Hypertext and commentary writing: the Postmodern Bible Commentary project

Abstract

The commentary is a traditional genre of scholarly communication in the humanities. In this genre the text of an older work is explicated by remarks and discussion, including often of its historical situation, linguistic expression, social setting and interests etc. In print the genre commentary has until very recently used few hypertext features (the extended footnote being the most common). True hypertext (of the kind that electronic publication makes possible) demands a different style of writing from traditional academic communications. Linking lexia and hypermedia elements offer new possibilities for enriching commentary. Interface design has been an issue even for print commentaries, but becomes a central and even determining factor for electronic communication. New norms and conventions have not yet been established in these areas, and the genre commentary imposes its own requirements and goals. This presentation will build on the experience of working on a first volume in a hypertext biblical commentary series (http://www.auckland.ac.nz/acte/pmb/ http://www.auckland.ac.nz/acte/pmb/) to suggest some ways in which these factors may be integrated into the traditional genre producing changes of form and function. The possible extent of these changes will be explored.