This was originally posted in response to Ryan Kaufman's blog about the dangers of hard numbers and how they're interpreted within the framework of a mythological story....

Here's how I tend to see the passionate arguments and detailed essays that insist the Star Wars galaxy exists in some kind of definable, objective, measurable, static way...

You can build an incredibly elaborate and intricate house of cards complete with symmetrical wings, swinging doors, a skylight and the illusion of stability. You've done so by being aided and abetted by Lucasfilm, who has published the cards with which you build that house, and provided some clues as to how they should fit....

I can commend you on building that incredibly elaborate house. Of taking the pieces given to you, making them fit, and constructing this impressive monument. I can respect the time, effort, and dedication it has taken to build this house of cards. Bravo! It's fun to look at, and amazing to explore.

But in the end, it is still a house of cards built on a rickety table. When I point that out, I'm not disparaging your card-house building skills nor your dedication to building said card house. What you've done is remarkable and I admire the workmanship that went into it.

But it's still a house of cards on a rickety table, and I can't help but think it's good to keep that in mind before you start on that next level.

ph