ValueSubtracted

It's the mealy-mouthed half-apology of someone who was caught talking out of school. It'll probably be enough for the whole thing to blow over.

Let's not expect miracles...

It's probably worth noting that this is what he had to say about fiction in general, and Star Trek in particular, a few years ago:

I dislike social commentary. Like… I really hate it. When I’m reading a book, I just want to be entertained, not preached at by the author. Plus, it ruins the wonder of the story if I know the author has a political or social axe to grind. I no longer speculate about all possible outcomes of the story because I know for a fact that the universe of that book will conspire to ensure that the author’s political agenda is validated. I hate that.

Yeah, I didn't really like the political message aspects of those stories [Stranger in a Strange Land, Brave New World, 1984, The Handmaid’s Tale]. Not that I disagreed with the political point. Just that I didn't like the political points being there at all. Now, those writers are so good they make compelling and addictive stories despite the political messaging. But that's often not the case with other stories and other authors.

You're not mis-reading me, though. I deeply dislike social commentary. For instance, as a lifelong Star Trek fan, it's always bothered me that there is a presumed "responsibility" within Star Trek shows to talk about social issues. I just want to watch Romulans and the Federation shoot at each other.

Yeah, the choice of podcast is a red flag all on its own.

and critics

That's an interesting thing to bring into the conversation - Weir certainly isn't one.

Heh, fair enough. Not sure I agree that recording industry beef is a model to be followed (and it would open up a whole 'nother conversation about how much of that is genuine), but fair enough.

Winslow’s reaction makes me wonder if Weir’s transparent retaliation may make studios and production companies unwilling to hear his pitches in future.

In all honestly, I doubt it - this industry tends to like money above all else, unless someone becomes a highly public liability. And I don't think this comes close to rising to that level.

Are there a lot of fields where the professionals regularly tear into each other? Aside from politics, none come to mind.

Writers stand up for other writers. It’s how and why the Writers Guild was formed. And you don’t take your moment in the sun to attack another writer because they didn’t buy your pitch.

Grab your popcorn...

Questions about specific mod actions are outside of Quarks' purview, but feel free to reach out to the mods privately if you have questions.

I fairness, Kinew does have a bit of a history of distancing himself from the federal party.

But it's good that they're having a love-in while they can - I suspect it won't last forever.

I would argue that very little good science fiction tries to have nothing to say about humanity or the human condition.

I'll take it a step further and say it's impossible for any fiction, let alone sci-fi.

If you're writing a story, you have something to say, and to claim otherwise is either a cover-up or profound ignorance of your own work.