Every medium involves the creator in a process of learning what artistic devices are available within that medium. One of the joys of creating within a digital environment is the opportunity to offer the audience a broader range of choices as well. Digital narrative has sometimes been described as a means of freeing the audience from authorial control, as if the artist is some sort of dictator rather than someone who shapes and shares experiences. From this perspective it can be difficult to look beyond formless meta-narrative as a legitimate way to tell a story. Many other reasons are available for why an artist might wish to simply share creative control. This could include the sense of involvement it generates, an expanded sensual experience, and new ways of thinking about ourselves and the shapes of our lives in this century. Keeping this in mind helps creators to offer pertinent choices, not merely choice for choice's sake.
Copyright © 1996, 1999 Katherine Phelps