Journal 7

A hypertext is a way for the writer to assume the reader knows exactly what they are talking about, even when they may not. To explain this some more, when a writer adds a hypertext into their writing, they are directing the reader to another source of information. Neal states that a “hypertext is defined broadly as ‘an information medium that links verbal and nonverbal information.” For example, if I am writing about a case study that I do not feel like fully explaining, I can add a link to another page that has what the case study exactly is. This is beneficial to the writer because they are now able to write solely on what they want to write. Because of technological advances, you know see hypertexts everywhere you look. More and more companies realized the benefits to hypertexts and have added them everywhere in their websites. For example, when reading any online news source, you will see tons of different hypertexts included in the text. These hypertexts will lead you to things such as different websites, YouTube videos, audio files and other such things. As Neal mentions, there is no certain order that hypertexts need to read in. Something that is up to the reader is whether or not the reader actually wants to click on the hypertext and read it. Something to be aware of when using a hypertext, since it usually is not your own information, is to make sure that it is fact checked. Since you are directing someone to a different source, you need to make sure that the information they are giving is correct. As both a writer and a reader you need to be aware of coherence. For the reader, you need to realize that obviously the writer is putting that hypertext there for a reason and as a writer you need to make sure that your writing and the hypertext you add in go together. A hypertext should focus on the writer’s bigger picture and everything as a whole. Because this gives the writer so much authority, it is important for the writer to choose the best source of information that will benefit their writing.