E-Lit Basics: How Do we Define Electronic Literature?

In its simplest form, Rettberg describes E-Lit as "... new forms and genres of writing that explore the specific capabilities of the computer and network – literature that would not be possible without the contemporary digital context" (Rettburg 2). Developing over the course of the last 4 decades, and emerging as a relatively recent part of our written history, electronic literature is largely viewed as one of the most prevalent mediums in which people consume literature. At its core, what differentiates electronic literature from written and oral traditions is the utilization of technology that allows it to be created and consumed. Despite the word “literature” in the title, digital literature does not solely refer to just pieces of writing produced electronically. The term can expand to a variety of subtopics within the digital spectrum, such as interactive storytelling, kinetic poetry, or collaborative pieces of writing. Thus, the medium of electronic literature is broad and not easily simplified by one genre or another; it encompasses the works of many different digital practices underneath the title. The more that one tries to fit a specific type of genre into the electronic literature category as the one-true genre, the more paradoxes are created that conflict with previous understandings and beliefs as to how the medium operates. Because digital literature is still relatively new, its defining characteristics are still growing, and Rettberg stresses in his readings that there is just as much to be gained from the failures of experimentation when exploring the medium as there is when success is cultivated.

 https://eliterature.org/ 

Throughout several sections of the first chapter, I noticed that Rettberg referenced several specific organizations that were created for and dedicated to the production, distribution and preservation of electronic media. I chose to examine the ELO (Electronic Literature Organization) and went to several areas of their website to understand what their mission was. Underneath the “Our Role” tab on the website, the ELO appears to be one of the leading organizations in the regulation of digital works. They pride themselves in “developing methods for evaluating the quality of “digital” creative and critical works and its insights into cataloging its growing body of “digital” fiction, poetry, and other literary forms.” The ELO is also partnered with different organizations and institutions, which work collaboratively to maintain the upkeep and investigative practices of seeking out relevant work, while also facilitating new ways to develop and rejuvenate digital practices.