[Forster]

To me the distinguished works in SiFi/Fantasy are those where the technology/magic become secondary or background music for lack of a better description to the characters, plot, social/political commentary etc. A great story will work in any genre if adapted properly.

I am a huge fan of both genres, but IMO the criticism that technology/magic takes center stage is valid in a number of cases.

 

[Forster]

3. How many of you have felt uncomfortable at some point in your life because you were carrying around a book with an obvious Sci-Fi cover (Kindle resolves this dilemma a bit)? Public perception, driven in part by 1 & 2 above, make it hard for people to enjoy Sci-Fi in the same way they would enjoy popular literature or mysery, or adventure or a West Texas Chicano action story.

I feel that way more so with carrying around a fantasy novel than with Sci-Fi, but I know exactly what you mean. There seems to be a stigma attached to Sci-Fi/Fantasy that they are "kids" books.