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

We're not lost. We're locationally challenged

At one point I intended to write precursor and sequel novels, about the establishment of the Web and its next evolution, but I am very unlikely to now; they would take place in a different universe.

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

I long for the simplicity of theatre. I want lessons learned, comeuppances delivered, people sorted out, all before your bladder gets distractingly full. That's what I want. What I know is what we all know, whether we'll admit it or not: every attempt to impose the roundness of a well-made play on reality produces a disaster. Life just isn't so, nor will it be made so.

Observe, don't imitate.

Creating the fictional background for a game world isn't significantly different from creating a background for fiction.