Timewaster's Guide Archive

Local Authors => Howard Tayler => Topic started by: happyman on February 24, 2009, 06:52:06 PM

Title: "A Fire upon the Deep"
Post by: happyman on February 24, 2009, 06:52:06 PM
This post is a question for Howard:

Have you read "A Fire upon the Deep"?  I think it relates to some of the things you've put in Schlock Mercenary, including some of the plotting difficulties the fleetmind's resources have caused, and was wondering if you knew the terminology well enough to have a discussion about them.  This was especially triggered by Lota's recent actions in the strip.
Title: Re: "A Fire upon the Deep"
Post by: Howard Tayler on February 25, 2009, 05:37:37 AM
I have not, but I keep meaning to. I'm familiar with the term "Singularity" as it applies to socio-technological prognostication, though.
Title: Re: "A Fire upon the Deep"
Post by: happyman on February 25, 2009, 07:35:35 PM
Right.  "Fire upon the Deep" provides terminology to describe civilizations that have gone through a singularity, and speculates on how normal humans would interact with a civilization (or machine) that has gone through such a singularity.  It's a good read, especially as it relates to what happens when artificial intelligence starts getting a mind of its own.  I think you can see the relevance to your strip, especially recent events.

I wanted to say more, but I really, really like the worldbuilding in it, and don't want to spoil it for you.