Topic 3: Is Hypertext Hype?

Instructions

Your task is to write a short critical paper on one of the following three topics. You may, if you wish, write your paper on some other aspect of hypermedia or web architecture, but you must agree this topic with Nick Gibbins by Tue 19 November 2019

Topic 1: Rich Hypermedia in the Age of the Web

The reaction of the hypertext community to the nascent Web of the early 1990s was mixed; although the Web swiftly outgrew its contemporaries, many in the community felt that the Web’s embedded links represented a backwards step when compared to the more sophisticated first-class links used by other systems. Critically compare the hypertext model of the Web with that of its contemporaries and discuss the effects that recent developments in Web technologies may have on the development of richer models of hypertext on the Web.

Topic 2: The Resistible Rise of Hypertext Fiction

Non-linear narratives existed before the term “hypertext” was coined in 1963, but the advent of digital technologies has changed the way in which these narratives are both produced and consumed. In the late 1980s, it was assumed that non-linear fiction would grow to become commonplace. However, despite the advent of affordable and capable e-book platforms, hypertext narratives have remained a niche activity. Briefly summarise the development of hypertext fiction as a literary form and analyse the reasons why it failed to take off as predicted, before considering whether recent technological developments now make hypertext fiction a more realistic proposition.

Topic 3: Is Hypertext Hype?

In his 1987 paper The Hype in Hypertext: A Critique, Jef Raskin identifies a number of areas where the rhetoric about hypertext did not measure up to the reality. Considering the contemporary state of the art in 1987, were these criticisms justified? Are they still relevant to the Web of 2019?

Relevant Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the history of hypertext, its relationship with the Web, and current research issues.

2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the technical architecture of the World Wide Web.

3. Critically evaluate Web information practices.