Questions & Responses on Chapter 3:
I was very confused by this chapter. I was not entirely clear as to what the author was trying to accomplish and it almost seemed as if he kept repeating the same set of ideas over and over again, such as the idea of the blank space of a word processor. Not until the end of the chapter did I even understand the connection that the author was attempting to make relevant, of which was to prove that hypertext is the remediation of traditional print text rather than the end all/be all of print. A few of the ideas that I did pick up on, however, I either did not agree with at all or at least found some measure of understanding with. One such idea was the thought that hypertext undermines the essence of print by discombobulating the content into an entirely different presentation altogether. Another idea that did not sit well with me was the thought that the World Wide Web inhibits one's imagination/freedom of choice via the network of links made available online. I did, however, agree with the thought that hypertext is more akin to the human thought process in terms of the ways pages are networked and content is presented categorically. Aside from a few interesting ideas, I really did not care for the way that this chapter presented its argument.—Doug
In Ch.3, I believe hypertext is a useful tool, but it can easily lead to confusion if the user goes from link to link without end. Before the user knows it, he or she can lose themselves -- going astray off the main path of their intended destination -- lost in a wilderness of multiple paths -- taking them further and further off course. It can lead to information overload.—Farad
“Hypertext and the Remediation of print” outlined the importance of hypertext and how it is used effectively. The web utilized hypertext as a very powerful tool, and it is hard to grasp. Inputting text into an infinite spatial environment is not something everyone can quite understand. I think that links are a very important part of websites, and although pictures are being used as links more frequently, hypertext will still be the default, unified way of linking 2 or more things together on the Internet. Hypertext was and is important to web developers. It paved the way for greater sites, and that is what we are all trying to achieve in the end, a better, cleaner, more informative website.—Jim
I really enjoyed the part in the reading where he described peoples' perception of moving through hyperspace. It's true that people consider themselves visiting different pages that are floating around in space when actually the pages are coming to you! It sounds so silly, because of course they are coming to you but I am guilty of the latter. I sometimes feel as if I am moving through space on the computer. It's really interesting that hypertext can portray that type of illusion. —Jae
in chapter 3, i believe its true when he says that people leave whats on their minds in electronic files rather than their own handwriting.. i think were losing the personal feeling of certain writings that have deep meaning because of electronic writing. however, i agree with bolter in saying that electronic writing is a great sorce of creating well-formated and neat outlines and documents —Justin
xxxxx —Katy
In chapter 3 we learned that electronic hypertext is just the next step after a word processor or printing press. It is just another way to improve technology. Remediation means the act of remedying, which basically means to fix or improve. I think that people are so caught up in improving technology, it always has to get better. Our society has become so lazy. Everything is made so simple for us so we don't actually have to use our brains.—Krista
In chapter 3 we are discussing the remediation of print, and how we use the computer as hypertext to write with symbols that have both intrinsic and extrinsic significance. This says to me that an and sign such as &, gives the symbol and without us having to physically write out a n d. Also about entering letter by letter that turn into sentences and paragraphs, a writer can delete an entire paragraph with a single hit of a button. In doing so a writer has already shifted their mindset to another thought that they are wanting to type up. Printing has come full circle with using the computer and has been transformed into a new process all together. —Laura
My question for chapter three is why do web pages use the same layout as magazines. I think there should be a new set of rules for web pages. With magazine you can still whole them and web pages you can not. Also we have different uses for text online then text in a book. We read real books sometimes for pleasure. I think we use the Internet more for research and such. I know i would rather hop on the Internet then read a book. I feel that the Internet has a overabundance of info that at times we can not handle we the books have somewhat controlled the info a little better. —Lorin
xxxxx —Matt
Graphics are definitely becoming a thing of today. It's insane how many people are visual learners as opposed to textual learners. I know I can barely read a text and actually understand what I read unless there is some sort of graphic or visual to explain. After all, children are read "picture books" when they are younger so they are brought up to use visuals to figure things out. Graphics have become a huge part of the web. Graphics are a way of universally connecting with people all over the world. After all, a graphic is like math: it means the same thing no matter what country you're in!—Nicole
Can electronic hypertext survive with out print text? I think that hypertext depends on print to give it guidelines and show how print should be written correctly. The hypertext appeals to people but print can be easier to access and easier to read. Print seems to be the basis and backbone for hypertext. —Rachael
xxxxx —Rob
Chapter 3 was interesting because it talks about how hypertext has made it possible for web designers/users to creatively input textual information in an unlimited spatial environment. Hypertext along with programming has paved the way into a "new" technology, while remediating older versions of print. The capabilities provided by hypertext are astounding. Being able to organize topics through formatting in outline form and making "forced" associations of various topics was a main point of interest. Linking multiple websites to one page in providing closer unity/association among the pages has also been a positive step. Overall, hypertext spurs a different perception on writing, rather than producing words/text, it is more concerned with forming links, associations, multiplicity over linear formatting and order. Very interesting to think about the differences between the printed text and the web, and how it creates different ways of thinking in writing, as well as receiving messages as an audience from both forms.—Sarah J.
“Hypertext in all its electronic forms—the World Wide Web as well as the many stand-alone systems—is the remediation of print. Writers and designers promote hypertext as a means of improving on the older medium, or more precisely on the genres associated with the medium of print, such as the novel, the technical report, an the humanistic essay.” (page 42)
When I think about our upcoming projects in light of this quotation, I have to say that I agree. Dr. Braniger explained to us that the casebook is going to be a resource for anyone studying the novel to use. She gave us an overview of the theories being discussed within the class’ projects and she brought three casebooks for us to consider when trying to define how the organization and structure will be. However, we are all, I think, assuming that this webpage is going to be far superior to the average casebook because it is taking information that normally exists within the bounds of a book and giving readers instant access to more and more information. For example, instead of listing sources for readers to visit or books to read, we will actually be supplying them with internet links, which is instant gratification. Of course hypertext is the remediation of print because it provides far more options and far more convenience. The chapter also talks about the economic ramifications of the remediation of print, which is very interesting. For writers, it is essential to understand and take full advantage of this concept because it is much more difficult to make money from websites—which are often viewed as superior to books—than it is to make money from the books themselves. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future in order that this dilemma doesn’t make successful writers a career of the past.—Sarah S.
I thought it was interesting in comparing what we value now to what was valued in the past that our ancestors greatly valued the skills of craftsmen and considered physical technology, like writing, to be simple. I found the comparison between soft and hard structures interesting. Hard structures in writing would be the pencil and paper; while soft structures would be paragraphs, outlines, etc.—Stephanie
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