Asked & Answered - Part 1

[WorkerCaste]

(I'm headed to Disney tomorrow, so my posting will be infrequent.

I'm envious. Visiting the mouse is one of my favorite vacations. Try not too think too much about all of us stuck in the real world.

How about <raised eyebrow steady almost-glare with a touch of butter wouldn't melt in her mouth>? That more like it?

Isn't there an emoticon for that????

[Jan]

Isn't there an emoticon for that????

There *should* be...I've been after DougO to increase the smilies selection for ages now... Maybe I need to switch to <furrowed brow steely glare>. I understand it's quite intimidating.

Now then. We know JMS can't hold a steady job and Jan's extra-insane (but Mostly Harmless). What else about the book?

Jan

[Karen]

Now then. We know JMS can't hold a steady job and Jan's extra-insane (but Mostly Harmless). What else about the book?
Jan

There's more? Already worth the price of admission!

[glindros]

Having been a late joiner to B5 (circa 1999) I'm still trying to digest all the details in even the first few pages. Already the information about the construction of the Babylon stations would have settled a few discussions I have had.

I'm glad it came in time for my vacation. I'm bring that, and the thirdspace novel for my vaction reading.

[Joe Nazzaro]

Well, I've done my first couple of flips through A&A I (I suspect the nature of the project dictates a number of readings over a period of time) and I must offer my congratulations to everyone involved for an impressive job of research. While I'm not about to comment on Jan's state of mind, past or present, I must say the kind of dedication required for this kind of book is difficult to comprehend. When it comes to B5, I must admit to a certain amount of scholarly obsession myself, but even I could never have attempted that sort of effort.

If I have one complaint, and frankly, I suppose it's just one, it's that I wish the top page margin could have indicated the subject featured below, a la your standard dictionary or encyclopedia. Granted, that would have added a whole extra layer of difficulty to the layout that may not have been possible, but as a piece of reference, it would have been useful to be able to reference whatever subject was on that page.

But that's just a niggling complaint, considering the volume of material contained within. As I say, it will probably take me some time to get through book one from page to page, but as I say, a most impressive work indeed.

Oh, and maybe a tiny second complaint. Too bad there isn't a page at the end that preview the myriad of topics that will be covered in book two. Just so we know what's coming up.

[Karen]

I have finally caught up with enough things that I have been able to start reading the book. Love the info so far. I am having a very good time reading all of this background and behind-the-scenes stuff. I only have one tiny little quibble and that has to do with readability, rather than content. Having the questions on one side and the answers on the other interrupt the flow. (Very un-ergonomic. ) I would prefer the layout to have both the questions and answers across the whole page. I know there are reasons for the layout you chose, but it is making the experience a little less than it could be, and a little more work. Like I said, just one little quibble. I am still enjoying the heck out of it.

[DeanHFox]

I've enjoyed the first volume, and add my congrats to Jan and all involved for the enormity of the task they set before themselves. The collation and presentation of all these posts is indeed a gargantuan task!

Sadly, though, I'm sure my *one* question (and JMS's answer) during this incredible dialogue is probably on Jan's cutting room floor. Since the "subject" was already published in the first book, and it wasn't there, I'm pretty certain it'll remain only enshrined here in the archive.

I was already a fan of his show. JMS's witty reply to my question (when he could have just said, "Buzz off, you nosy kid") made me a fan of the man and taught me a little something about treating others with intellectual respect.

Nice work, all involved. I look forward to reading the next compendium.

[Jan]

Sadly, though, I'm sure my *one* question (and JMS's answer) during this incredible dialogue is probably on Jan's cutting room floor. Since the "subject" was already published in the first book, and it wasn't there, I'm pretty certain it'll remain only enshrined here in the archive.

Hey, no fair! Link to your question so I can actually tell you and maybe tell you why.

I live to serve...

Jan

[JasonDavis]

Dean,

There's a good chance the question/answer might not be categorized as you suspect...don't despair yet.

Jason Davis
Series Editor
Asked & Answered