Hagiography, revisionism & blasphemy in Internet histories. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Russell, Andrew L.
• Is Part Of: Internet histories. Volume 1:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Internet -- networks -- hagiography; Internet -- History -- Periodicals; Digital media -- History -- Periodicals; 004.678090
• DOI: 10.1080/24701475.2017.1298229
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2470-1475

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As a whole, existing histories of the Internet's creation and development are stories of success and triumph. In this respect, they resemble hagiographies, a literary genre that consists of accounts of Christian saints and their miraculous deeds. Internet historians should break free of their familiar hagiographic mode, and treat their historical subjects more critically. The starting point for revisionist histories of networking is an acceptance that the Internet is flawed, dangerous and ephemeral.