[Space] and [UT] for New Space Opera

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Star Trek is, IMO, definitely not new space opera, when it is space operatic at all it is old space opera.

Star Trek and Star Trek TNG are two different series in two different eras.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

Star Trek and Star Trek TNG are two different series in two different eras.

Yes, but TNG isn't in my mind, new space opera either. Which is fine if you think it is, but you aren't adding anything to a GURPS treatment of new space opera by just telling me I'm wrong. In GURPS terms what does that mean, differently from what I wrote.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

Yes, but TNG isn't in my mind, new space opera either. Which is fine if you think it is, but you aren't adding anything to a GURPS treatment of new space opera by just telling me I'm wrong. In GURPS terms what does that mean, differently from what I wrote.

One thing that links Star Trek TNG more closely to New Space Opera is the replicator and the way it is used to claim that the Federation is a "post-scarcity" society. It's the foundation The Culture was built on. Old Space Opera didn't have replicators or (pseudo) post scarcity economies.

[ericthered]

Can we get a definition from the OP of the origonal thread? I don't think we'll make much progress without a solid definition from that source.

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by ericthered

Can we get a definition from the OP of the origonal thread? I don't think we'll make much progress without a solid definition from that source.

The OP was asking for a definition in the first place. There isn't one of course, so I just stuck with listing things that are more common now and less common then (in space opera prior to the New Wave).

[ericthered]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

The OP was asking for a definition in the first place. There isn't one of course, so I just stuck with listing things that are more common now and less common then (in space opera prior to the New Wave).

It sounds like new space opera is default UT by that definition.

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by ericthered

It sounds like new space opera is default UT by that definition.

There's issues of scope, scale and themes.

[johndallman]

Originally Posted by David Johnston2

Old Space Opera didn't have replicators or (pseudo) post scarcity economies.

There are always exceptions: John W Campbell's story Forgetfulness, published in 1937 (as Don A Stuart) has post-scarcity.

[whswhs]

Originally Posted by johndallman

There are always exceptions: John W Campbell's story Forgetfulness, published in 1937 (as Don A Stuart) has post-scarcity.

"The Midas Plague," by Frederick Pohl, has a productivity level so high that people have to work full time to consume everything, lest the economy shut down. A wealthy, powerful man is granted the privilege of living in a four-room house and wearing old clothes.

Bill Stoddard

[Fred Brackin]

Originally Posted by johndallman

There are always exceptions: John W Campbell's story Forgetfulness, published in 1937 (as Don A Stuart) has post-scarcity.

Post scarcity can be seen in the background in some 40s and 50s Heinlein too. Beyond This Horizon for one example.