SF-Worlds relaunched with new design, expanded content

SF Worlds is returning to its roots. Years ago when I created the SF-Worlds.com domain I wasn't sure what to do with it. I didn't need another Web site for science fiction FAQs and essays but the name just seemed too cool to pass up.

In the late 1990s Netscape began experimenting with XML files in a format they called Rich Site Summaries (an early form of today's common RSS feeds). The Netscape format was intended to help sites publish news headlines and lists of recently updated pages. The format eventually merged with blog structures but for about two years many Web sites published custom news stories and distributed links to those stories through RSS feeds.

I built SF-Worlds into the Web's largest source of science fiction and fantasy news headlines covering dozens of topics. Unfortunately, the dot-com meltdown of 2000 burned out many of the experimental companies that were pushing out XML feeds. My headlines either turned stale or became completely inaccessible as sites disappeared. I eventually settled on creating a few essay sections to populate SF-Worlds.

But I've always wanted to do more with the domain. The news format still intrigued me but I just didn't have time to dig up new XML news feeds and, quite frankly, there are not that many dedicated science fiction and fantasy news sources anyway (at least not like the old ones).

After several experiments I've settled upon a new format for the domain that makes the pages more attractive, easier to read, and easier to update (I hope). I've also been able to add a Science Fiction News page that makes liberal use of video news channel feeds to cover topics related to science and science fiction.

I invite you to check out the new SF-Worlds. Oh, yes, the old essays are still there, somewhat revised, in some cases expanded, and updated where I could find time to update them.

But I think it's the new content you'll be most interested in. I certainly hope so.

SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.