Competence Porn In Fiction Versus Gaming

I loved the article io9 did about the loss of Competence Porn (watching competent people do competent things) in SF. It noted how many SF stories had lost that element, leaving us with assorted “average” guys, non-scientists, and the like facing SF situations. I had to agree, at least on an intuitive level.

I miss tales of scientists and engineers solving stuff. I grew up with Dick Seaton (real name) of the Skylark stories. I, like many, wanted to be Spock or Scotty. I loved the idea of Iron Man and engineers making cool stuff.

I wasn’t into the idea that someone someone who lacks knowledge and skill (and doesn’t acquire them) is going to solve things. Wasn’t believable. Wasn’t a good story really. Didn’t give me anything to aim for.

(I could go into this as part of anti-intellectualism or “My ignorance is the same of your knowledge” trend or whatever, but that’s for later).

This got me thinking about gaming, another form of storytelling.

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Link Roundup 8/22/2013

Goodreads having cases of Author Abuse?  Sounds like a potential problem, and Goodreads doesn’t seem to be dealing with it.

Larry Ellison isn’t feeling the love for the iPad and there’s some good points on issues with Apple.  I myself think the tablet-laptop combo is probably big for the future.  Whatever happens will affect you developers.

Netflix has 1.5 million UK subscribers.  Still moving forward.

Remember awhile ago when I got enthused about food vending machines?  Now one makes french fries.

– Steven Savage