[allanon]

Well,I readso much topics in which some guys said:Jordan[Martin etc.] is the king Tolkien is old thing,fantasy books with elves and dwarfes are boring,childish and we don't need them.
This is the most stupid thing in the world.
Elves,dwarfes and dragons are bearers of the fantasy,because fantasy infact is "upgraded" faerie tale. Books like "Wheel of Time" are something like stupid soap operas. Without elves&dwarfes,with sex&violence,fantasy will die.
But elves&dwarfes won't die-"DragonLance" will save them and soap operas like WoT&SoT will die in their 9874 book.

[Barbarossa]

I think we throw two things together that should be kept apart:
I too think that stories about Elves and dwarfs and mixed racial groups on quests to find a powerful artefact, that are written right now lack originality at least. I also think that fantasy as a genre should develop.

There are interesting new authors, Martin is certainly one. Jordan actually follows the old conventions far too much for my taste.
But that's not on the point. The point is even if there are new authors writing differently from Tolkien that doesn't diminish Tolkien or other classics the least.

But if people just copy their styles that bores, me at least.

It's bit like architecture, we build in different styles than let's say the 19th century, but that doesn't mean we have to tear down the old buildings, on the contrary we can still appreciate them as works of art.

On the other hand while it would be sad if architecture wouldn't change that doesn't mean that all experiments are successful.
Ugly buildings will be built as they always were.

And to stay at the example, while it can be a nice effect if a modern architect copies old styles too much of it just won't work.

That's my opinion at least.

[Liselle]

allanon, I think you're right when you say Elves, Dwarves and Dragons will never die. Just as wizards and so on (I love all those fairy tale creatures and I was quite surprised reading in another thread that there are fantasy-readers who don't - but that's another topic)
This must not necessarily mean that fantasy like WoT won't survive. They're simply two different types and they can exist both, none is being limited by the other. Of course, WoT can't go on forever (At least I hope so http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif ) but there'll be others.
I also agree with Barbarossa - of course, sometimes it is necessary to tear down an old house because the space is needed for another one, but fortunately we still have enough space for many, many books.

[This message has been edited by Liselle (edited July 25, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Liselle (edited July 25, 2001).]

[Alucard]

Fantasy is a very broad genre(though you wouldn't think so by reading much of it). I say, the more approaches to the genre the better. I feel that too many people use already developed concepts as it is. There's more to fantasy than elves and dragons.

[Cadfael]

Although fantasy with all the classic elements is my favourite type, I am still open and do enjoy some of the more recent works that have 'pushed' the genre, ie. SoIaF, The Tales of Alvin Maker, Reflections etc. It is a fact IMHO that there will always be a place for elves and dragons in fantasy, and room for other types of books. I enjoy the best of both worlds http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Yes! I agree whole heartedly the genre should develop, but this should not be to the detriment of the classic style of fantasy, it still has a huge following.

[This message has been edited by dennizm (edited July 25, 2001).]

[Zaku]

oh splendid.

Why talk in circles,
you people are all the same
boring boring cocks.

hehee.

[Rob B]

--"You all talk in circles"--

This from a person who started about the 15th post about the LOTR movie.

[allanon]

You see,guys?Listen the Moderator[f.ex.-dennizm].Elves and Dragons will live!FOREVER!

[Zaku]

some people just have no appreciation for poetry...

[Eventine]

I believe Zaku has watched Fight Club too many times...