It's a little thing called artistic liberty.;) Personally, I like the really weird (and far more realistic) aliens, but a lot of people don't. The simple fact is, the anthromorphic types sell better. And if they're a little cute (or scary), that doesn't hurt either.;)

The anthromorphic types can often be more fun, though, just because they are so humanoid. Replace the Darcassians in "Unwanted Guest" with, say, a couple Yua, and it would lose some of its charm. I'm not sure why, but it's true. I guess maybe its because humans are just so self-centered that we find it hard to identify with something so different?

And anthromorphic characters lend themselves better to social commentary (one reason, besides budgeting, that they're so prevalent on Star Trek and such).

Plus, by looking like terrestrial creatures, you can always use them as products of genetic engineering rather than extraterrestrials (which is far more likely anyway).

And yes, I've thought a lot about this subject.;)

Message edited on: 06/21/2005 07:36