Why?
The key to success in hypertext reading is to make notes as you read.
A thorough set of reading logs turns into your lifeline. You accumulate
plenty of questions for class discussions, and flocks of ideas (and
perhaps even paragraphs) for each hypertext essay you write. The more
careful and extensive your logs, the easier the assignments will be.
When?
I've assigned specific logs in the syllabus, and I plan to look at
them every week. But RELAX! You can keep the logs any way you like
(pen, pencil, cursor) and I'm not going to be checking on spelling,
grammar or syntax. I want to see your ideas & your responses to
the readings and the medium, as they occur to you. You may be puzzled.
Tell me why. A text block may remind you of something else you have
read. Tell me what and why. Reading at the screen may give you a headache.
Let me know.
How?
Always note down the title of each text block you read. Try to summarize
what happens in each text block, and write down any words or images
that excite (or puzzle!) you. Think about who is speaking or narrating
in each text block, and think too about the physical shape of the
writing. Why is one particular text block 20 lines long, and another
only four or five lines?
But as this is a new medium, it's also important to note down your
responses to reading hypertext. What fires your imagination? What
puzzles you or feels difficult? Each time you sit down to read, note
down what you feel. Anticipation? Fear? Reluctance? And try to write
a sentence or two after you have finished a reading session. What
do you think you have learned? How does this style of reading compare
with reading a conventional book, or a magazine?
What Next?
You'll be asked to use your logs as the raw material for more reflective
journal entries.
