Regarding the close votes
At the current time, there are four close votes, all saying this is 'off-topic'. The reasons behind the close votes are as follows:
- The question belongs on Meta
Well, it doesn't! As per the Meta guidelines:
Meta Science Fiction & Fantasy Stack Exchange is the part of the site
where users discuss the workings and policies of Science Fiction &
Fantasy Stack Exchange rather than discussing science fiction or
fantasy itself.
As this question is talking about Science Fiction and Fantasy, not about the workings or policies of the site itself, then it is not suitable for Meta.
- "This is off-topic because it's not about a work of SF or F, it's about this website... which is off-topic for this website. I don't think the main problem is that it's a list question (though it's that, too)."
I reject this claim: the question is talking about Science Fiction and/or Fantasy works, just a specific question in relation to this site. It's no different to asking something like 'What was the inspiration for X?' As those questions are on-topic, then this question should be too.
- Requests for lists of works or recommendations are off-topic as they
do not fit our questions and answers format. Feel free to ask about
people's favorites in chat.
Granted, this is a 'list' question. Nevertheless, the guidelines by which we object to 'list' questions are:
Reading or watching recommendations
and
Lists of works with a particular plot element
Now, the former is not relevant to this - the question is clearly not asking for recommendations. However, it could be construed as looking for a particular plot element, but I think this is drawing a rather long bow, as the question isn't looking for a single plot element, but rather plot elements containing information based on answers here.
So, that's the end of my rant. The way I see it (and yes, I am somewhat biased), this question is completely on topic for this site. None of the close votes, in my opinion, are valid reasons to close this question. It is inquiring about works of science fiction or fantasy. Agreed, it is a broad question, but I have narrowed it down to:
- Being a speculative answer only
- There being evidence that the speculation involved in canon works was, in some way, linked with this site i.e. the next episode of a show they suddenly use a similar idea to what was presented in an answer is not acceptable: we need to see evidence that it is sourced from this site
- There is a finite list: it must have been the first instance
I would also argue that is is on-topic on the grounds that it is asking about background information to science fiction or fantasy works, which, as per the guidelines, makes this question on-topic