Hi again FF,

I'm sory I didn't mean to say Asimov was writting about ancient civilivations. I was just commenting on what we find or make "out there". No aliens is just the sort of thing that I mean.Asimov is "more of the same" while Brin and Banks are real thinkers. I would include Hogan and Saberhagen in that category as well.

The Berserker novels also have that cyber thing.

The Well of Souls I did not like and never finished reading.

As for ancient species and aliens in general I would add a third view:

3) They are so completely weird that we cannot recognize them much less understand them.

For example, intelligent rocks or pond scum. (I've read about such but cannot remember where.)


Dr. R.