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Geeks Bearing Gifts

210 pages, 2008

technology

technology

392 books
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Description

Whether you love the computer world as it is or consider it a nightmare, you'll giggle and rage at Ted Nelson's telling of computer history, its personalities and insights. Computer movies, music, 3D; the eternal fight between Jobs and Gates; the tangled stories of the Internet and the World Wide Web—all these and more are punchily told in chapters on many topics such as The Web Browser Salad, Voting Machines, Google, Web 2.0 and much more. 

These short stories make great reading—you can dip into them anytime and get answers to such questions as: Why do alphabets have upper case? Why don't numbers have upper case? Where did WYSIWYG come from?

The Importance of Non-Linear Text

Ted Nelson emphasizes the importance of non-linear text in the digital age. He believes that the traditional linear way of reading is outdated and that we should embrace the flexibility of digital text. This allows us to explore different paths and connections, making our reading experience more interactive and engaging.

The Concept of Hypertext

Nelson introduces the concept of hypertext, a system that allows documents to be linked together in a non-sequential way. This is a game-changer in the way we consume information. It's worth taking a look at how this concept can revolutionize your understanding and interaction with digital content.

The Vision of Xanadu

In Geeks Bearing Gifts, Nelson shares his vision of Xanadu, a global network of interconnected documents. This vision is a precursor to the World Wide Web we know today. It's fascinating to see how his early ideas have shaped the digital world we live in.

Critique of Current Digital Systems

He critiques current digital systems, arguing that they are too restrictive and do not fully utilize the potential of digital technology. Nelson encourages us to rethink and challenge the status quo, inspiring us to create more innovative and user-friendly digital systems.

The Power of User Control

Nelson strongly advocates for user control in digital systems. He believes that users should have the ability to manipulate and interact with digital content in ways that suit their needs and preferences. This is a powerful reminder to prioritize user experience in the design and development of digital systems.