I just wanted to post a link about a new anthology project being headed up by science-fiction author Neal Stephenson. Stephenson's work had been brought up by several commenters on the Archdruid Report during the recent discussions of Science Fiction. His anthology is an attempt to get the world excited about science and engineering again, and in his words is "an effort to produce an anthology of new SF that will be in some ways a conscious throwback to the practical techno-optimism of the Golden Age." This seems to me to be the exact opposite of the anthology project started by JMG. I am just posting this here in the interests of dissensus.
http://www.worldpolicy.org/journal/fall2011/innovation-starvation
As an aspiring Green Wizard I don't really have much faith in the types of big projects of the past that Stephenson laments have passed. But I do think he makes interesting points in part of the essay linked to above. Namely, these are his ideas about innovation through "Galapagan isolation" as opposed to the kind of adaptations which happen on a "large continent". This manner of innovation need not apply to things dependent on fossil fuels and other aspects of industrial society.
In any case, I thought some people might like to look at the article to hear someone on the opposite side of the debate about science fiction and what it can inspire.
Blessings,
Justin
Thanks for this article from John Crowley, Sophie. I wrote a detailed response about SciFi, Peak Oil and the Occult on my blog at:
http://sothismedias.com/2011/10/15/a-contrast-of-futures-scifi-peak-oil-and-the-occult/
to showcase this contrast of futures...
http://www.sothismedias.com
http://www.peakofnormal.org