It was published in May 2005,[1][2] concurrently released on the Internet under a Creative Commons license, free for download in several formats including ASCII and PDF.

The novel opens with Alan's purchase of a home in the Kensington Market neighborhood of modern-day Toronto.

Kurt uses computer components that he retrieves from the trash and turns them into Wi-Fi network access points.

Kurt's plan doesn't really get off the ground until he forms a partnership with Alan, who puts a more professional face on the operation and sweet-talks many local owners into allowing the access points to use their space and a small amount of their electricity.

Krishna amputates Mimi's wings every three months; she stays with him because she believes he's the only one willing and able to make her "normal."

Alan's neighbors' first names also follow an alphabetic sequence: Krishna, Link, Mimi, and Natalie.