Metaphorical perspectives on hypertext

Author

Selber, Stuart A.

Author_Institution

Dept. of English, Clemson Univ., SC, USA

Volume

38

Issue

2

fYear

1995

fDate

6/1/1995 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

59

Lastpage

67

Abstract

This paper examines the dominant metaphors that define and describe three basic components of hypertext (texts, nodes, and links), arguing that they contribute in central ways to the current treatment of this technology in technical communication. It includes a brief overview of the way metaphors filter computer-based tasks and functions, a discussion of hypertext metaphors of identity and the realms from which they are commonly appropriated, and some corollary implications for students and teachers of technical communication. In general, this paper contends that hypertext design choices are both productively and unproductively shaped by social as well as technological forces

Keywords

hypermedia; computer-based tasks; dominant metaphors; hypertext; metaphorical perspectives; students; teachers; technical communication; Access protocols; Application software; Cultural differences; Documentation; Filters; Internet; Professional communication; Social implications of technology; Web sites; Writing;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Professional Communication, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0361-1434

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/47.387769

Filename

387769