I've got a bad feeling about this. That's a good way to start this one. I must be crazy starting what will undoubtedly become a heated argument about how much better Star Wars is than Star Trek, but tough topics are my forte.

I am of the opinion that all the fighting between Trekkies (or Trekkers, I never learned the difference) and "Warsies" is really rather foolish. The fanbases are notorious for hating each other, and why? Because the titles are similar enough to confuse the uninitiated? Because they are two space sagas that entered the public consciousness at (roughly) the same time? Probably the most logical answer is both are extremely good franchises that have very supportive fans who are determined to uphold the honor of their chosen "side".

But in all honesty, there is really no reason for such antimosity. I am living proof that you can like both Star Wars and Star Trek. Granted, I wouldn't describe myself as a Trekkie, but I love the franchise, for most of the same reasons I love Star Wars: It's a fantasic space-based universe where good triumphs over evil (eventually), our heroes live by strict moral codes, and there's just plain good writing and compelling storytelling.

While Trek definitely has the advantage in pure bulk of content (over 700 hours of television alone!), a lot of it is pretty rehashed at this point. Also the Star Trek EU (yes, it exists) isn't as expansive as that of Star Wars, which spans thousands of years and thousands of characters. I consider Star Trek to be more pure sci-fi, while Star Wars has that added level of mystery and religion with the Force, with elements of fantasy spicing it up.

I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that it just seems a little odd that there should be so much sparring between the two fan groups. I mean, do we spend a great deal of time putting down fans of Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Stargate, or Firefly?

Another important thing to remember is that the only reason Star Trek exists as we know it is because of the popularity of Star Wars. Yes, I am aware that Star Trek is in fact older, but by the time A New Hope hit theatres Trek was on it's way to becoming just another forgotten (and failed) television series. When Star Wars surprised the entertainment world, Paramount (the owners of Star Trek) hurridly dug through their licenses looking for a space adventure to match Fox's success. They chose Star Trek, and made a motion picture, putting the franchise on the path to future films and television series. This year, Star Trek celebrates it's 40th anniversary, and while I wouldn't say the franchise is exactly booming right now, with longevity like that, they must have done something right.