I don't want to start up a war of male versus female, but I *am* curious on a matter after re-reading my earlier rambling post about fantasy/sci-fi. I'm wondering how many people are lost to a book (or genre) because they either don't identify with the hero(s), or can't? Or perhaps lost interest in a book, series or author because of such things? On a similar note, how many have been discouraged from a topic in school they thought they'd enjoy, or had enjoyed until a certain point? I remember a couple of memorable events in HS photography class where I was given a bad grade because I could not complete the work, due to my negatives having been stolen. (several students had this problem) I lost interest in the topic altogether from sheer frustration at the unfairness of it. - Barbara Need a new email address that people can remember Check out the new EudoraMail at http://www.eudoramail.com