The situation: We have already seen the proliferation of new forms of online publishing, via Amazon, IBooks, and even Twitter. It has never been easier to publish and serialize literature. Even though Stephen King’s new online serial failed, I believe there are unique opportunities for online publishing that we have yet to fully realize. In short, I believe it is high time for the birth of the blogle.
The solution: In this new form of blog-based story telling, the author would ideally publish his or her work under a nom-de-keyboard to lend the appearance of an authentic blog. In the midst of a seemingly ordinary blog about pets, sci-fi movie reviews, or any other ordinary pretense, ideally an extraordinary narrative would unfold.
Unlike other serial stories, the narrative of a blogle would not begin the same for every reader As for a blog, which is published with the most recent posts first, the reader would need to scroll, click, and explore the archives of the story for him or herself, returning for updates as the story unfolds day-by-day in apparent real time. Essentially, the hyperlinked nature of the blogle would make it a sort of choose-your-own-adventure story for adults.
The benefits: Best of all, the digital format of the blogle make it unconstrained by the ordinary margins of a book. With videos, images, and external links, the entire Internet (along with comments from readers) could make a truly interactive and varied reading experience.
The internet has revolutionized music, television, journalism, and encyclopedias, but who will be responsible for revolutionizing the novel?
