Jim Van Pelt has taken issue with those who argue that there’s something “wrong” with science fiction. He’s posted a rebuttal on his site, listing ten reasons why the genre is just fine.

1. There’s more new interesting science fiction in both the long and short form than I can possibly read.
2. There are plenty of worthwhile markets that I can submit work to.
3. The people whose work I respect are able to sell to prestigious venues.
4. New talent is developing and appearing.
5. There’s lively, interesting and informed debate about all topics within science fiction.
6. There are numerous sources for review and critical reaction to published science fiction.
7. Although overall circulation numbers of the most prominent science fiction magazines are reflecting the general decline in magazine circulation, new magazines (many in e-format) are appearing regularly.
8. Book sales and the appearance of new titles continue to do well.
9. More publishers handle science fiction than ever.
10. Small press publishers are now providing outlets for single author collections and the niche books that used to be shut out.

It seems that a lot of these points address the means to make SF available (more publishers handling the genre, e-zines appearing) than the genre itself.

So what do you think? Is science fiction healthy and vibrant and bursting with love, or are there problems with the genre? (And if so, what are they?)

Link (via SF Signal)