Names of obsolete/outdated technology that continues to get mileage in sci-fi works

Cafe Society
1

Basically, what are names for things that in Real Life™ were rendered obsolete or outdated long ago, but which get lots of usage in science fiction, presumably because the names are just so cool?

Some quick ones to start the discussion:

Dreadnoughts (depending on how narrowly you define “Dreadnoughts”, they were phased out during the first World War, when they were superceded by *Super *Dreadnoughts.) Arguably every battleship until they were phased out in the Cold War could be defined as Dreadnoughts, though it seems the name fell out of fashion a bit after the Pre-Dreadnought battleships were phased out of service.

On that note, “Battleship” as well, though I can’t say I come across it too much in the fiction I consume (in the Honor Harrington books, Battleships are specifically stated to have fallen out of fashion, having been outclassed at their designed role by Dreadnoughts).

Related to the above, “Battlecruisers” turn up quite a bit in sci-fi, considering the type fell out of fashion in the first World War, and were phased out by the end of World War II. Furthermore, “Cruisers” are dipping into this category, mostly because modern Destroyers are Cruisers in every way that counts.

“Torpedoes”, though this one is debatable since Torpedoes still exist, except that a torpedo is by definition a Missile that travels through the water. A missile that travels through air or space is usually just called a Missile. Funnier still if you recall that torpedoes were originally stationary mines, until someone started dragging/pushing them around with boats, and decided eventually to just leave the crew off of the boat.

2

(Light) Sabre.

3

A friend from college had, for his favored sci-fi rant, the constant misuse of the word “Rifle” in sci-fi. A Rifle, by definition, is a weapon with a “rifled” barrel, rifling being the practice of cutting spiraling grooves down the length of a barrel to impart a stabilizing spin on a bullet (pretty much exactly the same as how you are supposed to pass a football). Nobody could figure out exactly how rifling was of any benefit to beams of light. Maybe photons hit harder if you can spin them first.

Though, upon further consideration, that’s not an example of what I’m asking about, since rifles are still in use now, just not evidently when the sci-fi stories take place.

4

Did he also get grumpy that in science fiction stories computers often refer to machines when the word originally meant people?

5

I figure that “rifle” for a lot of people basically means “a personal weapon bigger than a pistol but smaller than an anti-tank weapon”. It’s defined more by function than the technology. So, if personal laser guns, plasma guns, “blasters” or whatnot ever become real I wouldn’t be surprised to see them getting labeled “rifles” even while the purists wince.

And speaking of the Honor Harrington books, I recall it mentioned that astronomers in-universe wince at the term “wormhole” as applied to things like the Wormhole Junction because it is not in fact a wormhole in the modern sense of the word. It just acts kind of like the popular perception of one and so got labeled that.

6

On the topic of rifles, most modern firearms have rifled barrels (except for weapons like shotguns) So yeah, linguistic drift can be a pain in the ass. For a perfect example of that, look at the Destroyer, which went from it’s conception as a big gunboat for sinking torpedo boats to basically being a cruiser in the space of about a century, somewhere along the way taking on the role of a giant torpedo boat.

“Space Marines” is another one, since Marines derive their name from the fact that they traditionally operate from the sea. That said, if we ever do take up space warfare and include infantry of any sort, this one is pretty much inevitable.

7

Why not call them space infantry?

8

Because “Space Marine” sounds cooler, I guess. You could call them Starship Troopers, but you’d have to pay the Heinlein estate.

I do recall Exo-Squad just called their space infantry types “Jump Troopers”. They wore a sort jetpack space suit rig, as opposed to the power armor that the Exo Troopers used.

But anyway, I think this topic swerved off topic from the start.

9

September 26th, 2013: All member accounts have been transferred over to our new system. Please report errors to Support.
VoyForums

[ VoyUser Login optional ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4 ]
[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 08:19:52 01/27/13 Sun
Author: Mimi
Subject: CASH INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS

IT REALLY WORKS-IT’S NOT A SCAM – YOU NEED $6 / TIME / A COMPUTER

!!!QUICK MONEY!!! – FAST CASH
At first I thought this was too good to be true, how wrong I was!! I decided to give it a go, it was only 6 dollars so why not? Well I was astounded!! Money has, and still is coming to my account.

Ok this is all you need:

  1. An email address
  2. A PayPal account
  3. then POST,POST,POST,POST,POST,POST,POST,POST,POST… …

Only hours after implementing this exact system I about fell out of my chair as money ACTUALLY started rolling in. I couldn’t believe it and for that reason, I became a believer in this system.?

WHAT IS IT?
The idea is that of a system that takes advantage of the power of compounding. And in a big way, let me tell you. First and foremost understand that there are countless spin-offs of this system that try to make a “quick buck” off of people. Long lists, the 5 & 10 dollar trees, the birthday systems, etc… Those spin-offs do make money because of the ease of implementation of this idea, but they do NOT use the compounding advantage. This system is THE legit and profitable one.

HERE IS HOW IT WORKS…
There is a list of 6 email addresses (you’ll see it as you read further). Each of these people has already taken part in this system.

When someone new comes along (such as yourself) he/she removes #1 off of the list, moves the other five email addresses up one position (i.e. #6 goes to #5, #5 to #4, etc.), and adds their PayPal email address in the 6 position.

This process is what develops the power of compounding.

The bottom line is this… Honesty and Integrity creates Profitability.
Following this EXACT process is what creates the money, and that is why this system has been raved about in the Altering the system creates weak results. The legality of this system comes from the idea that you are of course creating a mailing list, and a “service” is being provided (more on that later.) Now on to how your SpamSpamSpamSpamSpam creates BIG money…

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:
The first thing to do COPY, PASTE and SAVE this entire post in word or notepad on your computer so you can come back to it later.

After that, if you are not already a PayPal user you need to go to the PayPal website at https://www.paypal.com/ and SIGN UP.

To receive credit card payments from other people you must sign up for a PREMIER or BUSINESS account (not just a PERSONAL account). This is highly recommended to allow others easy payment options.

To place the initial $6 into your account, you will have to verify your bank account with PAYPAL (which may take a few days).

PAYPAL is 100% secure and is used by millions of people worldwide.

STEP 2:
Here is where the action occurs. Then next send a $1.00 payment to each of the 6 email addresses on the current list from your PayPal account. To do this quickly and successfully, follow these simple steps:

  1. Login to PayPal and click the “Send Money” tab near top of screen
  2. In the “Recipient’s Email” field type: the email address
  3. In the “Amount” field type: “1” (your $1.00 payment)
  4. In the “Category” field select: “Service” (Keeping it legal)
  5. In the “subject” field type: “EMAIL LIST”,
  6. In the “message” field type: “PLEASE PUT ME ON YOUR EMAIL LIST”.
    (By doing this, you are creating a service and maintaining the legality of the system by “paying” for the service. )
  7. Finally, click on the “Continue” button to complete the payment.
  8. Repeat these steps for each of the 6 email addresses. that’s it!

(By sending the $1.00 payment to each address, you are implementing
the compounding POWER of the system. You will reap what you sow! )

Here is the current e-mail list:

  1. fathe_byl@yahoo.com
  2. armoedz@gmail.com
  3. ibez@bigpond.com
  4. lawrence.a.spann@gmail.com
  5. melsott@hotmail.com
  6. mattias__ohlin@hotmail.se

STEP 3:
Now take the 1st email off of the list that you see above (from your saved file), Move the other addresses up (6 becomes 5, 5 becomes 4, etc.) and add YOUR email address (the one used for your PayPal account) as number 6 on the list. This is the only part of the document that should be changed.
** Make sure to use the email address you registered with PayPal **

STEP 4 now post new file created in STEP 3 to at least 200 newsgroups or message boards. Keep in mind that there are tens of thousands of groups online!
All you need is 200, but remember the more you post the more money you make - as well as everyone else on the list!

I’ve began to see money roll in before I even hit 100 posts, but try to hit around 200 to allow maximum exposure. Use Netscape, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or whatever your internet browser is to search for various news groups, on-line forums, message boards, bulletin boards, chat sites, iscussions, discussion groups, on-line communities, etc.

For example?

Log on to any search engine like yahoo.com or google.com and type in a subject like ‘MILLIONAIRE MESSAGE BOARD’,MONEY MAKING DISCUSSIONS’, ‘MONEY MAKING FORUMS’, or ‘BUSINESS MESSAGE BOARD’, etc. You will find thousands and thousands of message boards. Click them one by one and you will find the option to post a new message. Fill in the subject which will be the header that everyone sees as they scroll through the list of postings in a particular group, and post the article with the NEW list of email addresses included. THAT’S IT!!! All you have to do is jump to different newsgroups and post away. After you get the hang of it, it will take about 30 seconds for each newsgroup.

HOW THE MONEY WORKS
:
When you post 200 messages in various forums, it is estimated that at LEAST 15 people will respond and send you a $1.00 ($15.00). Those 15 will Post 200 Posts each and 225 people send you $1.00
($225.00), etc. through 6 levels of email addresses. For comprehension purposes, here is an easy viewing chart:

  1. 15(1) = 15 people ($1) = $15
  2. 15(15) = 225 people ($1) = $225
  3. 15(225) = 3375 people ($1) = $3375
  4. 15(3375) = 50625 people ($1) = $50625
  5. 15(50625) = 759375 people ($1) = $759375

As you can see, your SpamSpamSpamSpamSpamSpamSpam has multiplied exponentially. What other opportunity that is as simple as this can cash in the way this can?! I’m not going to say this is going to make everyone over $800,000, but within a few WEEKS you begin to see results, thanks to the speed of the internet!

When your name is no longer on the list, take the latest posting in the newsgroups and begin the process again. Simply amazing…Follow the system as described, and enjoy your PROFITS!!!

REMEMBER… HONESTY AND INTEGRITY = PROFITABILITY YOUR NAME COULD CYCLE FOR A LONG TIME!

Good luck!

HOW TO POST TO NEWS GROUPS?
Use Netscape or Internet Explorer and try searching for various newsgroups (on-line forums, message boards, chat sites, discussions.)

Log on any search engine like yahoo.com, google.com, altavista.com, excite.com, etc. Search with the subject "millionaire message board; or; money making message board; or; employment message board; or making money discussions; or; money making forum; or; business message board; etc. You will find thousands & thousands of message boards.

Click on them one by one and you will find the option ‘post a new message’.

Then Post this article as a ‘new message’ by highlighting the text of this letter and selecting copy then paste from the edit menu.

Fill in the Subject, this will be the header that everyone sees as they scroll through the list of postings in a particular group, click the post message button.

You’re done with your first one! It only takes about 60 seconds to complete postings on message boards
after you catch on.

REMEMBER, THE MORE NEWSGROUPS YOU POST IN, THE MORE MONEY YOU WILL MAKE!! !!!GOOD LUCK!!

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

Re: CASH INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS – THABI LINDIWE MOHANOE (sad), 00:43:50 05/21/13 Tue
Re: CASH INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS – ALBIN, 00:15:54 06/27/13 Thu
Re: CASH INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS – jutt sohail (sad), 07:52:45 09/27/13 Fri
Re: CASH INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS – Lolla, 14:55:33 07/31/13 Wed
Re: CASH INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS – john (hi every one iam very happy), 09:35:04 09/21/13 Sat
hi – john (happy), 09:36:33 09/21/13 Sat
Re: hi – john (happy), 09:38:12 09/21/13 Sat
Re: CASH INTO YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT WITH JUST A FEW CLICKS – ello jackson, 14:45:59 09/24/13 Tue
Making MONEY MONEY – Ello jackson (happy), 01:20:37 09/25/13 Wed
[ VoyUser Login ] Not required to post.
Post a public reply to this message | Go post a new public message

  • HTML allowed in marked fields.
    Message subject (required):

Name (required):
Expression (Optional mood/title along with your name) Examples: (happy, sad, The Joyful, etc.) help)
E-mail address (optional):

  • Type your message here:

Notice: Copies of your message may remain on this and other systems on internet. Please be respectful.

[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-8
VF Version: 3.00b, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums™ is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2012 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.

10

Spam reported. (Not Raguleader, but the soon-to-be-banned spammer who posted below him.)

11

I think the idea of “space marine” is that analogous to marines who go from ship to shore, space marines go from space to planet.

12

Moved MPSIMS --> Cafe Society.

13

Specifically from spaceships to planet-usually-land.

14

Technically, didn’t he call them Mobile Infantry?

Halo has their Orbital Drop Shock Troopers.

You could call them Space Mobile or Space-Assault Infantry or even Air/Space Cavalry.
Space Marines is probably appropriate, at least how they are portrayed in Aliens, Starship Troopers and other sci fi. Basically a rapid deployment combined arms force with operational and historical ties to the Navy (or Space Fleet) and typically used in security, reconnaissance or power projection missions.
Of course, one might say the entire “navy” analogy for space-faring forces is as outdated as the Army Air Force. At the very least it’s silly, as modern space operations are more tied to the Air Force.

15

But if you had to pick a modern military arm to analogize to the normal sci-fi idea of space ships you’d almost have to pick the navy. In most sci-fi universes space ships have large crew, go on long missions, and like pre-radio ships are often out of contact with civilization for weeks/months/years at a time.

In fact some authors cough Weber cough just take historical naval battles, file off the serial numbers, and set them in space. You don’t often see the same done with air-force battles.

16

Although, having your “air” force deal with all your operations in a vacuum presents its own idiomatic issues.

17

Considering that the military uses javelins and tomahawks today, it makes perfect sense that they would re-use terms hundreds of years from now out of tradition.

18

That’s a little different, though, in that those are names for specific weapon designs, and not a class of weapons.

19

Aghast :eek: Next you’ll be claiming that his shield physics were set up to recreate Napoleonic battles… like some sort of Horatio Hornblower in space! :p:D

20

Hey! I never claimed he was good at filing off the serial numbers. cough Rob S. Pierre cough