STAR WARS:
		The Powers of Light and Dark

	In all of my Star Wars expierience, the most asked Question I've been 
asked is "What side of the force is more powerful, the light or the dark 
side?".  I'm an avid Star Wars fan, and am glad to be part of Lucasfilms 
gaming department and am usually called upon by co-workers to answer Star 
Wars questions, I've even had the pleasure of having the acclaimed authors 
Timothy Zahn and Steve Perry asking for my advice and ideas on 
stories. . . . from time to time.
	The real answer to this fabled question is simple, yet complex.  The 
straight answer is that neither are stronger, they both have the same power.  
However, the real question is "How does each side effect the user and what 
advantages do each side have?".
	Answering the first question, I would say that Light side has a far 
better lasting effect on the jedi or force user.  Side effects of the light 
side of the force are commonly categorized into the "always calm and at 
ease" category.  Such is not always true.  It is true that the light side of 
the force has a calm nature, but in effect it causes the jedi to be far 
more aware of its surroundings than he normally would and make him or her 
more or less "jumpy".  Such an effect can cause the user to be more 
aggressive than he\she normally would, so don't always confuse the light 
side with total serenity and peace.  The light side also has a gentle 
effect on the body of the user and usually enhances features upon use of 
the force.  Most fully trained jedi masters and knights can extend their 
maximum age by using the force to enhance their body.  Yoda lived far 
longer than he should have because of the force.
	The dark side of the force plays a far different role than the other 
because of its degenerative approach to life.  Use of the dark side is like 
an fire, you have to keep feeding it and rage or anger is the fuel.  If you
stop feeding the fire, or something keeps you from being fully consumed by 
the fire, you are weaker.  Darth Vader a.k.a. Anakin Skywalker, was not 
fully consumed by the dark side because of his love for his son Luke.  
When Luke was seduced on Byss, his love for his friends kept him from 
being swept away completely to the dark side.  The emporer was completely 
swept to the dark side, which is one of the main reasons for the 
decomposition of his body.  The light side of the force gives, while the 
dark side takes away.
	
	I hope this quick summary helps some of you understand more about 
the force than you already did.  If you have any questions, about ANYTHING 
in the SW universe, feel free to e-mail me ANYTIME for me to answer it.  I 
am currently writing a novel with the help of my wife titled "The Bounty 
Knights" and another called "The Smugglers Allegiance".  If you would like 
detailed information on these, Email me on aol as DashSolo.  Or, Lucas