"At one point I intended to write precursor and sequel novels, about the establishment of the Web and its next evolution, but I am very unlikely to now; they would take place in a different universe"

John M. Ford is revealing his regret that he will not be able to write the novels he had actually initially intended. He had planned to compose 2 books, a precursor and a sequel, about the establishment of the Web and its next evolution. However, he now believes that it is very not likely that he will have the ability to do so. This is since the books would take place in a different universe, one that is not the like the one he is presently living in. He is disappointed that he will not be able to explore this alternate universe through his writing.