Technology, Institutions, Authorship...Oh My!

As if authorship by definition was not complicated enough, we must look further into the role that institutions and technology play in further defining "Author."

Institutions such as Random House, MGM, Google, YouTube, CBS, Playboy Magazine and Clear Channel Radio (as well as tons more), play key roles in storytelling. This means that if I wanted to write a television sitcom about a group of college kids in a dorm, I would first have to have at least been to a dorm to watch the interaction of the students. That would come as part of cultural background or history, which participates in the story. I would write a scene for the show, referring back to other sitcoms (i.e. Friends) that look at peer relationships. I would pitch the idea to someone at CBS, who could easily say, "No not a college dorm, but rather a hospital ER." I would re-write the scene with that information. Pitch it again. I get the go ahead to write the pilot. I am told by the execs from CBS that Tom Selleck must play a key role. There must be some reference to Viagra (sponsor) and the scrubs must not be peach or teal (already used on TV). Before I have even written a pilot episode, I have already collaborated with at least 15 sources. Whew! That doesn't account for the countless e-mails and text messages regarding ideas for the show.

This example shows that nothing is written in isolation. It never was. Cultural sociology and history, culture itself, plays an important role in shaping the inspiration for the story. J.K. Rowling ( a class favorite) claims she was influenced by her private boarding school to imagine Harry Potter. Complications arise in the definition of author (could some credit go to the school?).

Technology pushes the complications even further. By even posting this blog, I have conformed to Google's standards, as well as fulfilling the expectations of Avi. I am open to additional text in the comment sections (please comment!). All of which, through this computer and the Internet, complicate my authorship of this blog.

I have been troubled by the quest for that one singular definition of AUTHOR. I doubt it exists. I find slopping through the murk of complications and tensions to be the excitement surrounding authorship. I guess sometimes it is the travel, not the destination, that is the most fun and adventurous.