[Crysania]

Does it irritate some of you fantasy readers who have read countless fantasy-genre books and, perhaps been reading for the genre for years when people who are obsessed with the Wheel of Time go on about how fabulous it is and yet they've read no other fantasy at all? Or is a Harry Potter type thing, where it makes you happy that someone in the genre is crossing over so well and that hopefully these readers will be led towards more fantasy?

I'm not sure what I think. I waffle. I will say niece is reading WOT now (we're only a few years apart) and I'm pretty thrilled about it because it's fun to discuss the things we like about it and the manifold things that we find irritating. Also, it's led her to branch out and read more canon-like authors.

Thoughts?

PS This can be moved the 'worn out' thread if it would fit better there...



[This message has been edited by Crysania (edited April 05, 2002).]

[kassimir funk]

Hey Crys,

Doesn't really irritate me cuz though their are many people, who are new to fantasy, that love WoT. There are also many people well versed in the fantasy genre that love WoT as well. Personally, I think the WoT is good but not the best. Ultimately it comes down to a matter of taste.
As for getting new readers into the genre... I'm all for it. If WoT is gonna be the thing to do it... so be it.

I think that inevitably, there will be those who read something and say "this is crap" and "I can do better than this". And with any luck, some of them will. Maybe even me(with a LOT of Luck)

Sincerely,
Da Funk

[GaKristi]

I agree with Kassimir. As far as I'm concerned, anything that gets people reading in our genre (or any genre, for that matter) is a good thing. If there are those that get really excited about WoT, that's great. Hopefully, it will propel them to seek other novels, thereby broadening their horizons.

<calmly steps off her soap box now>

Kristi

[ChrisW]

Does it irritate some of you fantasy readers who have read countless fantasy-genre books and, perhaps been reading for the genre for years when people who are obsessed with the Wheel of Time go on about how fabulous it is and yet they've read no other fantasy at all?

Who needs to read other fantasy when there is WoT? http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

I've never actually meet someone who has not read any other fantasy other than WoT. Oh and WoT is fabulous so it would not bug me if people said that http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif.

Now if you replace WoT with Lord of the Rings, that would bug me. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Bardos]

Of course, because LotR is an intelligent read. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Hobbit]

Oh, here we go......

*ducks*

Actually, what really annoys me are those who see a book or a series as the only thing to read at the exclusion of all/most others. You know those who say 'I only read St*r Tr*k novels or B*ffy books and think that is all speculative fiction is about.


Having said that, every one has their own likes and dislikes, their 'quality' and their 'junk' and it's nice when people share their views or make people aware of stuff that others may like.

Often though it can lead to 'better' things....Potter to Tolkien etc etc and that I can't object to.

Right - now I'll duck out of the way and let the children get on with their squabble http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

*sigh*

Hobbit

[kassimir funk]

You folks settle down here.

<Kassimr lifts a firehose and aims it at Cal and Bardos>

I don't want to have to use this! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Lani]

One thing that is annoying about people who read one fantasy book and thought it was great is that some of them can never believe you that there are other authors who write good books and maybe even better books. They have not read any of those, but still stubbornly insist that it is impossible that the other book would be anywhere as good.
Fortunately, there are many people who are not like that and after the first book try some others with interest.

[Caly]

WoT was my introduction to fantasy, and I'm really glad I read it b/c it changed my life. Sounds corny, doesn't it? It did though. I met the man I am currently living with on a WoT board, so it literally did change my life.

I thought WoT was totally wonderful at first, but as I started exploring the genre, I realized it was pretty darn average and there is lots and lots of better stuff out there. I will always be grateful that I was introduced to fantasy, esp now that I run my own fantasy community, but I don't think I can ever look at WoT with the same awe and wonder that I had when I first read it. I guess there is just something about that series that draws readers into the genre. I was so silly back in my pre-fantasy days. I didn't want to be seen in the fantasy section b/c I thought only geeky teenage boys read fantasy *l*.

Caleyna, http://www.fantasyfreaks.org

[saintjon]

Well, I doubt my little cousin would have been so hell-bent on seeing Lord of the Rings if he hadn't read Harry Potter.

Something that brings in new interest in the genre can't be a bad thing.