Jamie McRoberts. (2015). Negotiating Conflict: A Discussion of Interactive Documentary as Constructive Storytelling in Societies Emerging from Conflict [EBL Reader Version] Retrieved from http://www.ojs.meccsa.org.uk/index.php/netknow/article/view/414/241
The article explores the four modes of interactivity and constructive storytelling based on Gaudenzi and Senehi concepts. McRoberts discusses the difference and common traits in interactivity and constructive storytelling. Gaudenzi four modes of interactivity are hypertext, participatory, experiential and conversational mode. Each mode will be used to discuss the key points in constructive storytelling. McRoberts then argues that interactive documentary has its benefits by deriving content from conflicts however, there are limitations based on how far technology is able to create a constructive storytelling.
McRoberts provide useful examples to compare the content from constructive storytelling and interactive documentary. The interactive documentary allows more voices to be heard and a balance of power for each voice, unlike constructive storytelling where one character will be prioritized over the other. However, the interactive documentary could be based on constructive storytelling but interactive documentary is able to hold more narratives. Further research is needed to find out if interactive documentary conforms to constructive storytelling. In addition, McRoberts hopes that future interactive documentary should use well-advanced technology so that narratives will be able to reflect the real conflict that is happening.
The article is useful, especially when creating the media object. The mode of interactivity discuss by McRoberts are more effective than constructive storytelling. We could use the four modes by Gaudenzi to create an effective media object that will revolve around a particular issue.
