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Science fantasyFor the magazine of the same name see Science Fantasy (magazine)
Science fantasy is the merging of science fiction and fantasy, two popular genres of writing. The two are notoriously difficult to define, and possibly even more difficult to distinguish. One might claim that science fiction provides a scientific explanation for all phenomena, whereas fantasy mostly takes the supernatural for granted. However, the "science" behind these explanations is often no more than mumbo-jumbo, especially in the pulp magazines. Hence, it might be said that the difference is more one of stage props: on the one hand we have spacecraft and phasers, on the other hand magic carpets and wands of smiting.
Now, since Arthur C. Clarke claims that "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic", this distinction also becomes blurred, and the area in which it is most blurred is science fantasy. Here, we find the props that are typical for fantasy explained in a manner typical for science fiction: monsters become aliens, and magic artifacts become relics of forgotten science.
The Martian stories of Leigh Brackett might be regarded as science fantasy, as well as M. John Harrison's Viriconium novels, or Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun. Many works by Edgar Rice Burroughs, especially his Barsoom novels, clearly fall into this category. Terry Brooks' world depicted in "The Sword of Shannara" sits on this line as well. Perhaps the most well-known example of science fantasy is Star Wars.
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ASciFi.com - Science Fiction Portal Multiple genre related forums from Andromeda to X-files. http://www.ASciFi.com/
The Jedi Girl Internet Community Message board, articles, and features for female fans of the genres. http://www.JediGirl.com/
MARSnext Chat community in a Martian setting. [fee registration required] http://www.marsnext.com/
Chicago Science Fiction & Fantasy Discussion list The subscription information of a mailing list for denizens of the Chicago area to discuss issues relating to science fiction, fantasy, and horror. http://www.lull.org/lists/chicago-scifi/
Middle Earth and Hogwarts Central Discussion forums for Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter fans. http://com2.runboard.com/bmiddleearthandhogwartsboard
Reaper's Cafe Discussions on fantasy books and movies. http://geocities.com/reaperscafe
Alder Hill An online interactive medieval town situated in a fantasy world. The world is developed further by a global member community. http://www.alderhill.net/
Chronicles-Network Forums Discussions covering TV, books and movies, as well as science and technology and world affairs. http://www.chronicles-network.net/forum/index.php
Take Your Pick Message boards on Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, X-men, Anime/Manga and general science fiction. http://pub11.ezboard.com/btakeyourpick
The Website at the End of the Universe Community and blog covering the genres with news and links. http://www.theendoftheuniverse.ca/
Sci Fi Chat Forum covering the genre with optional registration and member profiles. http://www.scifichat.net/
SciFi.com Chat Upcoming events, connection help, transcripts and FAQs for this IRC and java chat server. http://www.scifi.com/chat/
EZboard: MaRS Forums for Star Trek, Star Wars, Dune and general science fiction. http://pub10.ezboard.com/bmars57748
Scifispace.com: Message Boards Discussion on genre and horror topics, including television and movies. http://www.scifispace.com/html/messageboards.html
Sci-Fi Vine Community site offering forums, chat, news, reviews, discussion groups, and links. http://www.scifivine.com/
Sci-Fantasy Forum based review site with an auction facility. http://www.sci-fantasy.com/
Groucho's Sanctuary Message boards covering a variety of topics on the genres. http://www.grouchos.net/
The Last Outpost Message board for covering genre TV and film. http://bones.proboards9.com/
Misc. Debris Forum for discussion of science fiction, fantasy, anime, and other forms of entertainment. http://md.misc-debris.us/
MSN Groups: Links For Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror Link collections, book discussions, forum and chat. http://groups.msn.com/LinksForScienceFictionFantasyHorror
FutureNoir Movies, books, television, and anime discussion. http://www.futurenoir.com
Outpost10f: Ten Forward Star Trek role-playing chat. http://www.outpost10f.com/tenforward
Unified SciFi Forums Forum discussions and role-playing covering the genres and horror topics. http://shadowdark.org/ib/ikonboard.cgi
Tangent21 Discussions covering the genres and cult TV. http://www.tangent21.com
EZboard: The Sci-Fi Alliance Message board with topics including Babylon 5, Star Wars, Farscape, Star Trek, Buffy, Xena and Enterprise. http://pub109.ezboard.com/bscifialliance9477
The Emerald Forest Discussion and roleplaying forums and games. http://theemeraldforest.com
Fantastic Poems Discussion on poetry related to the genres. http://www.forums.fantasticpoems.com
SF Fandom Moderated discussion forums for fans of science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. Forums cover books, movies, television shows, and actors. http://www.sf-fandom.com/
Outpost10f: D'Deridex Star Trek Romulan themed role-playing chat. http://www.outpost10f.com/dderidex
Outpost10f: Rotarran Star Trek Klingon themed role-playing chat. http://www.outpost10f.com/rotarran
The Portal: Science Fiction and Fantasy Community Community with a variety of forums from Star Wars to Wheel of Time. http://pub162.ezboard.com/btheportal50003
chronicles-network A forum focusing on science fiction and fantasy interests in all media. History, science and nature, world affairs and humour. http://www.chronicles-network.net
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