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This study centers around computer–based literature and texts that are gen-

erated by algorithmic means. It originates from the obvious deficiencies of the

categories used by literary and media scientists to classify and analyze the

object in question.

The leading thesis is that current methods and theories substantially rely

on but scarcly reflect a certain media–technology: the book. According to

this the study starts with the fundamental terms of computer science: storage,

transmission and computation as the basic categories for analysing computer

based texts and literature.

The chapter "‘Funktionen"’ explains these terms technically and correlates

them with functions within the traditional “book–based” literary system. The

chapter "‘Formen"’ checks their scope concerning formal categorisation of se-

lected examples. Presented are not only current hypertexts but also literary

CD–ROMs and text generating programs. The chapter "‘Theorien"’ looks on

well established literary theories and describes specific deficiencies as well as

affinities to the basic terms of computer science.

Source: author's abstract