Integrating Reading and Writing of Documents

Authors

  • P. J. Brown Department of Computer Science, Harrison Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
  • Heather Brown Department of Computer Science, Harrison Building, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK

Abstract

Computer users have become accustomed to the writing of documents being regarded as a separate activity from the reading of documents. We believe that this division is unnecessary and limits the effectiveness of virtually every computer user. It is time for a rethink of underlying concepts. A key concept for integrating reading with writing is a general mechanism for annotation. This general mechanism can be combined with hyperlinking to create a single unifying super-concept that provides a base for integrating reading and writing. The paper explains the underlying ideas, and describes the results of a small experiment that supported the viability of the super-concept. We believe that the super-concept might possibly provide the foundations for a revolution in thinking about documents, which would benefit everyone.

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Published

2006-03-30