It seems to me like a lot of "official" stuff (DS9 Tech Manual, Official Star Trek Fact Files, ST: The Magazine, and others) makes significant mistakes. The shows themselves do contain inconsistencies, but that's only to be expected.
Therefore, I want to make two proposals:
1. That the term "canon" be used only for hard data compiled from all sources (including official ones) and checked; and,
2. That not all official material is canon - given the number of goof-ups, we should be suspicious of this stuff. For example, Defiant length, and the recent Nova/Noble argument.
Anyone want to try compiling a canon reference source?
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WARNING: Storing semtex in the microwave
may be hazardous to your health!
(or can we?)
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-You're crazy!!!
-I thought I was pisces!
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"Alright, so it's impossible. How long will it take?"
-Commander Adams, Forbidden Planet
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Frank's Home Page
"Stuff" - Nobody
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"Forgive me if I don't share your euphoria!" (Weyoun to Dukat, Tears of the Prophets)
Dax's Ships of STAR TREK
[Lights fuse] And now for some REAL canon!
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It is less important that you agree with me than it is for you to to understand what I'm saying.
http://members.tripod.com/~Bob_Baloo/index.htm
Baloo: Maine!
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Frank's Home Page
"Stuff" - Nobody
Anyway, as Frank said, there are really very few outright contradictions that are impossible to explain away. Given enough cunning on our part, anyway.
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"And if we weren't good to you, Dave, you shouldn't take it all the way to your grave."
--
Will Rigby
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-You are crazy.
-I thought I was pisces.
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"Alright, so it's impossible. How long will it take?"
-Commander Adams, Forbidden Planet
I still think we should have some way of identifying this stuff... how about calling the results of SWDAOs and similar error correction "accepted" material?
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WARNING: Storing semtex in the microwave may be hazardous to your health!
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"Alright, so it's impossible. How long will it take?"
-Commander Adams, Forbidden Planet
Seriously, I have no problem with "canon" as long as the explanation for the inconsistencies does not offend my sense of logic. If you have to bend over backwards to accommodate a real stupid error on the part of the writers, you have to remember that Star Trek is not a documentary, but a videoplay presented for our entertainment. It is produced by fallible humans (who, without exception, slept through their science classes ) and is subject to the occasional (or even more frequent) error.
Not every error needs to be accommodated. The writers work against deadlines and within budgets. They can't make the show perfect without running the risk of getting fired or otherwise penalized. Deal with it.
--Baloo
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It is less important that you agree with me than it is for you to to understand what I'm saying.
http://members.tripod.com/~Bob_Baloo/index.htm
[This message has been edited by Baloo (edited November 19, 1999).]
What about all those silly inconsistencies they *can't* explain - and all those little things we're forever SWDAO-ing?
So, the challenge stands - who wants to start writing the definitive Treknology reference book??
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WARNING: Storing semtex in the microwave may be hazardous to your health!
--Baloo
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It is less important that you agree with me than it is for you to to understand what I'm saying.
http://members.tripod.com/~Bob_Baloo/index.htm
[This message has been edited by Baloo (edited November 19, 1999).]
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"Replicate some marmalade, Commander - helm control is toast!"
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"Alright, so it's impossible. How long will it take?"
-Commander Adams, Forbidden Planet
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Remo Williams: "Chiun, you're amazing!"
Chiun: "No! I am BETTER than that!"
- Remo: Unarmed and Dangerous (1986)
Boris
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"Wrong again. Although we want to be scientifically accurate, we've found that selection of [Photon Energy Plasma Scientifically Inaccurate as a major Star Trek format error] usually indicates a preoccupation with science and gadgetry over people and story."
---a Writers' Test from the Original Series Writer's Guide
Astronomer Carl Sagan was also an author - he wrote several textbooks (including "Cosmos"), and the novel Contact. The latter was recently made into a movie starring Jodie Foster.
So there!
*smirks triumphantly*
Like father, like son
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"Replicate some marmalade, Commander - helm control is toast!"
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Elim Garak: "Oh, it's just Garak. Plain, simple Garak. Now, good day to you, Doctor. I'm so glad to have made such an... interesting new friend today." (DS9: "Past Prologue")
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Wes Button � [email protected]
TechFX Graphics � The United Federation Uplink � AxisIRC
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Janeway: "Dimissed"
Neelix: [stands there dumbfounded] "b..but.."
Janeway: "That's Starfleet for get out"