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

GENERAL OUTLINE

What will the text be about?

Through this research I want to investigate how, via their shared political involvement, magic and the web intertwine, communicate, connect and can thus be used as leverage for resistance 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. The idea is to find answer(s) to the question: how are magic practices and web practices connected and how can we use those bridges to build an online resistance to GenAi and fascism, by involving more sensibility? I hope to be extensive enough in this search, keeping in mind that my hunch might be wrong.

1/ What do I refer to as "magic"?
Here, magic refers to intuition, connection to our own feelings and emotions and intention. It is the mystery that is greater than us, which has an impact on us but which we can also influence (e.g through intention). I do not wish to refer to specific practices (as in fortune-telling, illusions, spells or potions and invocations) but will mention some specific magic practices as they appear as web-magic practices, like cyber-witchcraft. I will however mention spells and incantations as a mode of writing, to investigate the connections they might share with web languages. I also wish to refer to magic as a (folk)lore.

2/ What do I mean by "the web"?
The web here will be observed both as practices (web design, community building, etc.) and for its core (programming languages, intentions of Tim Berners-Lee (TimBL), its creator). I will also describe some specific practices such as online activism, digital folklore and GenAI to illustrate my investigation.

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: combining small essays to games such as crosswords and horoscopes, all linked to the theme of the zine. I like that playful aspect and would like to use it, nuanced enough so that the importance (seriousness) of the topic is not diluted into some kind of joke.

I would also want to reflect some sort of non-linearity, as I see both the web and magic as unbound by the laws of chronology or order: if some magic practices deal with numbers and physical objects, it seems that they rarely rely on time itself as a precise unit of measurement. They also don't seem to particularly advocate for chronology or logic (scientific/mathematical logic, opposed to intuition/instinct). Regarding the web, Kendal Beynon highlights how hard it is to date precisely what was born online. The only "time" constraint that I can think of relating to the web is the way JavaScript is linearly read and interpreted by browsers. Moreover, the concept of hyperlinks itself is challenging time: a constant back and forth, visiting and revisiting pages, linking to the past or to a possible future.

Some keywords: playful, instructive, pedagogical, hybrid.

Further ideas:

• ritual/spell writing: dig deeper into that to validate if it fits my imaginary vision of them and, more importantly, the topics
• the manifesto format: 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
• maybe a collection of different forms of writing combined together as a single chimera publication...

KEY ISSUES

(titles are temporary)

Introduction: what are we talking about? (1000)

This will mostly be definitions: defining magic as mentioned earlier (better formulated and sourced by some concrete examples, e.g the wikipedia witchcraft article); defining the web by quoting TimBL's book This is for everyone (2025) and maybe some screenshots of code for the web languages focus that the definition will include (not super sure about that, let's see); outlining the current socio-political context I'm focusing on: rising fascism, ultra-capitalism, individualism, accelerated adoption of GenAI, the need for more sensibility, collaboration and to reconnect to our bodies and what surrounds us.

1. The web is not dying, its alchemy is just in the wrong hands (1500)

To start off, I intend to look into the similarities I personally find between alchemy and the web. In a nutshell alchemy is a transmutation-focused form of magic, requiring high focus and intention. Similarly, the web is constantly shape-shifting in the hands of its users/actors, creating a website demands attention and intention. I plan on digging deeper into that similarity to draw a proper connection between alchemy and the mutations of the web. For that, I will dive into Kendal Beynon's research work, take examples from Dominique Cardon's Culture Numérique (2019) and quote some excerpts from my conversation with Miriam Suzanne about magic and the web. I'd also like to verify the possible correspondence(s) between hyperlinks and sigils (magic symbols).

2. The descent into oblivion seamlessness (2000)

First, I will turn towards cultural appropriation and glamorisation: the way through which power leaders turn alternative practices into "the norm" by erasing the struggles leading to those practices. That is also a way to make the original practitioners lose their resisting power. Glamorisation leads to the idea of seamlessness, both in the web (smoothing user interfaces, preventing user intervention on the functioning, etc.) and in magic (creation of aesthetics and trends).

Left: a correlation drawn by Kendal Beynon on how aesthetics are insturmentalised by capitalistic systems. Right: a correlation I draw on how alternative practices (magic) are instrumentalised by capitalistic systems.

For that, I will focus on GenAI as the main example of that seamless glamorisation; using a metaphor of GenAI as a stage magician.

2.1 AI is the new stage magic

A focus on GenAI as "the new magic" and why it is a problem: western history hints that magic is mostly tied to oppression (only men magicians wouldn't be chased and banished for it, but praised - see image), yet when GenAI is dressed up as a magical entity it seems to be looked upon as a good thing, while solely being magical in that we cannot quite grasp what it does and how it works. Leaving behind any reference to intention, intuition, emotion and most importantly oneself.

witch VS wizard: the term witch itself derives from a meaning that bears negativity, wickedness and evil. On the contrary, wizards "might" be evil but are mostly good and wise. In fact, the definition here proposed for witch does not give much matter to understand what a witch is, and doesn't even link to the wiki page of witchcraft... While the definition for wizard is more complete and example oriented.

3. Take the power back (2000)

This last part will focus on shifting the paradigm by highlighting practices. In response to web3, the web witnessed the rise of indie web, small web, CSS rituals, Do It With Others (DIWO), etc. as part of an island in the online activism archipelago. I'd like to investigate how those practices and tactics connect to those of magic when it comes to resistance. It is probably here that "online magic" will mostly be cited, with projects like Lucile Haute's Cyberwitches Manifesto. That part should also relate to body and physical acts.

CONCLUSION (1000)

The conclusion will sum up web practices that 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 by reconnecting to ourselves, our bodies.

---

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

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)

> Lucile Haute (email to send)

> 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]

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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...)))