Fantasy Survey: Can I ask you to take a moment...?

[kjirstem]

DaveH47 at m... wrote:
> Dear friends,
> 
<snip> 
> 
> What I would like to find out is the general public impression of
> Oz vs. other fantasy series.  I know I'm hardly taking a scientific
> sample: a number of people whose opinions I trust + a number
> of fellow afficionados of one of Oz's rivals (Harry).  But I
> would just like to get a few opinions to get an idea...
> 

kjirstem:

> 1. Have you ever read any of the "Oz" books by L. Frank Baum and
other
> authors? (Y/N)
>

Yes!  I loved the Oz books when I was a kid.  I read all the ones I
could get my hands on, regardless of author.  I did prefer the ones
written by L. Frank Baum.

> 2. If yes, what did you like about them?  What did you not like?
> 

I think much of the appeal was similar to the appeal of HP, I could
lose myself in another world that was much more interesting than
everyday life.  My response to the Oz books was very similar to my
daughter's response to the HP books - I had half convinced myself that
they were real.  

I haven't gone back to read the Oz books much recently, only one or
two a couple years ago.  I didn't find that I liked them as much at
that time.  I found I did not get as immersed in the stories as I had
previously.  For some reason the characters seemed vaguely annoying
and predictable.

> 3. Do you like to read fantasy in general? (Y/N)
> 
Yes I do, way too much.

> 4. If yes, what is your favorite fantasy series?

This answer probably varies with the weather.  I think I would have to
say LOTR based on the sheer number of times I have read the
books. I also greatly admire Ursula LeGuin's writing style.

> 5. What do you like about that series?
> 

I like the complexity of the world that Tolkein created.  The amount
of background information results in very rich imaginary world.  

> 6. Which of the the following do you believe enhances a good fantasy
> (or fiction in general)? :
> 
    -- Interesting plotlines?   Yes
    -- Unexpected plot twists?  Yes
    -- Complex, multi-dimensional characters?  Very much
    -- Coherent, non-self-contradicting story continuity?  Yes
    -- Science fiction elements?  I like science fiction, but I don't
think science fiction elements by themself enhance any story.  
    -- Action / Adventure elements?  I like these.
    -- Romantic Elements?   To some extent
    -- Sexual Elements / Nudity?   Rarely, though it is a nice
antidote to post-election depression.  

I'd say the first four items were the most important, with item 3
ranked highest.  The last four items are relatively unimportant to me.