Web 2.0 Storytelling Compared To Traditional

Hey Writing for New Media Class, I'm back to talk more about Web 2.0 Storytelling. This time we are going to talk about what can Web 2.0 storytellers that conventional (old media) storytellers a.k.a. what I believe to be writers cannot. The main thing that Web 2.0 storytellers can do compared to traditional writers is that they can give visual representations of the things they discuss in their stories through the use of hyperlinks, images and videos instead of having to describe in words. In fact most Web 2.0 stories don't even use text, they are just a slideshow of pictures complimented by a voice-over and music.

A visual representation of a scene in a movie using text animation

However on the flip side of things the fact that Web 2.0 storytellers cannot or do not choose to describe things to the audience which includes all of you in our Class limits a writer's ability to let us draw our own conclusions about the world they are trying to convey. Honestly my favorite thing about literature is how it inspires me to come up with my own visualizations for the text on the page and without that I don't think I would enjoy reading as much.


Would you rather read Alice in Wonderland in a book or in Tweets


For example when I was in 8th grade I read the the first four Harry Potter books which caused me to formulate my own vision of the world described by the writing of J.K. Rowling. Then I made the mistake of seeing the first movie and for the life of me I could not get back to my own personal Harry Potter universe I envisioned while reading the last three installments of the series, I just kept envisioning the movie. This was completely disappointing to myself as a reader because I could never see Harry Potter in my own unique way ever again, I would forever have to see him in the same way as everyone who saw the movie and I foresee this issue taking place with Web 2.0 storytelling.

The movie that ruined my own private imaginary world

I guess with like comparing a book to a movie there are many pros and cons as to why traditional storytelling is better than Web 2.0 storytelling or vice versa. However, I fear with Web 2.0 storytellers spoon feeding us visualizations instead of leaving it up to the interpretation of our imagination the creative quality behind future storytelling may begin to diminish.

If any of you in our Writing for New Media Class would like to give your own pros and cons comparing traditional storytellers to Web 2.0 storytellers feel free to post a comment.