What happens to a story when you take it from its source, make it permanent in print, and disseminate it to a wide audience?
When a story is taken from it’s source it becomes entirely self reliant, it must contain all the context required to make sense if it is to succeed. When a story is limited to word of mouth in a certain area there may be subtleties or nuances that do not need to be explained.
A story made permanent in print now becomes frozen in time and will survive in it’s original form. As time passes language may evolve, everyday routines and activities as referred to in the story will change but the story itself will not. Instead it will become a form of a time capsule for future readers. One example of this could be Pride and Prejudice which is still a popular classic.
When a story is disseminated to a wide audience, particularly far overseas, it carries with it it’s sense of place. It can also then begin to gain mass popularity and traction in the market. One example of this could be the Harry Potter books by JK Rowling, despite being about a boy at school in Scotland they are read worldwide and have been translated into several different languages.
Write a list of implications arising from the printing press. For example, think about who has control/authority over the text, the meaning of the text, and the relationship between the source of the text and it’s recipient.
- In a country where all the printing press is subject to central control (ie North Korea) the only available news is heavily biased and can lead to misplaced public beliefs. Potential for censoring is high.
- Freedom of the press, and preferably competing ones at that are required to allow the full range of views to be heard by the general public.
- General Public are required to look at the source of the information and check for it’s credentials and therefore bias, not just accept whatever they read to be fact. One example of this are the frequent fake news stories on social media website Facebook.
- The recipient is also required to consider what outcome the originator of the text may have, for example, are they attempting to ignite a social situation or are they reporting facts.
- Printed words now have the freedom to be sent and received all over the world radically improving communication
- Educational power. Printed words have the power to educate even when a recipient does not have access to educational facilities (distance learning!)
- Longevity. Printed words will last for as long as a physical copy of them remains undamaged by misuse or elements.
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