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Possiplex
380 pages, 2010
The autobiography of a controversial thinker, Ted Nelson, conceived many of the concepts central to the digital revolution, only to see many of them realized in ways he deemed incompatible with his vision.
In Possiplex, Ted Nelson introduces us to the concept of hypertext. He is the one who coined this term and it's a big deal because it's the foundation of how we navigate the internet today. So, if you're curious about the origins of the digital world as we know it, you should definitely check out this book.
Nelson had a vision of a computer network called Xanadu. This was way before the internet was even a thing. In the book, he shares his dream of a world where everyone could access and contribute to a universal library of knowledge. It's fascinating to see how his ideas have influenced the digital world we live in today.
Possiplex isn't just about tech and innovation. It's also a deeply personal story about Nelson's struggles to bring his ideas to life. It's a great reminder that even the most groundbreaking ideas face resistance and that perseverance is key. If you're feeling stuck in your own projects, you might find some inspiration in Nelson's journey.
One of the key ideas in Possiplex is the concept of non-linear writing. This is the idea that we should be able to explore information in a non-sequential way, just like how we browse the web. If you're interested in the future of writing and reading, you'll want to dig into this book.
In the book, Nelson also explores the philosophy of interconnectivity. He believes that everything is connected and that our digital tools should reflect this. It's a thought-provoking idea that might change the way you see the world and the internet.