3-27-08

1. Is the meaning of the poem the same/different between versions?
Does the format effect meaning??

I don't believe the format effects meaning...at least between these poems...although, depending on how sentimental or - depending on who you ask -...belligerent (?) you want to be, the format could be insulting; while the work behind the permanence (or impermanence? It's far easier to "save" something digital) behind a physical writing is respected.

But the EFFECT, I'm sorry but I far prefer the physical version, digitized or not. This is not because I dislike digital poetry, I tend to work online more than anything else, but because I have a respect for original intention. It's all well and good for something to go beyond the author's intentions...but it bothers me to disregard them completely. The "effect" of seeing, say, the coded version with tags everywhere is one of confusion and unnecessary addition rather than a simple admission, a clear submission of work.

2. What difference (if any) will digitizing make to our understanding of poems?

What do you consider "understanding?"

3. How are each of these versions made (doesn't have to be a techy answer)?

One through the fuel of the author...another from the passion of a historian, haha.

4. What does digitization/ the visual have to do w/this content of the poem?

See number 1?

5. What other questions should we ask?

Is it worth digitizing? Really?

(The answer is yes. :p )