Whither Leads the Poem of Forking Paths
Robert Kendall
Review
Hyperpoem is actually part of hypertext. It incorporates the qualities of hypertext by having links and using multimedia. We, as readers, follow the linear flow of words down the page and will realise more often than not that there is multiple routes, which we can take. These routes lead in many different interpretive directions at once. Readers interpret at their own discretions. At this point, the author of this article has managed to construct an imagery of exciting adventures behind the links in the hyperpoem and hypertext. However, the author reminds us, the readers, gently that the author has the ultimate and intimate knowledge of the poem and text materials. Readers can only cobble together an individualized linear reading that encompasses some of them. In short, the author controls and shapes meaning of the readers, depending on what goals does the author has.
The above is an important point showing that authors are still very important in writing. The authors cannot disappear at all. The notions of authors being redundant with modern technology are quite shallow. Afterall, words will not appear by themselves, out of nowhere, on the screen. There must be an author somewhere. Readers cannot just get their interpretations out of the air or through staring at a blank piece of paper or screen.
Knowledge at the Crossroads Hypertext and Reading cognition Hypertext Literacy
