Storytelling

If I could go back to just a few decades ago (a very modest jump in time), I would warn authors and readers about the eBook model. The codex is quite an ideal technology for its purpose. There is still a lost potential around eBooks, as they only mimic the codex form.

Although there are more experimental works arising, as Sam has brought up, they are far and few between. I would push authors and readers to explore new ways of storytelling that digital media makes possible.

I think, in general, I would tell people to start considering storytelling more broadly. As Stephanie mentioned, print books are safe. The rise of new technology has allowed various models of storytelling to arise from eBooks to virtual reality games. Recognizing all of these forms as art and figuring out how to live off of them without the exploitative model that has developed around licensing and digital content would benefit us greatly. I keep thinking back to MoMA’s acquisition of video games. How much did this contribute to the legitimization of video games as story-telling within non-gamers? Are we using technology to its full extent when it comes to storytelling?

 

Source: Screenshot of MoMA catalogue entry for Portal
Source: Screenshot of MoMA catalogue entry for Portal

Author: Jelena Stankovic

aspiring librarian.

4 thoughts on “Storytelling”

  1. Hey Jelena,

    I think its pretty interesting to consider just going back a decade ago. I wonder how development of the eBook would have changed if instead of trying to recreate the typical Book as a codex in eBook form those who developed the software thought more broadly right out of the gate. As someone with very little experience with technology and video games I can only imagine with no real theory to back it up. But I think it would make for a very cool/unique experience if the readers experience with the book had become interactive and had the virtual reality feel right from the start.

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