Chapter Title Question...

[Dylan]

I'm re-working my new novel, Interpretation, which is dystopian sci-fi (with a whole lotta psychology thrown in). Some of the chapters are from the AI's point of view. I have those chapters titled in hexadecimal like this:

Chapter 2 – 42 6f 6f 74 20 53 65 71 75 65 6e 63 65

The hex says "boot sequence".

My question is, should I keep the hex? I feel it lends authenticity. Should I use "boot sequence" as a subtitle? Should I abandon the hex altogether? I'm not sure what's best for the reader here...

Thanks!

[C.L.]

I like the hex thing!

[Heather]

I really like the hex concept. As a lazy reader, I'd probably want a subtitle or opening statement in the chapter to indicate what it is but that'd definitely draw me in to the story, I think. :)

[Joe]

It's pretty cool.

[Annie]

@Mr Dylan: Personally, I dig it!

I'm with Miss Heather. It would definitely get my attention ^_^

Hugs,
Ann

[P.D.]

I would like the english/roman alphabet as the subtitle...

[Quantum]

If it's hard SF only--don't do it if your intended audience is any other--then keep the hex only. No subs and get rid of the spaces. The hardcore nerds will love it. I don't know if Stephenson does it on kryptomicon (sp?) but it might be worthwhile checking it out--if you haven't already.

[Dylan]

Thanks for the input!

[R.]

Personally I like it. There's a scene in Red Dwarf where the robot Kryten falls in love with a robot called Camille. Too shy to say it directly he spells out the word Love in hex.

[Christina]

How did I not see this? It's brilliant! I would leave the hex only and if you're feeling generous, then maybe an author's note explaining what they are, but not a translation. Easter eggs are half the fun of sci-fi.

[Dylan]

Christina wrote: "How did I not see this? It's brilliant! I would leave the hex only and if you're feeling generous, then maybe an author's note explaining what they are, but not a translation. Easter eggs are half ..."

Hmmm... I was thinking of making it a knock knock joke, or an "if you're reading this, send me an email." message. hahaha

[Justin]

I've never heard of such a thing so it must be pretty clever! I say you keep it Dylan. Best of luck to you!

[Dylan]

Justin wrote: "I've never heard of such a thing so it must be pretty clever! I say you keep it Dylan. Best of luck to you!"

Thanks, Justin!

[K.A.]

Great perspective for a grounding point! Definitely keep it if it sings to you, which your idea clearly grabs the audience in concept!

My take on it would be to move the boot sequence to the top of the first paragraph, perhaps tick up the font a few and bold it. Then, add a chapter title specific to your AI's thought process. Maybe a nebulous dream before booting, if you go into that concept of AI.

Good Luck! Look forward to seeing the end result =D

[T.L.]

I'm not your target market, and I'd miss it.
Maybe a note right at the end to explain it? But keep it pure (no subtitle)

[Zoltán]

I think it's a good idea, but keep in mind your target audience.

It might look even better this way:

Chapter 2 – 0x426F6F742053657175656E6365

[J.N.]

You could try putting the hex sequence in larger text (perhaps with a courier new font) with the english wording beneath it in smaller, grayed text (roman or other font) .

Or put the english in the top corner so the hex is central and unadorned.

Or, superimpose them, but that would require you to use images.

[Dylan]

J. N. wrote: "You could try putting the hex sequence in larger text (perhaps with a courier new font) with the english wording beneath it in smaller, grayed text (roman or other font) .

Or put the english in t..."

For a lot of different reasons, I like the idea of superimposing them. I could make those images pretty easily too. Thanks!

[MuQUNDI Lesli]

I understand why you would want to keep the hex(my chapters were previously titled by place and not number). But as my editor told me, you have to think about the reader. In sci-fi you guys have a lot of freedom to do a lot of things — especially if the book is adult sci-fi, keep it. It is awesome. But if you're thinking about your entire audience, ditch it. Unless you intend to make them swallow it until they like it, it may work.

[G.G.]

A lot of people, like me, don't give a second look to chapter names. On the other hand (or is it end?) some hard chore scifi readers might get a kick over it.

The ones like me who wouldn't have understood it without this thread won't hold a grudge because of that. It's a chapter title, not the story itself. It won't prevent anyone from enjoying the book, yet it will please those who will catch the reason. Go for it!

[Mat]

I pretty much agree with what everyone else has already said - most people won't care, but a handful of people will get an extra special thrill out of it. And that's what great art is all about, I think. Most people don't get it, but when someone does, it's extra special. Nice!

[Anthony Deeney]

I think that it will appeal to a narrow bracket of hard science fiction lovers and some of those may be able to read it straight off the page. Many others will instantly spot that it is hex asci codes.

However A LOT of casual readers will simply not get it and read past it. If your story is good, then the chapter titles are minor.

[J.]

I suppose it depends on the audience. I think is it most definitely a clever idea - however it may be worth adding a 'translation' below it as not everyone might get it. Of course, if you are aiming for pure hard Sci-fi then leaving it as is should be fine.