Being all technical and science-like in sci fi

[Darkranger85]

Hey everyone,

I was just wondering, concerning sci-fi flicks especially, how much do you value that a given sci-fi novel has its scientific elements founded in something plausible, or perceivable at least?

Do you think, for example, Star Trek's teleportative beams are silly? Would you grumble and shake your fist at an author who suddenly introduces a wormhole portaldevice and explains its existance with little reference to, I don't know, Einstein's theories, or makes some vague explanation of using dark matter energy, taking full advantage of our limited knowledge on the subject?

I ask because I could see myself doing all the above things. And I realize that many of my favorite franchises in the genre are also, at best, very flimsy on the scientific details. How do portals work in Portal?... Something about moonstones, right?

In general I believe this is a question with no right answer.

Go with few explanations and some people will grumble and say they want a scientific paper written on how your tech works. Put in science mumbo jumbo and you'll have some science nerds telling you that your exponent is in the wrong place.

I say pick which side you like best and go for it. But, if you are going to explain things, try to keep your facts straight and to not contradict yourself.