Dictionary.Com (online)
sci-fi
/ˈsaɪˈfaɪ/
1. of or pertaining to science fiction: a writer of sci-fi books.
science fiction
— n
a. a literary genre that makes imaginative use of scientific knowledge or conjecture
b. ( as modifier ): a science fiction writer
Word Origin & History
1929 (first attested in “Science Wonder Stories” magazine), though there is an isolated use from 1851; abbreviated form sci-fi is from 1955.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source (http://dictionary.reference.com/cite.html?qh=science+fiction&ia=etymon
Quote:
“Science fiction writers foresee the inevitable, and although problems and catastrophes may be inevitable, solutions are not.”
Isaac Asimov
Websters Dictionary (online)
Definition of SCIENCE FICTION
: fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals or having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component
Student Dictionary
One entry found for science fiction.
Main Entry: science fiction
Function: noun
: fiction that deals with the influence of real or imagined science on society or individuals
Wikipedia
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible (or at least nonsupernatural) content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities. Exploring the consequences of scientific innovations is one purpose of science fiction, making it a “literature of ideas”. (and there’s much more there in Wikipedia).
On the Wikipedia page, SyFy is actually mentioned, when talking about a sub-branch of Science Fiction. it says “Although horror is not per se a branch of science fiction, many works of horror literature incorporates science fictional elements.” it then goes on to talk about Mary Shelley’s novel “Frankenstein” being basically a horror story with “a rigorous science-fictional grounding.” But then it says, which I totally agree with, “Horror is often mistakenly categorized as science fiction at the point of distribution by libraries, video rental outlets, etc. For example, Syfy (distributed via cable and satellite television in the United States) currently devotes most its air time to horror films with very few science fiction titles.”
What’s my point here?
I find it irritating (that’s putting it lightly) that a organization like Syfy, now run by a hand full of people, can manipulate a term or definition of a term and make it into something much different. I can only say that I hope the additional influence from Comcast can correct the issues at Syfy, and get back to what made it what it was before the re-branding fiasco.
Digg!
