What follows — the start of a novel called “The Edge Case” — is derivative, obvious, unfunny and still painfully unfinished. That last bit is its only saving grace.

But it’s the first long-form piece of fiction I’ve ever managed to drag even half way out of the womb, so actually doing something with it — aside from feeling embarrassed — seems appropriate. Thus, the Internet. Always the Internet.

My goal with this story is to finish it. Also, I’ve tried to add a plot and a few amusing or interesting ideas. No attempt has been made at character development, theme or moral, because that kind of work is dangerous and should be left to the people who are professionally trained for it.

The book is serialized, a couple of thousand words a week. The latest bit was published on October 4, 2004. Comments to greg@eod.com are welcome.

“The Edge Case” largely owes its existence — such as it is — to two people: Warren Ellis and Cory Doctorow.

I was inspired to start by Ellis’ wonderful and maddeningly unfinished “Listener.” I was inspired to continue by Doctorow’s palpable and contagious passion for both the Internet and science fiction.

And I owe a special thanks to Michael Genrich, who has offered enough encouraging comments to keep despair out of embracing distance so far.

Now you know who to blame.