New Media Reader 249-338

Timeline:
1970: Software Exhibition. Constituents of a Theory of the Media published
1972: Requiem for the Media and Television: Technology and the Society published.
1974: Computer Lib / Dream Machines published.

This section of the book departed from previous sections in that the book now starts to focus on media theory and philosophy, as opposed to the earlier more technical and historical documents. Constituents of a Theory of the Media was particularly engaging. Enzensberger clearly realizes that a massive change in media distribution and media experience is in effect, essentially foretelling many modern uses of the web in his suggestions on massive networks of video and new media distribution. I found his guarded optimism about the potential of new media refreshing amidst an often fearful environment when it comes to new technologies. In only a couple of paragraphs he refuted McLuhan's "The Media is the Message" doctrine, insisting that new media can and must be used to further democratize society. The essay, and Baudrillard's response, were clearly intentionally sandwiched between a section on the Software Exhibition, and excerpts from Computer Lib / Dream Machines, both of which, especially the latter, champion computers as being far more malleable, adaptable and potentially friendly than many let on at the time. Nelson's work, full of friendly language and colorful illustrations, predicts many of the uses of the personal computer, as well as many conceptualizations for presently existing programs. More than anything, the readings this week illustrated a departure from straight technical adcvancement, and became a theory and fortelling of mass personal computing, as well as mass participation in media.