novelty

Electronic literature is a term that encompasses creative texts produced for printed media which are consumed in electronic format, as well as text produced for electronic media that could not be printed without losing essential qualities. In this paper we propose that works of electronic literature, understood as text (with possible inclusion of multimedia elements) designed to be consumed in bi or multi-directional electronic media, are evolving to become n-tier information systems. By "n-tier information system" we understand a configuration of components clearly separated in at least three independent layers: data (the textual content), process (computational interactions) and presentation (on-screen rendering of the narrative). In this paper, we build two basic arguments. On the one hand, we propose that the conception of electronic literature as an information system exploits the essence of electronic media, and we predict that this paradigm will become dominant in this field within the next few years. On the other hand, we propose that building information systems may also lead in a shift of emphasis from one-time artistic novelties to reusable systems. Finally, we show that this type of systems is impossible to archive with current approaches in the field, and offer a solution for the preservation of this type of works.

(Source: ELO 2008 site)

Some of the issues and challenges creatives face when working with computer technologies is that these technologies are developing at an increasingly rapid rate; they are increasingly ubiquitous and malleable in the public eye and hand; and expectations of contemporary western audiences includes exploitation of their own fascination with the new/the edge of technology. It is the new which garners our attention and captivates our historical memory. This is particularly true in the art world. How does today's cultural producer reconcile or mediate between the push to exploit the celebrity technology of the moment, and thus gain recognition in some aspect of the broader culture; with the integrity of their practice and the inherent desire (assumed) to be engaged in the communication of meaning, i.e. meaningful practice? Wylde discusses her work as a new media artist and considers the phenomena of technological seduction as a force to grapple with (or not).

Electronic literature is a term that encompasses artistic texts produced for printed media which are consumed in electronic format, as well as text produced for electronic media that could not be printed without losing essential qualities. Some have argued that the essence of electronic literature is the use of multimedia, fragmentation, and/or non-linearity. Others focus on the role of computation and complex processing. "Cybertext" does not sufficiently describe these systems. In this paper we propose that works of electronic literature, understood as text (with possible inclusion of multimedia elements) designed to be consumed in bi- or multi-directional electronic media, are best understood as 3-tier (or n-tier) information systems. These tiers include data (the textual content), process (computational interactions) and presentation (on-screen rendering of the narrative). The interaction between these layers produces what is known as the work of electronic literature. This paradigm for electronic literature moves beyond the initial approaches which either treated electronic literature as computerized versions of print literature or focused solely on one aspect of the system. In this paper, we build two basic arguments. On the one hand, we propose that the conception of electronic literature as an information system gets at the essence of electronic media, and we predict that this paradigm will become dominant in this field within the next few years. On the other hand, we propose that building information systems may also lead in a shift of emphasis from one-time artistic novelties to reusable systems. Demonstrating this approach, we read works from the Electronic Literature Collection Volume 1 (Jason Nelson and Emily Short) as well as newer works by Mez and the team gathered by Kate Pullinger and Chris Joseph. Glancing toward the future, we discuss the n-tier analysis of the Global Poetic System and the La Flood Project.

(Source: Authors' abstract at Hyperrhiz)

ELO Conference Abstract:

AbstractThis panel brings together scholars from the Colombia, the United States, and Europe to examine electronic literature not as computer-enhanced text but as information systems. As developed in the four papers, this "systematic" approach would push criticism toward an understanding of these textual objects that might facilitate more multi-level readings of developing systems, moving away from a capitalist-driven aesthetic which champions the novel above all. The objects of study range from works in the Electronic Literature Collection volume 1 to a recently funded locative media elit piece being developed for Barcelona.