New
technologies and developments have allowed for the destruction of former
limitations on communication. The network of human interaction today is one
that could not have been possible a mere couple decades ago. Writing as a form
of communication has progressed most noticeably through letter writing. Writing
and letters have had a huge effect on the world and gives writings materiality.
Letter
writing has been a critical form of communication since antiquity. The power of
letters held families and entire societies or governments together. Fast forward
in time to 19th century America and letter writing was still just as
crucial. Although the post system made it difficult for the average American to
correspond regularly, it provided a means for people in different areas to exchange
messages. Letters offer a good example of the interconnectedness of writing,
networks, and materiality. In keeping with the saying “the medium is the message”
letter writing requires the author to change their writing due to certain
constraints such as length. The writing then needs a network to facilitate the
exchange of information, which is provided by the post office. The materiality
of the letters is evident in their physical form as well as the significance
placed on, say a notarized letter. A letter is in essence, as the ancient Greeks
believed, an extension of the speaker.
Without
networks the writing of letters would serve no purpose, since they are meant to
be read by a target audience. The network, in turn, allows for the letter to
alter reality, if that be informing someone of something, or communicating
orders that are to be executed by the audience.
No comments:
Post a Comment