Literatur auf dem Rechner

This study centers around computer–based literature and texts that are generated
by algorithmic means. It originates from the obvious deficiencies of the
categories used by literary and media scientists to classify and analyze the
object in question.
The leading thesis is that current methods and theories substantially rely
on but scarcly reflect a certain media–technology: the book. According to
this the study starts with the fundamental terms of computer science: storage,
transmission and computation as the basic categories for analysing computer
based texts and literature.
The chapter "‘Funktionen"’ explains these terms technically and correlates
them with functions within the traditional “book–based” literary system. The
chapter "‘Formen"’ checks their scope concerning formal categorisation of selected
examples. Presented are not only current hypertexts but also literary
CD–ROMs and text generating programs. The chapter "‘Theorien"’ looks on
well established literary theories and describes specific deficiencies as well as
affinities to the basic terms of computer science.