Kate is a freelance writer who offers her advice on a wide range of subjects drawn from her own Trek life experiences. The views and opinions expressed by Kate are hers and hers alone... and trust us, she has opinions! Click here to send your question to Kate.

Hey Everyone!

Well, it's December already and the Holidays are underway! The malls are crowded, parking lots are full, and "Seasonal Cheer" is only being shown in the greeting cards! What is it about this time of year that brings out the best and the absolute worst in people? I mean seriously! This is supposed to be a time of giving and being nice to each other. Unlike that super rude lady who tried to grab that really cute green sweater out of my hands! I had it first! And just because one of the sleeves was sticking out of my basket does mean that it's fair game! The nerve of some people just to save 10%. That's not even a real sale! 75%, now that's a sale! Oh, and I promised Snuggles I would get him some special hairball stuff... But before I can get my bottom into some serious shopping, I gotta get it movin' on your questions!

Dear Kate,
My name is Christin. I'm a student of American culture at the German university of Greifswald (that's close to the Baltic sea). I writing an essay on Star Trek fans, but I have a problem and need your help. In my essay I talk about the terms Trekkie and Trekker. Because there is no exact definition of these labels, I don't know how to define them. I've read that the term Trekkie is for some fans a swear word, others are proud to be called a Trekkie. Which of these terms has a more negative meaning and which one is preferred? What makes a Trekker and what a Trekkie and where is the difference? What do you think?
Yours sincerely
Christin

Hi Christin,

Y'know, this is one of those debates philosophers have been pondering for centuries that we'll never really have an answer to. The hard part is that there really is no set definition of each word — well, at least not that I know of. I was told once that there are two things that really set a "Trekkie" and a "Trekker" apart: A Trekkie is someone who only likes Trek and a Trekker likes all Sci-Fi. Also, many believe that it's a generational thing, Trekkies are the original fans, and Trekkers are the more modern fans, supposedly. Now, I know that back in 1991 during the 25th anniversary, Leonard Nimoy said in one of the TV specials that "Trekker" was the proper term... and yet, the debate continues. I guess the one thing that makes it hard for me to decide which word I prefer (and I've heard other people at the conventions say the same thing) is that Denise Crosby documentary "Trekkies," which came out depicting primarily the more ... shall I say, passionate fans — and many people have shied away from the original term for fear of being thought of as "one of those" fans. Hmm, I wonder why Carl wasn't part of that documentary... Anyway, despite that, some still wear "Trekkie" as a badge of honor and have no need for "Trekker." To each his own, I guess. Either way it gets the point across, right?

P.S. I'm gonna e-mail your teacher and tell them that my name should in one of your footnotes.

Oh look, a little irony...

Greetings Wise and Lovely Trekkie Kate,
I'm curious about The Trek Life strip from 11/19/07 — in the background of the middle scene there's some initials carved into the tree... but I can't make them out at all.
And if you have any connections could you make a suggestion they make a Star Trek game like the old style 25th Anniversary and Judgment Rites. With the emphasis more on adventure than action.
— LT K. Dakota, USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A, Pilots Division
P.S. Wanna hail me your private transporter number? You seem like the type that loves a man in uniform.

Hey Lt. Dakota,

I have no idea about any initials in a tree at the park. And I'll bet that Carl and Eve don't know either. I would ask them, but I know that they are just into each other way too much to notice anything around them. (Us girls have been talking...)

Oh, and as for the whole videogame thing, yeah, the stories on some of the games lately have been kinda lame. I don't know about you, but I'd like to see a Star Trek game PacMan style. You run around a maze collecting dilithium crystals while the Borg chase you. Star Trek old school!

P.S. Ohh! Would that be the McCoy uniform with the bell bottoms? Sweeeet!!

Hi Kate,
I got to thinking about Astrology and what the future holds for this practice. Once we begin colonizing Mars (maybe also the Moon) how will the children born on these colonies be regarded astrologically? I mean, the position of the planets in their respective houses and constellations is entirely Earth-centric. For instance, from Mars, the sun appears to be in a different constellation than it does here on Earth. Would someone born in July on Mars (seeing the Sun in Gemini) be labeled a "Gemini" instead of a "Cancer" or "Leo?"

This problem is further complicated when we achieve faster-than-light travel. If we extend to other star systems, will we adopt a new Astrology for each of our colonies to match their planetary orbits and sun-path constellations? Will we continue our current Astrology, proclaiming that anyone born between November 22 - December 21 is a Sagittarius no matter where? Will we dismiss Astrology as outdated rubbish? What do you think?

Since I'm on the subject, I figure Carl to be a Leo, Eve to be an Aquarius, Steve, a Cancer (or other water sign) ... but I can't figure you. You seem different here than when you interact with Carl and the others. As corny as this line sounds ... Kate, what's your sign?

-raVen-
A confirmed Moon Child

Hey Raven,

You know, that really is an interesting thought. Now, I haven't read it, but I've been told that something very similar to your quandary is part of the classic sci-fi book "Stranger in a Strange Land." Kinda makes me want to read it, just to see what they say. Well... here's the way I see it: our astrology system has been around for quite some time, and even though we're all still on the same planet, many different cultures have their own thoughts and astrology systems or practices (for instance, Indian astrology is quite different than the Western brand). So, with that being said, I have a feeling that in the beginning, these developing colonies on Mars, or the Moon, or wherever humans end up, will take with them to these new worlds the astrology of their culture and just start modifying the names of the signs to reflect the constellations seen in their location. At least for a while, I think they'll still use the standard characteristics that we associate with our signs on Earth, and probably use bits and pieces from different cultures. Although I'm sure in time, these new societies will begin to modify and develop their own set of standards, and we can't predict exactly how that will turn out. It will be really — oh what's the word, ah yes, "fascinating" — to see how all these belief systems will evolve on completely alien worlds! Wish we could live long (and prosper) enough to see it!

Regarding your latter question... Hey, what do you mean "seem different"? Let's face it, you and I both know that my opinions are way too big for those teeny tiny thought bubbles. And as for the astrology signs — Really? Carl a Leo? And Steve a Cancer? Hmm, that's interesting ... those would not have been my first guesses. Well, I can proudly say I'm a Virgo ... most of the time.

Hey Kate,
I recently started teaching at a rather low income school in a fairly rough neighborhood and some of the stories I hear about my students' home lives can be very disheartening (if not all together tragic) at times. I was wondering if you often receive letters yourself from people (especially children) telling you about their painful or abusive situations. If so, how do you deal with it: not just from an advice or legal perspective but personally?
-Thoth

Hi Thoth,

Wow ... ummm, y'know, that's tough, really. Especially from an advice standpoint, it's difficult because I only know what I'm being told. I don't know if all of the writer's facts are right or wrong, as their letter is coming from the way they see a situation, and that's the information I have to go on. So really, what's most important to me is to help them see some of the options they may have, and maybe bring up some things they never thought of. However, I also understand that advice is like cat food — I can put it out, but I can't force Snuggles to eat. But as for me personally? Well, I guess I just say to myself that I hope what I'm doing helps and that they'll be okay. I always try to remember how great it is that the person writing the letter is asking for help, and that they want to make these changes in their life. Maybe I can nudge them a little here or there, but the mere fact that they're reaching out is really the biggest step. I'm just glad I can be there to lend a supportive shoulder, even just a little.

Kate,
I have been a Star Trek fan as long as I can remember, when I was a kid I was mesmerized by the original series and loved to sit and watch with my Dad. As I entered my teens I became a lover of the Next Generation which I watched religiously until the day that "All Good Things" came to an end. Then I started to watch DS9 and again loved it, I found it a bit darker than TNG and more character driven. I wasn't a huge fan of Voyager I must admit but I watched it nonetheless.

My question to you is, what the hell is everyone's problem with Enterprise? It would appear from this site that I am the only person on the planet who thinks that Enterprise was the best series yet! I loved that it showed the beginnings of Starfleet, I loved that the ship was smaller and had the feel of a submarine with everything being so tactile and not looking like lights on a flat piece of plastic. Not to mention that like DS9 it was more character driven than the other series. Perhaps I could go into more detail, however I get the impression I'm the only one. Is this the case?
Robin B.

Hi Robin,

Are you the only person who likes Enterprise? Nah, I've seen numerous Enterprise uniforms sprinkled amongst the convention crowd. I just think that you're in the minority. Let me put it this way: Idea = good ... execution = not so good. It's an opinion, and we're all entitled to one or two of those on occasion, right?

All right gang, I think it's time to save this file, send it off to the Startrek.com guys and let them work their magic ... while I head off to the malls and continue my holiday shopping! And who knows, maybe I'll get a jump on next year's!

Oh! I almost forgot to tell everyone — you guys have totally blown me away with your response to my last column devoted to the new movie! Wow! It's totally awesome how many of you have written in over these past few days with all of your questions and comments — so many that I've decided to do a Part Two, coming soon!

Okay everyone, be safe in the rain, snow, sunshine, or whatever weather you've got! Later!

If you wish to ask Kate a question or need some advice on your own Trek life, you can write to her at columns@startrek.com with the subject "ASK KATE." (Letters are subject to editing at Kate's discretion.)

Letters to Kate become Kate's sole property. Submitting to Kate relinquishes all ownership rights to, or any claims for financial or other consideration in connection with the submitted material, including any ideas, suggestions, script ideas, anything. This goes for you too, Carl!