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The events and characters in the novel are fictional. However, the events are representative of the sorts of activities that have taken place in the community, while the tremendous variety of viewpoints expressed by the characters are drawn from reality.
One difficulty in writing a novel about a large and varied group of people is that the novelist generally only has the opportunity to show one or two examples of each "type." Because of this, it is important for me to stress that none of my depictions of the characters who represent particular groups are intended to suggest that all members of the group share the views expressed by my characters. In some cases, other members of the group may be strongly opposed to the views expressed.
Although it should not be necessary to preface a work of fiction by saying this, I would like to emphasize that the opinions expressed by the characters are their own and are not necessarily shared by me.
The novel's scattered legal references do not correspond to the laws in any particular jurisdiction but are intended to give a general sense of the current legal situation in many parts of the United States.
Careful readers will observe that this story is set in the time period immediately before the present wave of communication devices – such as cell phones and PDAs – became widespread. Likewise, the community's customs are drawn from that era.
Twenty Thousand Gold Stars is the result of three years of research
and over three thousand hours' worth of conversations at these boards.
During the time I studied this community as a journalist, I asked a number
of hard, soul-searching questions; I also asked a number of ignorant questions.
My questions were almost invariably responded to with patience and courtesy.
I would like to thank the many people – members of the community, sympathetic
visitors, and visitors who oppose the community – who have shared their
stories with me over the years; at times this sharing was a painful experience
for them. I am very much in their debt.
Ged stood still a while, like one who has received great news, and must enlarge his spirit to receive it. It was a great gift that Vetch had given him, the knowledge of his true name.First ChapterNo one knows a man's true name but himself and his namer. He may choose at length to tell it to his brother, or his wife, or his friend, yet even those few will never use it where any third person may hear it. In front of other people they will, like other people, call him by his use-name, his nickname – such a name as Sparrowhawk, and Vetch, and Ogion which means "fir-cone". If plain men hide their true name from all but a few they love and trust utterly, so much more must wizardly men, being more dangerous, and more endangered.
—Ursula K. Le Guin: A Wizard of Earthsea
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