HYPERTEXT: Review
Came across the first real review of Paths–in the Polish site Techsty, and while I don’t have a very good translation (my folks are gone, but I do have a friend whose mother can likely give me a better one), I’m most appreciative of the honesty in the critique and in the consideration given my work.
It seems that what the reviewer has noticed is the exact problem I felt I was having with this piece: it’s not a very good example of the hypertext format. Though the language was complimented, the hypertext story came off as "flat." I can’t help but agree–when I compare it to others I’ve read. But then again, I’ve had a resistance to reading most hypertext stories for the usual reason, that of getting frustrated by losing the thread or fear of losing it. I realize the solution is to "embrace the hypertext" form as Mark Bernstein suggests, but this is easier said than done. It’s like breaking a habit; a long established pattern of behavior.
I’m not sure I can or want to write hypertext stories for the sake of fulfilling an obligation to form, though if you want to write poetry in haiku, you’d best stay with the syllable count or not call it haiku at all. It’s something to think about.
But I do want to thank Techsty for their interest and review, and for including my work on their site. I intend to take their words to heart and consider them seriously in any further attempts in Storyspace hypertext writing. To Techsty: Dziękuję!
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