The Vertical Plane

[Loose Leaf Tea]

Have any of you Paracasters ever read an intriguing poltergeist/time-slip themed book, The Vertical Plane by Ken Webster ?
I had a copy back in the early '90s, lent it out and never got it back. Grr!

From what I can remember, Mr Webster did some alterations to his very old cottage in Cheshire, England and unleashed poltergeist activity. Even stranger, messages started to appear on his home computer screen (1984 model); messages written in Olde English and claiming to be from a gentleman who had lived some 400 years earlier on the site of the cottage. Other messages appeared, as if through a weird inter-dimensional portal; these messages claiming to be from the future.
It was an incredible read, enjoyable regardless of its veracity, but nothing seemed to have come of it. No follow ups, no update from Mr Webster who didn't seem to profit financially from the strange events.

So, Mr Webster are you out there? Are the new owners of the cottage having problems? Anyone any insight into this?

[Poi]

Sounded interesting so I found this on it.

http://www.worlditc.org/c_07_senki_f_38.09.htm

[Loose Leaf Tea]

Thanks, Poi. That article certainly brings a lot of the weirdness back! I think I'll pick up another copy of the book, price permitting.

Have you read it?

[Poi]

No, but that link gave me a small fit of the creeps.

Looks like there was only distribution within the UK so shipping costs might be prohibitive as well as the price of the book. I'd certainly buy it if it were available in the U.S.

I also tried to find information on Webster since the time of his writing the book, but found nothing.

[Raevenskye]

"we remind you that you have been honored with this communication"...wow...the 2109 were a little haughty weren't they?
Interesting site, tho! I find the whole thing really fascinating. Has anyone here gotten messages from their computer? (besides the ones that say you've won a million dollars)

[Loose Leaf Tea]

No phantom messages have ever appeared on my computer screen but my laptop knows it's dealing with an idiot and it really is only a matter of time before it refuses to open the pod-bay door.

I'll keep an eye open for some cheap, secondhand copies of The Vertical Plane here in the UK. Cheapest so far: Amazon, £14...about $28(?)
I'll let you know if I manage to find any cheaper and I'd be more than happy to post copies over to the States if that helps keep postage costs down (Do bookstores add more to their P+P?)

...Now to track down the copy I lent - and never got back from - my brother!

[Poi]

That's really sweet of you. Thank you, but I can afford to buy the book and get one sent. I'm just feeling cheap these days!

But cockles of my heart are warmed by your generous self.

[David Biedny]

Loose Leaf,

Based on your post, I've ordered a copy via eBay, found one in Australia for $6 - and $13 shipping!

Thanks for the heads up, I'll let you know what I think after I've read it.

dB

[Loose Leaf Tea]

That's great, David. Of all people, your insight into the computer side of things regarding this affair will be most welcome.
(Weirdly this feels like payback after you recommended the Arigo book on air! I bought a copy and have been rushing about ever since telling people about that remarkable case. Funny how things work out!)

[Brian Now]

I'd be interested in this too. Amazon (US) doesn't carry it but they have it available through other sellers...but none less than $50 at the moment.

Yes, David, let us know what you think. I suppose it will be a while before it gets here from Australia though.