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At the beginning of the book, there was a list of 10 Terms of Service. This did set the tone for me to see how they played out in the book. However, I noticed that there were other Terms of Service in the book that weren't listed. For instance, Kim was tempted to dump her destroyed Tofu into the bin but refrained from that because it was a violation of The Food Company's Terms of Service. Do you think it was okay that there were Terms of Service that were not listed earlier in the book? Should the author have created another list for those Terms of Service? If you were the author, how best would you have presented it?

I think it made sense that there are Terms of Service in the book that aren't listed at the beginning. I found it fitting as part of the title is 'Subject to change without Notice'. I think Craig Standfill used this very cleverly.

The Terms of Service were very variable so I find it acceptable. Specially the "no food in the trash" since it seemed to not apply to everyone (varied according to social status).

I think listing the terms in the beginning was a good introduction for the reader into the dystopian society. However, the changed or added terms were vital to the premise of the Companies. The whole point is that they can change on a whim and there’s nothing anyone can do to avoid the rules. No matter how silly the rules may be.

I didn't even think about that. I think due to the terms and rules changing all the time, it actually made sense that there will be rules and terms not stated in the beginning.

I saw the first list as an introduction to the way society was controlled. It struck me that none of the terms were very specific, which adds to the sense of oppressive control. As I continued through the book, I took it in my stride that those were the general terms applicable to all companies, but that the companies also had their own terms specific to the product or service supplied, which made sense: food is different to clothing is different to transport etc.

I think that these were just more rules to keep the humans “in line.” These Terms of Service may not have been specifically written down, but were clearly understood by the users.

Tara D Morgan wrote: ↑09 Dec 2022, 13:59 I think it made sense that there are Terms of Service in the book that aren't listed at the beginning. I found it fitting as part of the title is 'Subject to change without Notice'. I think Craig Standfill used this very cleverly.

This was my thought exactly. I think the whole idea is that the terms will change throughout the book. If it had stayed the same the whole time, then it would have taken away from the plot.

This is an interesting topic. Like others, I attributed it to the changing nature of the rules. Each company seemed to have its own set of terms, which could get complicated. One way the author could've incorporated this would be to insert a complete list of updated terms each time something changed. That might get a little daunting to read, though. I think the author’s approach of presenting updates in how Kim received them illustrated how the system is rigged and purposefully confusing.

Good point! Reminds me of the terms and service that we all agree to without ever reading the fine print. Maybe the characters in the story had something similar where they weren't even completely aware of all the terms that they were held to.

I think the list at the beginning of the book was a general tone-setter for the book to build context but should not be considered as exhaustive. In my opinion, many more terms of service were included in the story though they were not included in the initial list.

I do think it was okay that ALL the Terms and Services throughout the book were not listed. Part 1 presented a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a potential way of life, and understanding the insights was already complex enough without having to remember more than ten Terms and Services.

Additionally, in Part 1, the book introduces the concept that all rules are subject to change without notice. This keeps people on their toes, constantly having to watch out for updates and be on their best behavior. The same applies to the reader, who will be kept guessing along with the characters, hopefully enhancing their reading experience and connection with the altruistic society. I wouldn't change a thing when it comes to the initial 10 Terms and Services

There isn’t much difference regarding what’s listed or not listed. However, I would point out that creating another list wouldn’t be necessary. The fact that some Terms of Service were not referenced earlier on doesn't affect their significance and contribution as far as everything is concerned.

I would say creating another list isn't necessary. Those unlisted terms of services makes much more sense seeing them within the story than they would if listed. And also being unlisted doesn't make their part any less in Kim's world.

As I went reading, I forgot the terms of service written by the author on the first pages. I was indulged by the story. I think the second list/additional list of terms of service is unnecessary because it even doesn't hinder my enjoyment of reading, just from my point of view.