Anyone have suggestions for changes for next year?

I know it's not gonna happen, but my only suggestion would be to include fantasy. The two genres are already linked, so expanding it to a "sci-fi and fantasy" challenge might encourage more participation, and would certainly give those of us who do participate in the challenge even more stuff to watch.

Like I said, I know it's not happening, and that's fine, but since you asked...

Rob

i think it might be interesting to have a Sci-fi OR Fantasy challenge.
Either one or the other. Not both.
And by this i mean the person participating in the challenge chooses which genre he/she wants to watch and picks either Sci-fi or fantasy . BUT you cant mix sci-fi and fantasy titles.

Thanks Mister Peepers for the fun challenge!

My two cents for next year: I would like to have fantasy allowed in some way, whether on the same challenge or on a sister challenge that runs at the same time. My main reason for wanting this is that it would take some of the guess work out of what counts and what doesn't count as sci-fi from the gray area between the two genres.

Hey, I almost doubled last year's total!

The BBC made this an extremely enjoyable event with its excellent programming ...especially Red Dwarf. Although, I did get a little sidetracked and couldn't even manage to work in a full season of The Twilight Zone. At this rate I should finish off the last 3 seasons in a couple or so years.

Thanks Mister Peepers for another great challenge! Personally I think it's good as is, but wouldn't necessarily be opposed to including Fantasy.

Right now it looks like it may since people seem to be ok with it so far. If I did do it, I'm leaning towards making it sci-fi and fantasy, renaming the challenge of course, and not two separate challenges.

I really trailed off this year and wasn't really a part of the discussion thread at all. This is my favorite challenge, but July just turns out to be such a ridiculously busy month. I vow to do much better next year! There were so many things I wanted to get to, including the fan releases of Star Wars IV-VI.

My 2 cents - I would definitely vote against adding Fantasy to the challenge. I've made my thoughts pretty clear on the past about this, so I won't really go into it again.

My vote would be to keep this one as sci-fi only, the differences are distinct enough (in my mind), and fantasy warrants it's own completely separate challenge if people care enough.

But would be fine with which ever way you decide MP. It's completely your call.

Edit to slightly change my vote, fwiw.

I'd like to apologize if any of the earlier discussion came across as argument. I re-read everything and except for one post expressing incredulity I think I kept it emotionally neutral. Trouble is, once something goes back and forth more than a couple times it takes on the appearance of argument whether it is or not. These challenges are supposed to be fun. There was enough active interest/positive ambivalence (that is, people who didn't mind it even if they weren't going to participate in it) to warrant a possible admission to the challenge of a closely related genre. I honestly wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy a month of 100 Fantasy films. It works best as a supplement rather than the focus. In the Horror Challenge some of the most contentious issues were solved by deferring to the Motion Picture Academy rules. I would consider the most prestigious cabals of creators and fans should be accorded a similar level of deference. They don't separate the genres. Anyway, all it can do is enhance the challenge. The opposing side still hasn't come up with a reason not to, other than Genre bias. It's not like we're trying to shoehorn in, say, Westerns or Chick Flix. These Genres have a long shared history and ghetto-ization (that is, set aside as not-serious literature for immature readers). I understand in something like the Abortion debate the opposing side not accepting compromise, because even if you abstain, babies are still being killed. In something like this, how does it affect those who abstain from the added genre? If anything, it's a hardship on the ones who do view Fantasy. Lord of the Rings averages 3 1/2 to 4 hours a movie, Harry Potter averages 2 1/2 hours plus a movie. No one is cheating the challenge by watching the average Fantasy film. It's just added fun.

Isn't this all about having fun? I really don't see the need or purpose of Rule Fascism. That's all I have to say on the subject.

you know where i live?!

well, thanks to peepers and everyone involved for making my first challenge fun fun fun! if not sooner, i will see yous guys next year around the same time

and seriously someone pm me on this gabbo please?

I could be completely wrong but wouldn't running two challenges, or at least 2 separate lists, be somewhat confusing, especially if they're sci-fi and fantasy?

Just for the record, I'd vote no on fantasy but it won't hurt my feelings if it gets added. It's just a separate genre in my mind so I'd keep it out of the sci-fi challenge.

Look out, there's a snipe behind you Hindolio!

I'm going to update my earlier comments.

My preference would be that it stay a Sci-Fi only challenge. While I agree there might be *some* linking between the two, I could never justify to myself putting the two genres together. My opinion is that these are two disctinct and seperate genres. I could hardly go through any of my Sci-Fi movies and say "oh, that could go in my fantasy shelf too" or vice-versa. In fact, I can't think of one example off the top of my head without getting into Comic Book movies (for which those are a separate genre for me )

However, if it was a choice between a Sci-Fi/Fantasy challenge or two separate challenges I would prefer a combined challenge over two concurrent challenges.

Final thought - While I have strong opinions on the challenges, I enjoy them all and will go along with what ever is decided!

I think most of us feel this way. There is no way to please everyone, but I think we all compromise and work together pretty well.

I'm sure you all have seen this, but it looks like we'll be having a Criterion "Challenge" in September.

I def. started out ok, but got burnt out quick. I am glad I particapated cause I got to finish one of my xfiles seasons, as well as watching the first season of Dr. Who.... all in all I had a lot of fun. As for next year, I say keep it seperate from fantasy.

I must say, I watched more TV this go around than movies, which was fun.

- Love 'Eureka' now
- finished all the episodes of 'Red Dwarf' - now to go back and watch all the extras

- wasn't all that impressed with 'Forbidden Planet' (ducks) despite all the praise.

Favourite new film: Robinson Crusoe on Mars
Also: Quatermass 2, The Mysterians, The Blob (original)
Worst: Space is the Place
Runner up: Nude on the Moon

best commentary: Aliens
Runner ups: Killer Klowns from Outer Space, A Clockwork Orange, Return to Witch Mountain, Lilo & Stitch

worst commentary: Predator 2
Runner up: Sky Captain and the World of the Tomorrow

initial rental with subsequent purchase: Mutant Aliens

I'll have lists and winners this week.

I really want to hear how Noir interpretted Disney's "Pinocchio" as 'Sci-Fi'

Pinocchio is a wooden robot?

Not that I'd make the claim to watch it as a sci-fi movie.

well there WAS that attrocious 'Pinocchio in Outer Space' feature film - oi!

when are you going to post the results Peeps?

This week.

I hadn't seen it since I was a kid, and had vague thoughts that the Pleasure Island had some kind of machine that helped transform the boys, thus making the film eligible. Feel free to change my grand total to 107, instead of 108.

But then you get a 10 point bonus for introducing us all to the fascinating way in which your mind works. New total 117.