Lab+2

September 23, 2010


 * Response to: //"Why is the definition of genre controversial and not so applicable to the formation of digital genres?"//**

Traditional genres such as horror, sci-fi, family, comedy, drama, etc., were used to classify texts in one-way communicative mediums such as film, television and books. Classification of these texts proved efficient for the recognition and selection of certain texts depending on the individual's preferences. However, the introduction of two-way communicative mediums that require user interaction and involvement with technologies that supply texts that were once only available through one-way communicative mediums has blurred the boundaries of genre.

The digitization of texts has progressed society into an era of convergence, where technologies rarely perform one single function, but rather an often overwhelming multiplicity of functions. The iPhone is one example of these digital devices. No longer is a phone ever //just// a phone. Instead, the iPhone provides its user with calling capabilities, access to e-mail, text messaging, and holds the capacity for downloading movies, newspaper articles, books, and just about any form of visual or audio entertainment. In Shiels' article, we see how applications can be developed and downloaded within a matter of weeks, such as Obama's voter application that was created for the purpose of connecting his supporters and disseminating his platform.

The relevancy of traditional understandings of "genre" is increasingly becoming obsolete. However, new definitions of genre are currently being introduced with the digitization and convergence of texts. Devices are being categorized based on the type of lifestyle that would benefit most from their capabilities. Rather than texts being selected based on interest of genre, texts are being accessed through applications and technologies that appeal to the individual's lifestyle.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7649753.stm