Thread: Re: canon (was: Alcatraz Class Prison Transport)

Dave Nilsen wrote:

I don't think it's "canon"*, but it's definitely good color, and most of
all, makes good sense.

*I hate that term. It makes it sound like designers are Archbishops and
can excommunicate you if they want. "Hopefully Consistent, In-Game BS" is
more accurate. "HCIGBS."

======================================================

Well, Dave. You of all people should be quite familiar with the rabidity
of Traveller fans, especially the older players. I know I've said this
before on some messageboard, but the uncompromising and inflexible
nature that some of these people have is tantamount to fanatical
religious behavior, hence the adoption of the use of the word "canon."
The thought that designers would alter their beloved Classic Traveller
is blasphemy. I'd say the reaction towards TNE was borderline Jihad.
Only Archbishop Marc Miller is allowed to change the Traveller scripture.

And just so there's no confusion, this is not an attack on religious
beliefs of any flavor. We can all agree that the darker nature of human
behavior has manifested itself not only in the secular world but in the
spiritual one as well. In the case of the latter, it has given rise to
"holy wars", the Inquisition, cults, etc. I'm merely pointing out the
unfortunate similarity.

Hopefully, this won't get any further off topic.

\_/
DED
TNE @ Yahoo ml Admin

<?subject=Re%3A%20Alcatraz%20Class%20Prison%20Transport>

>
> Well, Dave. You of all people should be quite familiar with the rabidity
> of Traveller fans, especially the older players. I know I've said this
> before on some messageboard, but the uncompromising and inflexible
> nature that some of these people have is tantamount to fanatical
> religious behavior, hence the adoption of the use of the word "canon."

Which is exactly why I dislike the term, because it gives tacit approval
to, or encourages that kind of thinking. When I started using it, it was
ironic, poking fun at the idea that, "geez, guys, you'd think this was a
religion, it's only a game." Once I started noticing that people were
using it with a straight face, encouraging that quasi-religious approach,
I stopped enjoying the term.

> The thought that designers would alter their beloved Classic Traveller
> is blasphemy. I'd say the reaction towards TNE was borderline Jihad.
> Only Archbishop Marc Miller is allowed to change the Traveller scripture.

When TNE came out, Traveller belonged to GDW, and Marc didn't work there
anymore, and somehow we had promised a new edition. Kind of sucked to be
us, huh?

I think the term originated as a hyperbole/pejorative... as in people
taking the subject too seriously.

On Thu, Jul 12, 2012 at 8:48 AM, <> wrote:

>
> >
> > Well, Dave. You of all people should be quite familiar with the rabidity
> > of Traveller fans, especially the older players. I know I've said this
> > before on some messageboard, but the uncompromising and inflexible
> > nature that some of these people have is tantamount to fanatical
> > religious behavior, hence the adoption of the use of the word "canon."
>
> Which is exactly why I dislike the term, because it gives tacit approval
> to, or encourages that kind of thinking. When I started using it, it was
> ironic, poking fun at the idea that, "geez, guys, you'd think this was a
> religion, it's only a game." Once I started noticing that people were
> using it with a straight face, encouraging that quasi-religious approach,
> I stopped enjoying the term.
>
>
> > The thought that designers would alter their beloved Classic Traveller
> > is blasphemy. I'd say the reaction towards TNE was borderline Jihad.
> > Only Archbishop Marc Miller is allowed to change the Traveller scripture.
>
> When TNE came out, Traveller belonged to GDW, and Marc didn't work there
> anymore, and somehow we had promised a new edition. Kind of sucked to be
> us, huh?
>
>
>

Yeah, that's the way I used it. In fact for a while, I actually thought I
coined the phrase, but it turns out that it was just independent parallel
evolution.

> I think the term originated as a hyperbole/pejorative... as in people
> taking the subject too seriously.

And now it's a mark of honor. The Black-and-Red Badge of Courage.