one of the more intriguing topics of discussion lately was on what the "true believers" of Classic Trek fandom consider Star Trek. A fan asked in the topic as to what TOS fans hold true?
It's funny to me that this is even a question. To me, TOS, TAS, TNG, DS9 and VOY are Star Trek. There are some continuity errors that aren't that hard to overlook in TNG, DS9 and VOY, so I include them in the Orion Universe. I consider everything in TOS, TAS and the Star Trek movies to be canon as well. I don't include Enterprise because it was too far outside established canon and fanon, but I really don't bode any ill-will to those who do, any more than I dislike folks who prefer Sunkist over Fanta Orange. Everyone has their own tastes. I have mine, and you have yours. IDIC, you know...
So along comes one fan in particular who attacks everything that's not Star Trek in his mind (he specifically states that it's from "Episode A" to "Movie B"). He has a tendency to pop into threads repeatedly voicing his opinion, and doesn't hesitate to belittle or demean any and everyone who doesn't share his particular, limited view of canon. There will be a discussion on the nuTrek movie, and blam--in he comes, popping off left and right about the intelligence of the film, its producers and anyone who likes it. There will be a discussion of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, and in he comes to let everyone know how much better "Movie B" is and, well, you get the drift. If you don't agree with him, you're not a pure Star Trek fan.
Now, if this is what the fellow believe, that's fine with me. Doesn't bother me at all. There is no single mentality among Classic Trek fans as to what is and what isn't canon. Some like me, accept most of Modern Trek. Some accept all of it. Some accept none of it. There's no consensus. IDIC, you know.
It just reminds me of a person going into an elevator and farting just to let you know he's in the elevator with you. It's rude, boorish, and unworthy of anyone who professes to be a fan of any incarnation of Star Trek. I've opted to ignore the "fan" in question--sad, really when there are so few folks around fandom who actually focus on Classic Trek...
So next time that you're in a conversation that's quickly going down here, remember the guy farting in the elevator. Time to press the ol' stop button, and exit on the next floor. You'll be a lot happier for it, and there's some fun in leaving him or her on their own to stink up the lift...*
Randy
*and for Goddenberry's sake, don't be the one farting!
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