Continuous Paper: Print Interfaces and Early Computer Writing

Critical Writing
Author: 
Language: 
Year: 
2004
License: 
All Rights reserved
Record Status: 
Tags: 
Abstract (in English): 

Paper written for ISEA 2004 in Helsinki, on August 20, 2004 (Scott Rettberg presented). The investigation into early computer writing starts with the observation that "early interaction with computers happened largely on paper: on paper tape, on punchcards, and on print terminals and teletypewriters, with their scroll-like supplies of continuous paper for printing output and input both." Montfort traces back history and challenges the "screen essentialist" assumption about computing.

Pull Quotes: 

By looking back to early new media and examining the role of paper — the pun is difficult to avoid here — we can begin to see how history contradicts the "screen essentialist" assumption about computing.

Works referenced:

The permanent URL of this page: 
Record posted by: 
Patricia Tomaszek