SF-Lovers

Visit the original home of science fiction on the Internet

• SF-Lovers
• By Saul Jaffe
• sf-lovers-request@rutgers.edu
• Supports text-only

F-Lovers is the granddaddy of all science fiction information on the nets. The original SF-Lovers began as a mailing list on ARPANET, and it served as one of the precursors to today's listservs and newsgroups (the ARPANET itself was the foundation the Internet). SF-Lovers has since evolved into the various newsgroups listed under the rec.arts.sf category, including the popular rec.arts.sf.written and rec.arts.sf.fandom, among others. However, the original mailing list is still going strong as the SF-Lovers Digest, an e-mail digest of the various rec.arts.sf groups.

SF-Lovers has also spawned a Web site that serves as a clearinghouse for information contained in the digest. At its heart, this site is essentially an indexed compendium to many of the discussions that have taken place on the sf newsgroups. It also contains back "issues" of the digest, as well as a variety of FAQs, a listing of the various science fiction awards, reference material, and information on television shows, films, book publishers and fan activities relating to science fiction. Naturally, there is also a Web interface that readers can use to subscribe to SF-Lovers. The site is maintained by Saul Jaffe, the SF-Lovers moderator, and there is also some biographical information on Jaffe and an explanation of how he become involved with the mailing list.

Like all good Web sites, SF-Lovers has constantly expanded and now contains an enormous amount of science fiction information. Overall the site is easily navigated and uses a simple set of icons to identify outside links, construction areas, etc. Most users will quickly be able to find something to their taste, whether it's information on a favorite movie or details on a local convention. However, whereas general topics are easy to find, the sheer size of the site makes locating specific information difficult. A search engine is in the works, but until it arrives users can expect to do a lot of clicking.

Another drawback is that much of the information is maintained as raw text rather than HTML documents, so it can be tough to read on screen. And many of the sections are often catch-as-catch-can, so while there is a good bit of information on eclectic topics such as "Jews in SF" or the "Cthulhu Mythos Bibliography," some of the more general topics tend to receive short shrift. One standout, however, is the awards section, which covers past winners for the various science fiction awards as well as the latest winners (some less than a month old).

Overall the SF-Lovers site is a "must see" for any Internet surfer with an interest in science fiction. While it has its problems, there's nothing quite like visiting "the original home of SF and Fantasy information and discussion."

What I'd really like to see on this site is a history of science fiction on the Internet...anyone want to write it? -- Craig E.

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