Apparently, there are some xmca-ers who can't post their messages to the
whole xmca list (I got already two alerts from people about that).
I'm forwarding Karen's message with my great thanks to her for useful links
and helpful message.
Eugene
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Lunsford [mailto:klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu]
Sent: Sunday, November 30, 2003 6:44 PM
To: ematusov@UDel.Edu
Subject: Fwd: Fwd: Re: Multidisciplinary perspectives--Peirce
Dear Eugene, I had written this some time ago in response to your earlier
queries, but for some reason, I appear to be blocked from posting to the
whole
list. (I've checked, and even though I'm using the list address, the
message
is not appearing in the archives. Have you seen the message?) In any
case,
I thought that the online article mentioned below would be helpful to you.
Might I ask you to forward this to the list for me as well, if it hasn't
already appeared? Meanwhile, I'll see what I can do (perhaps with Mike's
help) to straighten out my subscription problem.
Thanks & best wishes,
Karen
----- Forwarded message from Karen Lunsford <klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu>
-----
Date: Sat, 29 Nov 2003 10:10:46 -0800
From: Karen Lunsford <klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu>
Reply-To: Karen Lunsford <klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu>
Subject: Fwd: Re: Multidisciplinary perspectives--Peirce
To: xmca@weber.ucsd.edu
All -- I didn't see this appear on the list and I don't see it in the
archives, so I'm re-sending it....apologies if you've received it twice. kl
----- Forwarded message from Karen Lunsford <klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu>
-----
Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2003 08:08:21 -0800
From: Karen Lunsford <klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu>
Subject: Re: Multidisciplinary perspectives
To: xmca@weber.ucsd.edu
Hello all,
For another fascinating use (and illustration) of Peirce's theories, you
might
take a look at Jeff White's hypertext article. In particular, take a look
at
this section (page?):
http://english.ttu.edu/kairos/5.1/features/white/theory/linkfunc2.html
Here is the full citation and an abstract:
White, Jeff. (2000). Hypersuasion and the new ethos: Toward a theory of
ethical linking. _Kairos 5.1_
http://english.ttu.edu/kairos/5.1/binder.html?features/white/bridgenw.html
[note: this was an award winner at Computers & Writing 2001]
Working toward a theory of links in regard to Ethos is working toward a
theory
of implication: What is the hypertext author implying, allowing, suggesting,
and conveying through his or her placement of links? Because the primary
defining quality of hypertext is the automatic, computerized movement from
one
linked node of information to another (McKnight 2) that it allows, I believe
that careful analysis of the functions of links will yield the defining
traits
of a hypertext ethos.
The links' functions are the events with which HTML programming allows an
author to surround the computerized "move" from node to node. Clearly
the "movement" from one node to another is a defining quality, but the
information is provided in the context of the links within the nodes. Links
are capable of presenting information to the user as he or she engages them.
That is, the reader will point the mouse at the link--at this point, the
link
can be programmed to react by placing information in the status bar or on
the
screen or in an alert box; the link form can change from functioning in a
symbolic way to functioning in an iconic way, or vice versa. I choose to
define the functions through consideration of Charles Peirce's theory of the
sign. Using Peirce's "icon," "index," and "symbol," as funtions possible in
hypertext links, I consider links as ethical or ethos building aspects of
the
hypertext medium. In all, the links allow functions with which the author
can
provide the reader material that will aid that reader in making informed
choices about navigating the site.
I realize that not every website is designed for clarity, efficiency, or
even "honesty." My theory of defining links by their functions is not one
that
suggests one must use these functions reader orientation; in fact, knowing
the
links functionally can aid one in subverting or playing with one's readers.
Websites, like most rhetorical activities, are designed in many ways and for
many purposes. So while many of my points in this hypertext sound as if I am
promoting some single, necessary standard for linking, I am more or less
ignoring, though not ignorant of, functional uses which are antithetic to
the "facilitating" ethos possible for web authors. In my own web designs, I
have attempted (and gotten better at) a practice of linking that embodies
my "functional theory."
---------------------
Best wishes,
Karen
-- Karen Lunsford, Assistant Professor of Writing Writing Program University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3010 klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu 805-893-8556----- End forwarded message -----
----- End forwarded message -----
-- Karen Lunsford, Assistant Professor of Writing Writing Program University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3010 klunsford@writing.ucsb.edu 805-893-8556
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