User:Kiara/Research/draft thesis outline

Research Contents
General page
— Notes ——— Prototypes
— Project Proposal ——— Drafts
— Thesis Outline ——— Drafts
— (more or less) Rapid Prototypes ——— WebSpell Prototypes ——— Workshops

up to date outline

fifth draft

GENERAL OUTLINE

• What will the text be about?

The text will be about broad topics: the magic and the web. What gathers them and allows for a more closed-up approach is their connection to politics.
In a globalised context of rising fascism and way-too-fast adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models, such as large language models or image generation -ideologies that often (if not constantly) go hand in hand-, I seek to take action. Through this research I will observe how magic and the web (both in practices and spaces) intertwine, communicate, connect and can thus be used as leverage for resistance.

• How will that story be told? (form and mode of address)

The text should reflect detective investigation and sort-of-sociological approach without falling in an academic "take my word for a fact" tone. One inspiration on the relationship form/content is Objet Papier's OP007 Print-it; it contains small essays and writings about the web, but also some games such as crosswords and a horoscope, all linked to the theme of the zine. I like that playful aspect and would like to also integrate it into my publication, but nuances enough so that the importance (seriousness) of the topic is not diluted into some kind of joke.
Magic and the web are inherently unbound by the laws of chronology or order: if magic deals with numbers and physical objects (man-made or natural), it rarely relies on time itself as a precise unit of measurement. One might argue that astrology and rituals to the Sun and Moon are time-bound, yes, but not precisely! And they also don't advocate for chronology or logic. As for the web, it is a capsule in time and space. As Kendal Beynon highlights it, it is very hard to date precisely anything that was born online, it always refers to approximate dating. The only "time" constraint that I can think of relating to the web is the way JavaScript in linearly read and interpreted by the browsers. Otherwise, the concept of hyperlinks itself is challenging time; it is a constant back and forth, visiting and revisiting pages, linking to the past or to a possible future.
The publication should then reflect that inherent non-linearity, either in the content, the form or a back and forth between both. Some keywords would be: playful, instructive, pedagogical, hybrid.

Further thinking led me to consider ritual/spell writing, I will have to dig deeper into that to validate if it fits my imaginary vision of them and, more importantly, the topic.
I also consider the manifesto format, I think it is being a bit overused, but it also is a hybrid format that fits both the magical (ritual, manifesting) and the web (see melonking's manifestos archive) aspects. All in all, it could very well be a collection of different forms of writing combined together as a single chimera publication...

KEY ISSUES

(not necessarily in that order, let's see)

• Defining the magic and highlighting its roots in resistance against systemic oppression through history (eg: witch trials, disreputation of magic practices, tension with church and science, etc.) - for this I rely for instance on Ramsey Duke's An Essay on Magic (2000)
• Analysing how these practices were appropriated (and keep on being so) by capitalistic entities, to glamorise it and how this participates in creating an atmosphere where we stop questioning, thus resisting (as highlighted by Luna Maurer in her latest performance at V2_ on nov. 11 2025)
• Showing how through practices and initiatives such as indie web, small web, decentralisation and collaborative practices we can claim the magic back. Since capitalism, AI, fascism go hand in hand and are highly accelerated by the internet (as a communication network), the resistance and ways to fight back find a privileged place in online practices and spaces.

CONCLUSION

The conclusion shows how web practices can be looked upon as magic, as they share similar features and modes of action. In that sense, we can claim the magic back to fight systemic oppression, rising extremes and AI reign through designing, creating, (re)inventing new ways of being human, both online and away from keyboard.

selected bibliography

• Cyberwitches manifesto, Lucile Olympe Haute (2017)
• This is for everyone, Tim Berners-Lee (2025)
• SSOTBME Revised: An Essay on Magic, Ramsey Dukes (2000)
• being a script, Raphaël Bastide (2025)

extras

Random notes
cherish the hunch
emotion/feeling is the magic
forms of magic: practice | folklore
formulate better by precising the field of research: femininity is the glue, linking internet and magic together to become one (can a Venn diagram be made? like a meme?)

References to explore
- Sigil Séance from the Institute of Diagram Studies

> Participate to one

- Magics

> Sigil & Chaos Magic

> Witchcraft

- People to chat with

> Miriam Suzanne (pad of our meeting)

> Lucile Haute (email sent)

> Julie Moynat (to contact)

> Doriane Timmermans (pad of our meeting, in franglish)

> Raphaël Bastide (pad of our meeting, in french)

previous drafts

fourth draft [deprecated]

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What will the text be about? The magic, the web, the "feminine" (attributing a more fitting term to the notions it involves) How will that story be told? (form and mode of address) The text should reflect the detective investigation and sort-of-sociological approach without falling in an academic "take my word for a fact" tone. One inspiration on the relationship form/content is Objet Papier's OP007 Print-it; it contains small essays and writings about the web, but also some games such as crosswords and a horoscope, all linked to the theme of the zine. Magic and the web are inherently unbound by the laws of chronology or order, the thesis should also reflect that, either in the content, the form or a back and forth between both. Some keywords would be: playful, instructive, pedagogical, hybrid

INTRO

[defining the feminine] Throughout history and social schemes, magic practice has been attributed and linked to wxmen. This attribution serves a purpose: labeling what we don't understand under a pejorative and punishable category. It becomes then much easier to relegate wxmen and minorities in a hidden, unaccounted for sphere of the society. This aspect of patriarchy, so deeply rooted that it is embraced unconsciously and passed on automatically, makes one draw a quick conclusion: the magic is tied to the feminine. But it is not that simple. Saying this is a shortcut to a much more complex situation. Saying this is leaving behind all other minorities that also often can be recognized for using (the) magic as a mean of resistance. Because in the end, what we are really talking about here is political: every bit of marginalized knowledge that hasn't been validated of certified™ by the ruling system (ultra-capitalism) is tagged as magic and thus seen as evil, banishable, wrong. And these knowledge and practices are created, cared for and used by resisting minorities. Here lays the circle. (add a drawing) Because of that social dynamic (witches are wxmen, wxmen are evil (biblical discourse), wxmen are natural care-takers (not true), etc.), instinct pushes us to label those resisting practices as "feminine". Can we come up with a better term? A more accurate, more inclusive one; a less gender-oriented, less binary one.

[defining the magic] While searching for that term and in order to find it, it is crucial to define carefully what "the magic" refers to. Magic, as a whole, is a philosophy more than a selected practice. It thus involves the different approaches, different relationships towards objects, beings and astral elements that constitutes the various magic branches and practices. Here, I will mostly use "the magic" instead of simply "magic", as in the magic refers directly to the concept itself, gathering thought processes, faith, practices and entities themselves. The magic is precise and declarative, where magic fails to be. In its broadest sense, the magic is about caring, protecting, sharing, connecting and feeling.

[defining the web] In this sense, we can observe that the web, both as a place and a craft (making websites) is both carrying the magic and embodying it. As a place, the web involves caring, protecting, sharing, connecting - and, to some extent, feeling. It is this big (infinite) network of hyperlinks, intertwining, relating to one another, connecting ideas, practices and people altogether. As a craft, the web embodies the magic and magical practices. Web programming languages and alt text as rituals, blogs and personal websites as safe spaces for expression and gathering. (will eventually be completed after further readings)

Here the aim is drawn towards observing the connections between the magic, the web and what is for now referred to as the feminine. Eventually, this research will provide us with a better word to replace "feminine"; a term that would actually refer to all the notions mentioned so far: the marginalized practices, the magic as a thinking process, the web as a magical entity, sociopolitical resistance. A little disclaimer though: the content of this research will mostly appear Western-gazed. This is due to a time constraint, that prevent a detailed investigation on other cultures and only allow for an observation of my direct physical surroundings.

KEY ISSUES

Further definitions, supported by examples and references Refs such as Tim Berners-Lee, Dasha Ilina, Olia Lialina, Lucile Haute, Doriane Timmermans, Miriam Suzanne, Raphaël Bastide, ... The web as a tool and place expanding the reach of the magic Through indie web, cyberwitches practices, hybrid publication and online rituals and the obvious relation to in/visible + a special zoom on language: programming languages, narratives and poetry online Healing and caring for the web as a way to heal and care for humanity Related to resistance, minorities actions and hacking practices

CONCLUSION

[ideas that lead to a conclusion] Everything is closely tied to connecting to our inner selves and emotions, as they nurture our souls and relationships. Hyperlinks as the most obvious depiction of magic on the web. A new term to replace what was called "the feminine"

third draft [deprecated]

Read it >>>

1_ Want do you want to write?

a/ What will the text be about?

All my friends are witches and we live in Hollywood Mystical bitches making our own sisterhood While society is falling, we are quietly reforming Protecting the planet, healing our own damage — Marina & Pussy Riot, Purge the poison Magic is about caring, sharing, feeling, connecting. The web is about caring, sharing, connecting (and sometimes feeling, to some extent). Through an approach that crosses paths with sociology, detective investigation and playfulness, the aim is to observe the web for the magic it bears. Socially and thus historically, witchcraft and magic are associated with wxmen, wrongly. The real connection here lies in energies: magic resides in feminine energy, which we, humans, all possess. The relationship we create and maintain with our own feminine and masculine energies is subjective and personal, but at the end of the day we all bear a part of magic. That same magic is present on (and in?) the web. By observing the web as a magic tool, entity, place, etc. we might answer the hunch that wxmen and hyperlinks are alike.

b/ How will that story be told?

14-10-2025 The text should reflect the detective investigation and sort-of-sociological approach without falling in an academic "take my word for a fact" tone. One inspiration on the relationship form/content is Objet Papier's OP007 Print-it; it contains small essays and writings about the web, but also some games such as crosswords and a horoscope, all linked to the theme of the zine. Magic and the web are inherently unbound by the laws of chronology or order, the thesis should also reflect that, either in the content, the form or a back and forth between both. Some keywords would be: playful, instructive, pedagogical, hybrid

2_ Outline 3 key issues you want to explore/address

[INTRO] The web is about caring, sharing, connecting (and sometimes feeling, to some extent). Through an approach that crosses paths with sociology, detective investigation and playfulness, the aim is to observe the web for the magic it bears. Socially and thus historically, witchcraft and magic are associated with wxmen, wrongly. The real connection here lies in energies: magic resides in feminine energy, which we, humans, all possess. The relationship we create and maintain with our own feminine and masculine energies is subjective and personal, but at the end of the day we all bear a part of magic. That same magic is present on (and in?) the web. By observing the web as a magic tool, entity, place, etc. we might answer the hunch that wxmen and hyperlinks are alike. {Define magic, the web and feminine} <--- yes i saw too late that the intro was to be written so it's a sketch, not even a draft Outlining the keywords and the definitions they will bear throughout the whole publication The back and forth, cycling flowing of energies: Caring, feeling, connecting: the Yin (feminine) energy within life and how they flood in tech (through the observation of the web) Caring, sharing, connecting: essences of the web brought up and kept alive by the humans that populate and shape it How all those together are a manifestation of magic that we should nurture and preserve [CONCLUSION] {Answer to the hunch: hyperlink and feminine are alike + Sum up of the magic inherent to the web and its connection to the feminine} <--- i also saw too late that the conclusion should also be there...

second draft [deprecated]

Read it >>>

1_ Want do you want to write?

a/ What will the text be about?

The text will approach the web/internet with a sort of feminist view linked to magic. How those 3 entities are tied and intertwine, communicate. The web/internet as a protocol, a software, a network, but also a space with its materiality, its languages (code in all sorts of meanings). Sort of feminist because the aim is to avoid the stereotypical. Here we are not about claiming or fighting, it is about the factual presence and influence of femininity in the www. It is about an investigation, almost scientific. The definition of magic is the most important one here, and the most difficult to write. What is magic? What could magic be (and what could be magic)?

b/ How will that story be told?

11-10-2025 There is a part of investigation/scientific approach -> maybe sociological?; something quite analytical, but I also don't want to fall into the academic/stating-facts-for-universal-truth jibber-jabber. The three main themes are serious, yes, but they also bear a certain lightness, almost vaporous and very subtil. This has to be transcribed somehow. Something about non-linearity makes sense as well, but it might reveal more adequate to the project than to the writing.

2_ Outline 3 key issues you want to explore/address

Caring and healing: how women populate the web, take part in it, hold power over it and the power of cyber-isms tied to femininity and magic (obscure ref?: Ghost in the Shell); Wxmen as holders of the humanity of the web (community, care, etc.); Some history: how wxmen have been present in computer science from the beginning (e.g.: Hedy Lamarr; When computers were women by Jennifer S. Light; etc.) The web, an omniscient magic entity: rituals and incantations (code & languages >> indie web and indie culture) A hyperlink is a she: Madame Web; versatility; guides & guardians The very nature of magic, femininity and internet/www (definitions - red thread)

first draft [deprecated]

Read it >>>

1_ Want do you want to write?

a/ What will the text be about?

It is about the various forms and shapes of magic. It is about wxmen and femininity (more magic). It is about internet and the world wide web (magic with a kick). (((shady reference to that Avengers: Infinity War scene))) More specifically, the aim is to explore the inherent magic wxmen bear, the one that internet bears and how they resemble one another, communicate, build space for community and sharing. Then, approaching the figure of the woman online, maybe starting from macho clichés, to end in the true essence of the web's feminine presence. Magic, femininity and hyperlinks are alike, (I cannot yet point how, but I do have a hunch :) The thesis will outline the virtuous circle of feminine-magic-internet.

b/ How will that story be told?

02-10-2025 THAT is a very good question looking from the prism of magic-related publications is out of the range of that subject. It is an interested form for experiments and prototypes, but not for the final way of addressing.

2_ Outline 3 key issues you want to explore/address

The very nature of magic, femininity and internet/www How those 3 entities are tied and intertwine, communicate Witchcraft and web: how women populate the web, take part in it, hold power over it and the power of cyber-isms tied to femininity and magic (obscure ref?: Ghost in the Shell) Wxmen as holders of the humanity of the web (community, care, etc.) Some history: how wxmen have been present in computer science from the beginning (e.g.: Hedy Lamarr; When computers were women by Jennifer S. Light; etc.) The web: an omniscient magic entity Indie web and indie culture, witches and fairies (((this is not making much sense in my head...)))