What happens to a story when you take it from its source, make it permanent in print and disseminate it to a wide audience?
– As mentioned in the brief, the oral story, passed from one to another was changing on its way as each and every story teller was adding or subtracting elements, sometimes so crucial that the whole plot undertook a different story line, therefore changing the outcome. Also, the story audience was small as the storyteller allowed to be with the time and place of the story been told being specific.
With printing press been invented, the story teller is not a person anymore: they are an item. A portable book was introduced that revolutionized the whole concept of storytelling, time, place and above all, context. It was the time of a new era. It was the era of the power of the Press.
-Write a list of implications arising from the printing press. For example, think about who has got control authority over the text, the meaning of the text, and the relationship between the source of the text and its recipient.
-The publisher is the main person now.
– Is the one who has the last word regarding the text.
-its context,
-the audience: A publisher can limit the amount of people having access to the story. Is acting like the middle person and sometimes can play the role of the oral storyteller who was selective with the audience as well was changing the context accordingly.
Research Point: Hazel Smith’s essay, ‘Creative Writing and New Media’ in The Cambridge Companion to Creative Writing (p.102-17).
NOTES
Digital Revolution
- Any individual can publish anything online – could be argued that diversity of content RESULT ==> reduction of content quality but also, a plethora of choices.
- Umbrella publishers such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter must have a duty of care to censor content. But does this has an impact on democracy and freedom of speech? who’s the one who can judge this? Different people with different backgrounds-different religions will have different expectations and acceptances. How is it possible to find a mainstream?
- Online publishing and research – everything is so easily accessible and available at the touch of a button – as opposed to ‘serious’ journals found in libraries (although these are also available online)! Online = convenience. Social media or network communication can encourage a sense of community.
- Digital media – surely only difference is manner in which content is displayed? Fundamental basics of story-telling remain the same – reader wants to be told ‘the truth’.
- Increased stress levels. Fake News. The biggest downside of it. Rise in person suicides especially the juveniles, who hasn’t formed a character yet – often blamed on social media who create unrealistic expectations to lead a glamorous life, look good, be successful, be popular etc.
- ‘Interactive’ story-telling through digital communication ironically encourages diminished social interactions. It is easier now to become a part of a cult, a movement, a team.
Alexander's blog 