If I were to write Web now, it would be a much, much darker book.

Sometimes the reader will decide something else than the author's intent; this is certainly true of attempts to empirically decipher reality.

Observe, don't imitate.

The language fictional characters use is chosen for effect, at least if the author is concentrating.

Every book is three books, after all; the one the writer intended, the one the reader expected, and the one that casts its shadow when the first two meet by moonlight.

There are people who believe in an absolutely transparent prose; with every respect for clarity of expression, I don't.

If I were to write Web now, it would be a much, much darker book.