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Foxfire

/ˈfɒks.faɪər/ Bioluminescent Fungus / Appalachian Tradition
Definition A dual metaphor in Myceloom. Biologically, it refers to the bioluminescence of decaying wood (fungal light). Culturally, it refers to the "Foxfire" project (est. 1966), where students documented the dying folkways of their Appalachian elders. It represents the urgent act of preserving living heritage before it is extinguished.

The Light of Decay

Just as foxfire fungi glow by consuming decay, digital archivists find "light" (knowledge) in the decomposition of old systems. Foxfire represents the beauty and utility found in obsolescence.

Oral History as Protocol

The Foxfire model teaches us that the best way to preserve a culture is to have the next generation interview the previous one. In a digital context, this means junior developers interviewing senior maintainers, not just reading their code. It bridges the gap between Tacit Knowledge and explicit documentation.