One of my favorite Science Fiction related sites to visit on a daily basis is SF Signal. JP Frantz and John DeNardo, with a small host of ‘irregulars’, host a site that includes book and film reviews as well as providing multiple daily links to science fiction related happenings around the world wide web. I should warn you, when dropping in on their site one runs the risk of getting lost for hours in the kind of minutiae that causes genre fans to get their geek on.

A fairly new feature to their website is the weekly Mind Meld, described thus:

“In this series of posts, we pose a single question to a slice of the sf/f community and, depending on the question, other folks as well. The idea is similar to the Brain Parade posts that used to appear on the long-defunct Meme Therapy blog. What we hope to get is an interesting cross-section of views and opinions that open a particular topic up for discussion. We’d love to hear what you think!”

What has resulted is a weekly topic in which a variety of science fiction authors, editors, etc. post their two cents worth regarding a science fiction related topic. The results have been fascinating every week and it is one of the features I most look forward to.

Each week they also include a member or members of the blogging community in the discussion.

It just so happens that I have been given the honor to participate in this week’s discussion:

“Despite science fiction’s popularity, and success, on film and TV, why does it still have the stigma of being a ‘geek’ genre?”

Other bloggers have had this distinct honor before: Angela from SciFiChick (who joins in on this discussion as well) for example and each time I have enjoyed reading their thoughts as much as those of the seasoned professionals. I am thrilled to join the ranks of those asked to participate and I hope you do me the honor of going over there, reading my response as well as those of the other participants, and leaving a comment.

As a follow up to the conclusion of my response, I have posted a forum question on Poppet Planet regarding whether or not fans feel protective and inclusive of the things they are fans of. This will make much more sense after you read the Mind Meld response and I would love to see you visit Poppet Planet to weigh in on that subject as well.

Thank you ahead of time for your support and participation at these locations. Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone and be sure to return tomorrow for the Bleeding Dusk photo submissions and the announcement of the winners!