Author's Notes on The Observers.
S. Gill Williamson
In 2002, I set out to develop an undergraduate Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) survey course at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). Open to all majors, this course was to address a wide range of interests and, at the same time, expose students to some solid computer science and engineering.
My idea for starting the course was to assign an appropriate science fiction novel for all students to read. This novel would serve as common ground for discussing ideas in technology, science, and related social issues. Unsuccessful in my attempt to find a suitable novel, I started to write one myself, thinking I could complete the task in six to eight months. Researching and writing this novel took four years and was finished in 2006, after I had retired from UCSD. The Observers arrived too late for the course (which I never taught).
Now I find myself in the role of the student, with readers of The Observers "assigning" me topics related to the story. The comments and suggestions that have been conveyed to me are interesting and fun to think about - please send me yours.