Chapter 6 Network Writing

Chapter 6 discusses network writing. Rettberg describes it as "electronic literature created for and published on the Internet. It may require readers to visit multiple sites" (Rettberg 152). This style of electronic literature is fairly common, and can be seen on the Internet, where material is composed for the purpose of online accessibility. Many digital websites today are composed of this style of writing, with links connecting to various other sites. In fact, it could be said that hypertext and combinatory poetics fall under this spectrum, as they both involve links and connections to new pages.

Network writing is unique because it is a collaborative effort. It brings together various contributors since the Internet is an ever-expanding platform where multiple individuals can add content. Social media is another example, since it is a wide realm of interactive material that can be generated by just about anyone. While this aspect comes easier access to information and content. However, there are also disadvantages that are evident, such as the slow decline of critical thinking and reading skills. It is interesting though to see what can be produced by contributors in an world where the internet is accessible to anyone.

Examining “Occupy MLA,” a sample of network writing can be explored. Written in a series of digital Excel entries, various texts develop a story where English student activists (at least, so it appears) post comments in an online forum. Two of them go on to post about the repercussions of their digital entries, as they experience the effects in their personal lives. Occupy MLA was a humorous and creative way to tell a story and was written in an entry-style document. While it was confusing to follow in many ways, it was an interesting way to engage in storytelling.

 

Comments

  1. Abby T.April 3, 2023 at 3:13 AM

    "Occupy MLA" does sound interesting! I wonder if the actual MLA ever reacted to it, and how that might have went... I think Professor White mentioned something about it in class, but I can't quite remember

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