George P. Landow

Hypertext 3.0 is Landow's manifesto and love letter to the internet and other hypertext media. He argues that with non-linear structures of text, often editable by users, there has been a "democratization" of language and ideas.

In a time where it seems like the entire internet is made up of user-created content, it is interesting to reflect on how the internet undermines the impressive and untouchable book publishing industry. Furthermore, since now all information is "equidistant" to a user - you don't have to go down to the med school's library to get most medical information now, just Google it - people have become better-informed about everything, not just their specialties.

He can be a little bit repetitive at times - detailing how hypertext gives independence to authors, students, minorities, and almost everyone else every chapter - but it is a good look at how the internet has shaped our methods of communication and ideas about knowledge.… (more)