May 28, 2026
ProtFiSIG May 28, 2026: Novums of Weird Fiction
Participants: sachbenny, suspencer_nit
The ProtFiSIG group convened to examine China Miéville's essay "M.R. James and the Quantum Vampire," which explores novums—distinctive conceptual elements—in weird fiction. The group selected this essay because developing a "Protocol Novum" has been a recurring discussion point, and they wanted to understand how weird fiction uses strong image motifs (such as tentacles) as organizing principles. By studying these patterns in established weird fiction, the group aims to identify similar recurring images and themes that could define protocol fiction aesthetics.
The discussion centered on leveraging Suvin's science fiction theory of novums as a theoretical foundation. Participants noted that stigmergy—a concept previously explored in the Formal Protocol Theory group—represents a potentially strong image motif or novum that could be developed within protocol fiction. The meeting established a framework for identifying how specific visual and conceptual elements can become defining features of a fictional genre or subgenre.
- The group seeks to develop a 'Protocol Novum' concept by understanding how weird fiction uses distinctive images and motifs as organizing principles.
- China Miéville's essay on novums in weird fiction provides a theoretical framework for analyzing how protocol fiction might employ similar image-driven approaches.
- Stigmergy, previously discussed in the Formal Protocol Theory group, emerges as a potentially strong recurring image or motif for protocol fiction development.
- The concept of 'novum' (originally from science fiction theory by Darko Suvin) offers a useful lens for identifying and analyzing distinctive elements in protocol fiction.