need a hand with a plot element

--- In spacesettlers@yahoogroups.com, Al Globus wrote:
>
> At 11:07 PM 5/17/2006, you wrote:
> >something to consider is what is the condition of earth at the time
> >the ship is built. if its getting more and more crowded and is having
> >trouble sustaining life, the trip [to the start] might be the only
way for
> >ppl to
> >have a better life with more room.
>
> Why not just live in orbital colonies? A lot easier than going to
the
> nearest star. Total living area should be roughly 1000x the surface
area
> of the Earth if most asteroidal and significan lunar materials are
> used. Much more if you are willing to completely use up a few moons.
>

Completely agree with that point. From a practical point Space Islands
are a sure thing when compared to unknown possible worlds around
distant stars.

Common Sence would dictate space islands. A bird in the hand is worth
more than two in the bush.

Generation Ships to distant worlds around distant stars is good Sci-Fi
but not good science or even a viable solution to man's need for new
worlds.

Unfortunately every time I turn on the boob tube the only thing
prominant scientists discuss is Generation Ships or Crionicly stored
colonists on robot ships sent off to distant stars. Closest thing
they'll discuss to a local solution is Mars which is a bad idea.

I have yet to see space islands discussed except by Leanord Nemoy's old
show IN SEARCH OF. (It was really a joy to watch).

As a writer I can sympathize. I just can't put the pieces together to
form a good space island novel. Currently with its 'enlighted' social
behavior Western civilization has no use for them. That's a big problem
trying to set up the course for a novel. What is the Purpose?
Overpopulation is not deemed an excuse for moving into space at this
time. We don't have the birth rate. The project I have periodicly tried
to get going is just too boring to work at this time, which is why I am
currently trying a project set during the French and Indian war. I
suspect I am not the only one with this problem.