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1. The Genealogy of a Creative Community: Why is Afternoon the "Grandaddy" of Hypertext Fiction?

   Michael Joyce’s hypertext fiction afternoon, a story was first publicly presented in 1987, and is generally known as the “granddaddy” of electronic literature (Coover, 1992). It has been anthologised by Norton, is substantially analysed and discussed in dozens of academic treatises and is taught or at least mentioned in almost every course taught on electronic literature. But afternoon is not the first work of electronic literature. Why did this particular work become the progenitor of a community of writers, a common reference point for scholars and students for the next 25 years? There were alternative possibilities. (The case has already been made that interactive fiction is equally a form of electronic literature - but IF is a distinct genre with a distinct community.) Why didn’t bp Nichols’ work “First Screening: Computer Poems” (1984) start a movement? Why are there no cricital discussions of Judy Malloy’s database narrative “Uncle Roger”, published on the WELL in 1986/97? This brief paper will question the role of the mythical progenitor in the creation of a creative communtiy. Why do we tend to imagine a father or “granddaddy” of a field?

   Eric Dean Rasmussen - 08.09.2011 - 16:48

2. Hypertextual Rhythms (The Momentary Advantage of Our Awkwardness)

   Michael Joyce's paper, "Hypertextual Rhythms (The Momentary Advantage of Our Awkwardness)," addresses the historical moment of recent hypertext fiction. He will suggest that the common perception of hypertext as an awkward and opaque mode of discourse may actually make it easier to grasp its historical significance. Before the novelty of the electronic medium fades, and electronic text assumes the transparency that printed text now has, we may better understand it as a distinct representational form.

   Joyce presented this paper as part of a special session, "Hypertext, Hypermedia: Defining a Fictional Form," at the 1992 MLA Convention. The panel was chaired by Terence Harpold. Other panelists included pioneering hypertext authors: Carolyn Guyer, Judy Malloy, and Stuart Moultrhop.

   (Source: Humanist Archives Vol. 6 : 6.0338 Hypertext at MLA)

   Eric Dean Rasmussen - 01.01.2012 - 13:30