Umberto Eco claimed that “the mass media are both genealogical and have no memory” (^) Genealogical in the sense that with every new invention and development there is a chain-reaction of developments (and imitations) and thus the formation of a common language. This in turn produces the odd characteristic of a lack of memory caused by the fact that when a chain of imitations have begun, no one can remember who started it. The imitator has developed to a level of sophistication that leaves the original looking like a poor imitation of the actual imitation!(~) The development of websites based upon a historical television series is an embodiment of this and an indication that our relationship with mass-produced goods has changed.(&) There appears to be a shift away from a hierarchy of resources, differences between resources are quickly being reduced or erased altogether. A large percentage of websites developed for ‘serious’ pursuits contain teaching resources (including actual exercises to give to students), suggesting that teachers and students do use the internet as a legitimate library, archive, research tool and resource. This change in our relationship with media and resources is demonstrated by the fact that both CNN and PBS have developed large sites with mini-sites to accompany or complement a series that they also will broadcast on television. Both these sides fall into the trap of following a trend that began with novels and film, and spread to television- that is the trend of reducing information down to simple narratives. While hypertext in a perfect state does the opposite, hypertext is yet to be realized, what we encounter on the in these two sites is a common adaptation of hypertext principles. Meaning, there is text and there are links both to other information within the site and external sites that might be of interest.The implication for history and knowledge, due to the television-complementary style of these kinds of sites is perplexing. While both sites attempt to offer historical context and complexity, and they have developed a narrative that offers more depth and engagement than television (the interactive elements encourage and facilitate this.) The overall effect is ‘television plus’, television with a difference. High quality television certainly, but television all the same! The interactive element results in the usage of primary sources and the ability to present things in a multi-layered way, which in turn creates a depth perhaps not available in straight television. Information presented on these sites is not aimed at higher educational level; thus it does not strive for intellectual depth. However, whether this due to audiences not wanting a deeper level of investigation and information or a ‘dumbing-down’ of people is hard to measure.
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Theories of Hypertext History and Hypertext: the role of the narrative Hpertext: the Paradigm Shift History and Technology CNN PBS Conclusions Footnotes