Summary

The nature of electronic text...

What are ICT texts, what do they have in common and how can they be categorised?

This unit identifies some different types of new technology text and the different properties they share because of the electronic or digital words that make them up. By its material nature electronic text allows new ways of reading and writing information including electronic searches, links and records.

From this unit you will have identified certain repeating features of the new text types made possible by recent technological innovation: you might be developing your prototype model of a new technology text which has some of the following features:

1. Electronic storage and transmission of diverse information.
2. Includes electronic typed text and/or digitised information.
3. Allows instant communication across geographical space.
4. Can be linked to other electronic texts and processes.
5. Keeps a record of its'history'automatically.
6. Echoes previous genres and technologies.

ICT allows new ways of composition in which information can be copied and re-used seamlessly for new purposes and audiences ...and new technology texts undermine the traditional notions of fixity(*), permanent record and authority associated with the written word in the age of print.

Links

• The Xanadu Project The Main Xanadu Website
• Ted Nelson and Xanadu More Xanadu Information - Ted Nelson biography
• Transpublishing and Ted Nelson An alternative to copyright laws using ICT
• Cyborg Anthropology A list of articles discussing the future of ICT.
• The Ted Nelson Homepage

Errata: Michael Heim is inaccurately referenced in the book

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