This is for someone getting into reading it. As for getting into writing it, the same 'rule' applies, really. There's nobody have *have* to read, just read lots of it.

Well, all right, I suppose it's PROBABLY true that someone getting into *reading* sci-fi should probably read various sci-fi stories etc....

One of the things I loved about meeting Ireland's (and others) fandom was how they all agreed that I totally didn't need to have read (or watched or played) any particular thing

The genuine, inclusive, supportive type of fans.