It's weird about trekkies. Because no one really watched TOS when it first came out. I was born in 1968, so I'm old enough to remember people who were trekkies when it first came out. There are none. People became trekkies when they saw TOS in syndication. On local WKBD where I live.
Not so. I was born in 60 and watched it from i's premiere. My favorite Uncle was into it and I'd sit with him to watch it. IT all began at 8:30pm on WNBC in New York. Sept 8th 1966.
The “Trekkie vs. Trekker” debate is a well-known one in Star Trek fandom, and it’s been around for decades. Though they often overlap, the two terms have distinct connotations. Here’s how many fans tend to define the differences: Trekkie: Origins: The term "Trekkie" was coined back in the late 1960s, during Star Trek's original run. It started as a somewhat playful or even mocking term. Connotation: Over time, it became widely embraced by fans, especially those who were passionate and vocal about the series. Some Trekkies lean into the more enthusiastic, sometimes obsessive side of fandom, with a focus on the pop culture aspects—memorabilia, conventions, and catchphrases. Focus: Trekkies are often seen as the more "classic" or "mainstream" Star Trek fans, embracing the larger-than-life aspects of the series, its characters, and its quotes. They tend to be more open to celebrating all the various iterations of the Star Trek franchise, from the original series to the newer shows and films. Trekker: Origins: "Trekker" was a term coined by some fans as a way to distinguish themselves from Trekkies. The term became popular in the 1970s and 1980s as fans sought a more serious, "respectable" label. Connotation: Trekkers often prefer this term because it is seen as less playful or casual. They may feel that “Trekker” implies a deeper, more intellectual engagement with Star Trek, focusing more on the philosophical, scientific, and sociopolitical aspects of the show. Focus: Trekkers tend to be more focused on the serious themes of Star Trek, such as its exploration of human nature, morality, society, and the future. They may enjoy discussing the show in more depth, examining its themes and subtext. Some feel the term "Trekker" conveys a more thoughtful, scholarly connection to the franchise. Key Differences: Tone: Trekkies are seen as more fun-loving, passionate fans, while Trekkers often view themselves as more serious, intellectual fans. Cultural Perception: Trekkie was initially a term used by outsiders to describe fans, often with a sense of ridicule. Trekker was an attempt by some fans to reclaim a term that was seen as more dignified. Engagement with the Series: While both groups are devoted to Star Trek, Trekkies might be more focused on the pop-culture fandom side (e.g., costumes, conventions), whereas Trekkers tend to appreciate the deeper themes and social commentary that Star Trek is known for. The Reality: In practice, the distinction isn't as rigid today, and many fans use the terms interchangeably, or both terms have become widely accepted within the community. The debate itself is more about personal preference and how one chooses to identify with the fandom. Some fans even wear the “Trekkie” label proudly, seeing it as a celebration of the joy Star Trek brings, while others may lean towards "Trekker" to signify a more reflective relationship with the series. At the end of the day, it’s about how individuals connect with the show, whether that’s through passionate fandom or intellectual exploration. Which resonates most with you?
I was with the series from the first episode. I think TNG and TOS are the best. Third would be Deep Space 9 cause I like Quark and the Ferengies. The other characters I really dig are Spock, Data and Q. In other words the aliens/androids. I won't watch Voyager, can't stand Kate Mulgrew - that voice almost as bad as RFK jr! Didn't watch Enterprise either. Discovery was a huge disappointment. Dark (literally), violent, endless story line. I did watch and like Strange New Worlds. It was far less serious than other series and I found the Captain a refreshing change. Picard was OK, nice to see some of TNG cast again. What I love about the series is the philosophical and social implications they explored via alien societies and technology. IMO, Star Trek had far better plot lines when each episode was a different story by a SciFi writer or Gene himself.
Since you've been around since the beginning. I'd like your opinion. This question has been going around for ages, and there is no clear consensus yet. Season 1 Episode 17: The Squire of Gothos. Is (or was) Trelane a member of the "Q" the way he was treated at the end suggests he was a child, a New Q maybe?
I'm not sure we will ever get a definitive answer. THe question has been skipping around since 1994. Since then the powers behind Star Trek have scrupulously avoided commenting on it. But that stance has only seemed to fuel the fire even more. It may never be answered but it's fun to hear the reasoning and opinions of other fans
Ah, but are there other continuums besides the Q? I also note that a continuum is something that changes over time albeit slowly.
There were the Metrons and the ORganians, but they weren't actually a Galactic level continuum like the "Q" became in TNG. We got a look at the Q Continuum in TNG as well as in Voyager, and we know that The Q do have Children, so the interaction between upset parents off-screen with Trelane is not unusual. And we have seen John DeLancie's Q using technology as well as his Omnipotent powers the way Trelane did, so the similarities are there. The TNG writers may have used Trelane as a template for Q, which in my estimation would make him a Q ... We've seen the Continuum itself appear as a Rural town with a lonely highway, as well as a Civil War Battlefield. So the Continuum is whatever they need it to be at the moment.
