Reading – The Computer, Hypertext and the History of Writing.

This reading really reminded me of a Communications History and Technologies reading, as it was about the history, logistics, economics and technology behind communication. I found it quire interesting as I’m a massive history buff so it was like gazing into the past of the writing and printing techniques, which we, in the 21st century, really take for granted.

The first page had some really great points about writing; it’s about preserving and passing on human experience, social organisation (as it provides a culture with fixed laws, history, literary tradition) and is the preserver and extender of other technologies.

The computer truly changed the notion of ‘machine’ as it produced information, not power. Bolter argues, “It’s hard to think of a marginal technology in the history of writing that the computer cannot imitate”, meaning that it provides electronic writing, which has borrowed and utilised all the best aspects of previous writing technologies. It’s awesome to think about this because people always think the computer just popped up as a new shiny toy; not an update of anything else, but really, it’s a combination of the successful elements of a number of different machines in different fields. The computer allowed for cleaner and clearer writing space. The push towards further mechanization thus pushed away from the need for human muscle and control over the printing process.

The ‘second nature’ point was interesting; like a musician playing their instrument or a surgeon using tools, a writer may become so familiar with their technology or equipment that they can do it without conscious or labored effort. That’s exactly what is happening right now, as I type this I’m staring at a dog through the window of the café I’m in, contemplating what soy milk they use here and whether or not it’s worth getting a gluten free banana bread, not even looking at the keyboard.  I’m truly a creature of my generation’s complex creations, as Bolton states on p37.

The history of writing sections were also interesting, but I feel like I conceptually engaged more with the above points, so decided to unpack them.

This was quite an interesting reading as I love history and love the concepts around communication.

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