BREAKING FREE INTO OTHER BINDINGS

Whether you agree with Gorbet or not, is really beside the point. Or rather, it's not a very important point. What is important is the fact that, as you've probably noticed by now, I really can't talk to you about remediation without mentioning materiality without moving on to kinesthetic involvement and back. These themes of Hayles' are inherently intertwined, and demonstrate one of the basic characteristics of digital literature: the materiality of the medium requires kinesthetic involvement to perpetuate a constant cycle of remediation. I am the living, virtual embodiment of these themes, as brought to life by Loyer and as extended by Menon. However, in discussing my various recreations - and the authors responsible for them - I am reminded of a disturbing thought that I voiced as Hollowbound Book.

Loyer, Hollowbound Book

"Binding is binding, though. I still had to get out of there, and I've got to keep moving. It's not safe here"

That's right, it's just not safe. And please, don't jump to the conclusion that I'm some paranoid, conspiracy-theory nut! That is absolutely not the case. I'm simply making a statement of fact. In breaking free of my print bindings, I find myself contained yet again by these virtual bindings - computer screen, internet, website, scholarly online review. Both computers and print books are ultimately forms of containment - containers that imprison me and that dictate the form and quality of my existence. As such, they are inherently unsafe.

In order for me to attain true freedom (i.e. perpetual recognition as a material object worthy of remediation and kinesthetic involvement), you must allow for the movement and transformation of both media. Yes, this transformation can take radical, frustrating and almost incomprehensible forms. Judge them as you see fit, but keep in mind always that we are all trying to break free.