The Text Remains The Same
Currently reading Scott Berkun’s recent O’Reilly release entitled The Myths of Innovation- a work examining the complex, unpredicatable landscape of human creative output. Berkun’s content is engaging (the case for most O’Reilly titles). The most interesting aspect, however, is not the text itself, but the ability for his printed text to generate a liquid conversation across several mediums. Liquid content typically refers to digital literature complete with hyperlinks, commentary, and the deeper understanding. But the stationary, uni-dimensional limitations of the printed word generated similar momentum. Interesting…this discovery may defy the Law of Conservation :)
So why is such a simple revelation important? The ability of books to spark brain activity is no profound secret. Yet, textual models intended to replicate and enhance the effect between reading and brain activity still receive criticism. For example, wikibooks or editable blog platforms such as CommentPress receive criticism from guardians of dominant culture for their ”disruptive” qualities. But “disruptive” qualities are inherent to all information, whether printed, digital, audio, or invisible. Interacting with a paper version of Berkun’s text still prompted ideas, searches, comments on blogs, etc. If a digitized, opensource version was available, this could have been a centralized process.
The methodology for content creation is indeed transforming, but the purpose and consequences of information remain intact. Literature is still meant to provoke, energize, inspire, aggravate regardless of the number and credentials of those involved. Simultaneously reading Berkun’s thoughts on the philosophy of Innovation and researching developments in media delivery created a bizarre circumstance…Almost like watching my brain develop ideas.
Filed under: Infonalysis