Over the last few weeks, hypertext and the physical limitations of a book have developed across all blogs. From oppositional opinions, afflictions and new founded knowledge, the questions presented in the symposiums have fuelled discussions; driving individuals to question and even argue opinions surrounding technology.

While hypertext can be presented as a privileged form of reading as discussed by George, his concepts of reading is extremely personified, that being hypertext is wholesomely controlled by the individual reader. It could be contrasted, however, writers or produsers must still upload content and create links, especially as hypertext linkage and information is only limitless in theory (at this point in time). While it can be personalised by the user, it is still only within the limitations of networks other individuals have created. It’s a little like Pokémon; while you can choose what Pokémon you catch, there’s a limited amount of routes or battles created by the developers to guide your journey.

Discussing our existence within hypertext and the tools of writing seemingly changing under our fingers, Bec raises a few points surrounding last week’s symposium. While the tools of writing coexist with technology, it is the way of constantly approaching it from different angles that drives her blog post, breaking down non-linear structures and questioning why or how. While the concepts are very much future tense, could we ask ourselves, aren’t we already living in a world of non-linear information? I can go to my archives, flick through visited pages from weeks ago, delete my search history and create hyperlinks to historical material. This is all non-linear.

Stepping away from hypertext, Niamh makes a strong point about technological determinist views and values. By separating technology from society, we do not consider the role of the prosumer and the economic demand of technology amongst the commercial market. While technological determinism seeks to unpack historical advances in technology away from cultural influences, the mono-causal relationship becomes a typified subject. But the question is, can technology be both an autonomous force and a reflection of economic demands?