More on books!

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

If nothing in the Trek books ever happened- then why the draconian, canon-bashing guidelines on ST book submissions? They seem pretty canon to me- decanonizing the books sounds like Berman's excuse to have freedom with his episodes. But in the words of O'Brien- "It's real to me".

Founder · **Fri Jul 28, 2006 1:23 pm**

That's what I like to call the prequel syndrome. It isn't just ENT. As much as it pains me, the prequel trilogy of Star Wars suffered from this.

When an "established" (not the quotes) are made, people begin to use that. Think about it. There was no movies or shows about a young Anakin and Obi-Wan. Only the books were there. So after over a decade, people use that and begin to believe it. That isn't unreasonable. We simply grow used to it. Then, a movie comes a long, and changes EVERYTHING we know. I'd be annoyed to and trust me, there is a lot in the prequel trilogy I wish was different.

Same thing happened with Trek. There were no shows or movies about the beginning of the Federation, the first starships, etc. So we all used the books to fill in the gaps. Then ENT came and pretty much...changed a lot.

This is why I hate prequels. Because they'll always risk hurting what we think we know is true. Shows/movies that take place in the future are better because they won't step on anyone's toes. Well...minus the time they change something like the Trill stuff, but usually it's minor...

Lord Borg · **Fri Jul 28, 2006 1:54 pm**

Yeah, but we also have to remember decades ago, Gene Roddenberry said books are NOT canon, so you can't blame Rick Berman for contradicting books when Gene said that books didnt matter

Founder · **Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:02 pm**

I'm not really "blaming" anyone. I'm just saying that unless you plan on doing exactly what has been "established", then you're going to piss people off. Again, it isn't just ENT. Almost all prequels do that.

Lord Borg · **Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:07 pm**

Yeah, but again, many people took "Established" from the books, I know some people that, and you can't get them to understand that the book writers can do what ever they want. A good example is the Dominion book you hate so much. They did that in the books, but they could make a movie that says the Dominion flourished and started changing their ways for the better...

Founder · **Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:11 pm**

Yeah that is the double edged sword when it comes to using books to fill in the gaps. You should do it as fun, but don't put your heart on it.

Lord Borg · **Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:14 pm**

Another Example is T'Pol and Spock. Fans tend to say that Spock was the first Vulcan in Starfleet. This simply isnt the case, hell, TOS episodes contradict that 'Fact" Carful inspection of the TOS episodes and Movies show that is not only clearly not the case, but was never even said. So, why the backlash againts T'pol? especialy the major one when ENT started when she wasn't even IN starfleet, but in the Vulcan High Command on loan.

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

So, you adopt canon when it suits you- (the books)- but non-canon when that does- (the Al-Batnani)- make up your mind!!!

Lord Borg · **Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:51 pm**

Just what are you talking about? It was stated on screen what class the Al-Batani is, otherwise, I wouldn't have mentioned it. My canon comes from what happened on screen, like Gene Roddenberry intended...

StarfleetCommand74656 · Captain Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 653 Location: On STV

Can you tell me which episode they said the AB was an Excels. class? If so, sorry- I thought it came off one of the millions of fan websites! And by the way, Roddenberry was 6 feet under when they thought of Voyager and the Al-Batani