> QNTM: Do it. If it's your first time, try a second time as well. Your first attempt might be okay or it might not be so okay, but it's something you can get better at over time. You can practice, you can get good.
because it's reflected very clearly in qntm's own writing. He's been publishing his fiction online for close to two decades, and I've been following his website for almost as long. He's always been a talented and imaginative writer, but the craftsmanship of his writing has been continuously getting better and better.
And speaking carefully to avoid spoilers, I'd say my primary delight in the QNTM et al. AMD stories is how they lean into the universe to subvert expectations. They never turn out how you expect.
What I particularly liked about it is that it followed this geek's impulse of "yeah but why/how?" and answered it. Then answered the question after that. And after that. It was an exponentially wild ride.
It's not a perfect book. The characters are, honestly, kind of weak in an overpowered kind of way; it's more an idea-driven book than plot- or character-driven.
But I think the HN crowd would really like it, and it deserves wider recognition!
I mean many of the characters have forgettable personalities, and react to situations like they have superhuman intellect/foreknowledge.
https://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-055
Also written by qntm!
I'd say that sturgeon's law still applies though.
Why doesn't the browser automate away the hassle of looking up this stuff. I can't remember everyone and their many laws!
I'm gladdened to see that not all the fun has been sucked out of Wikipedia yet. (Don't BJAODN this!)
Cole's Law is well known and famous,
But we never obey it at all;
Yet for this you really can't blame us.
It's thinly sliced cabbage -- that's all