The story of Star Trek is a long and complex one. Notwithstanding all the time-travel shenanigans and people returning from the dead in the actual scripts, the TV show and movie series themselves have died and been reborn several times. Fan pressure has been influencing studio policy about the visionary sci-fi show since the 1960s.

But that's not all the fans do. We've mentioned before the Trekker labour of love New Voyages, now rechristened Star Trek Phase II, echoing the planned title for a “reboot” of the original series which was mooted back in 1978. The fan-made Phase II is still going strong, (www.startreknewvoyages.com) with home-made computer effects that easily outstrip those of the 1960s original, enthusiastic amateurs in the roles of Kirk and Spock, and occasional cameos from authentic Trek actors.

Even that isn't enough for the serious Trek fans, though. There are dozens of other wonders out there on the web waiting to be discovered: An entire imaginary TV series featuring Gary Seven (tinyurl.com/5ewncl), a character featured in one 1968 episode but clearly evoking fond memories for at least one person who has spent almost too much time editing clips together and adding some authentic-sounding theme music. There's an affecting tribute to the dozens of red-shirted security officers who gave their lives so that Kirk and Spock might live. There's even a stop-motion episode of MTV Cribs featuring everyone's favourite half-Vulcan science officer at tinyurl.com/2tzsby.

If you were particularly interested in the background to JJ Abrams's reboot of the iconic series you might also be diverted by William Shatner's open video letter to the Lost and Alias director in which he seems to be comparing himself to a genetically engineered dinosaur (tinyurl.com/594da2). There's an entire collection of video messages from Shatner, including this peculiar anecdote about the President-elect of America, Barack Obama (tinyurl.com/63rel4).

Of course you might be more keen to see how Abrams has envisioned the early days of Kirk, Spock and the rest of the original crew (tinyurl.com/65kaao).

Editor's choice

• The 100 Best Films of the Decade
• 70 facts you didn't know about Marvel
• The 50 Biggest Movies Of 2010