Site of the Week -- May 22, 2000
ne of the most frequently asked questions on science fiction and fantasy discussion boards is "Have you read any good books lately?"
The Internet Science Fiction/Fantasy List gives 100 answers to that question.
The list polls genre readers--at last count more than 2,700 of them--via its Web site and compiles a weekly list of the most popular books on the planet. An extended version of the list, showing every book that received at least two votes, is compiled every five weeks. There's also a short stories section that's updated every two weeks.
Books and stories are ranked using diffused averages, which is basically a way to make sure that a book with one vote that's ranked with a 10 doesn't automatically appear at the top of the list.
The site itself is bare-bones basic--no flashy graphics or technologies--but it gets the job done. Anyone looking to find a few--or a hundred--good books for their summer vacation would do well to visit.
-- Kenneth Newquist
Site of the Week -- May 15, 2000
While Mystery Science Theater 3000 may be trapped in reruns, its spirit continues on at Dueling Dialogue, a site dedicated to mocking some truly awful movies.
The premise is similar to MST3K: each week a picture from a science fiction (or related genre) movie is shown on the site. A sample caption is given, and then the fun begins. Visitors post their own lines, and the winning entry--along with a few honorable mentions--is chosen.
The results can be hilarious. In issue #110, "Napoleon Solo" from the 1965 film The Spy with My Face stands naked with a gun in one hand behind two frosted glass shower doors. One caption reads: "Don't ask me where I keep this. Just don't ask."
The wisecracks range from the inspired to the stupid to the gross, but most will elicit a good chuckle. It's a worth a visit for anyone who enjoys heckling cheesy films.
-- Kenneth Newquist
Site of the Week -- May 8, 2000
he WB's Roswell is one of the more thoughtful entries in the slew of Buffy the Vampire Slayer-inspired teen-angst-meets-the-supernatural TV dramas. Despite uneven ratings, the show has garnered a devoted fan base and a number of good unofficial Web sites, one of the best of which is Roswell: Crashdown.
The site features extensive episode synopses and reviews accompanied by photos, slide shows, spoilers and even transcripts. There are also biographies and large image galleries for the eight leading actors. Fan input is included with amateur drawings, fan fiction, polls, a very busy message board and a Java chat room. The links list is long and includes sites focusing on the real-life Roswell controversy as well as the show and cast. The site is kept up to date with plot twists and behind-the-scenes information. In fact, many of the nuggets and updates betray a sense of urgency born of industry speculation about the show's imminent demise.
Roswell: Crashdown is a great resource for fans and makes a case for the show to newcomers. That's good news for an unusual and distinctive underdog like Roswell.
-- Mark Wilson
