Woe Once More
Unit: Publishing Practice 212 - Writing for Computers
Thoughts on reading chapter 4 of C-2-C.
Readings
Cope, B & D Mason. “Emerging Business Models” C-2-C, Creator to Consumer. Common Ground Publishing. Victoria, 2001. 101 - 117
Thoughts on reading chapter 4 of C-2-C.
The more I read of this book, the more I find myself hating it.
Firstly, how presumptious is this? The authors' clearly believe that the C-2-C models they are proposing are the Gods' gift to this world. I wouldn't be surprised if they thought they could end world poverty through e-publishing. (Good luck to them on that front) During the hypotheticals in chapter 4, e-publishing was touted as a means to an end of East Timor's internal troubles. Certainly, the communication and language dispute is an important one, as language does indeed make the culture that uses it, and the introduction of computer systems that can breach the language barrier would go towards helping the issue. But, as far as I was aware, this was not the only problem being experienced by East Timor. How on earth does e-publishing help to resolve the political issues of a country in a situation such as East Timor? I think the authors really need to step back and realise that online printing is not really the most important thing in this case, because they are hailing their idea as one that will miraculously change East Timor into a completely harmonious, completely technologically functioning country (without meaning to offend or sound quite so presumptious myself, I simply cannot think of a better way to word that right now)
As a writer, I was quite alarmed by the idea that "authors and their readers are delighted to have an opportunity to interact around the creation process." Excuse me? You mean to say, readers directly influencing the creation of a book? No, I don't like that line, and the cover needs to have more blue in it, that kind of thing? ... what? It's like the current hype of J.K. Rowling recieving fan mail begging her not to kill off her main character. It's her baby and she can and will do what the hell she wants with it. I am not a fan of her work (it could even be said, I am in fact anti-Potter, although such things have calmed considerably...) however, I still find it ridiculous that readers think they should have influence over what she writes. I'm sorry, but by the time they find out whether or not the characters in question are dead or not, they will have bought the book already and she will have achieved what she wanted. Too bad. What is the point of being an author if you don't want to be the writer? And I have spoken to several writers who share my view. If readers don't like your version of events, well, that's what fanfiction is for. Again, this points to the complete disintegration of the art that is writing. And it is an art. It takes time and love and care, not just some fancy electronics and some overzealous fans. Honestly.
Now, what about the technological problems? I study at what is named the University of Technology. You can ask any student here about that title and they will most likely shake their head at the sheer irony. The University of Technology can't even get their stuff working properly. Don't even get me started on the uselessness of the online tutorial enrolment process. How on earth is an international digital publishing scheme going to stand? I shudder to think. And what about the idea that museums will no longer have inventory? What happens to archivists? And onwards goes that argument. Humans and their skills (often loves and passions) are being replaced by cold technology. In the post-modern world, where you are defined through the occupation you possess, technology spells complete destruction of the existence of human life, for right now the very point of life is to work. We are simply undermining ourselves. This is an old and very worked argument, I know. However, I and others believe that it is still a valid one.
Firstly, how presumptious is this? The authors' clearly believe that the C-2-C models they are proposing are the Gods' gift to this world. I wouldn't be surprised if they thought they could end world poverty through e-publishing. (Good luck to them on that front) During the hypotheticals in chapter 4, e-publishing was touted as a means to an end of East Timor's internal troubles. Certainly, the communication and language dispute is an important one, as language does indeed make the culture that uses it, and the introduction of computer systems that can breach the language barrier would go towards helping the issue. But, as far as I was aware, this was not the only problem being experienced by East Timor. How on earth does e-publishing help to resolve the political issues of a country in a situation such as East Timor? I think the authors really need to step back and realise that online printing is not really the most important thing in this case, because they are hailing their idea as one that will miraculously change East Timor into a completely harmonious, completely technologically functioning country (without meaning to offend or sound quite so presumptious myself, I simply cannot think of a better way to word that right now)
As a writer, I was quite alarmed by the idea that "authors and their readers are delighted to have an opportunity to interact around the creation process." Excuse me? You mean to say, readers directly influencing the creation of a book? No, I don't like that line, and the cover needs to have more blue in it, that kind of thing? ... what? It's like the current hype of J.K. Rowling recieving fan mail begging her not to kill off her main character. It's her baby and she can and will do what the hell she wants with it. I am not a fan of her work (it could even be said, I am in fact anti-Potter, although such things have calmed considerably...) however, I still find it ridiculous that readers think they should have influence over what she writes. I'm sorry, but by the time they find out whether or not the characters in question are dead or not, they will have bought the book already and she will have achieved what she wanted. Too bad. What is the point of being an author if you don't want to be the writer? And I have spoken to several writers who share my view. If readers don't like your version of events, well, that's what fanfiction is for. Again, this points to the complete disintegration of the art that is writing. And it is an art. It takes time and love and care, not just some fancy electronics and some overzealous fans. Honestly.
Now, what about the technological problems? I study at what is named the University of Technology. You can ask any student here about that title and they will most likely shake their head at the sheer irony. The University of Technology can't even get their stuff working properly. Don't even get me started on the uselessness of the online tutorial enrolment process. How on earth is an international digital publishing scheme going to stand? I shudder to think. And what about the idea that museums will no longer have inventory? What happens to archivists? And onwards goes that argument. Humans and their skills (often loves and passions) are being replaced by cold technology. In the post-modern world, where you are defined through the occupation you possess, technology spells complete destruction of the existence of human life, for right now the very point of life is to work. We are simply undermining ourselves. This is an old and very worked argument, I know. However, I and others believe that it is still a valid one.
Readings
Cope, B & D Mason. “Emerging Business Models” C-2-C, Creator to Consumer. Common Ground Publishing. Victoria, 2001. 101 - 117
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