Digital Cover Scrape
http://digitalcoverscraper.wordpress.com/
Abstract
This project seeks to provide a new method of interpretation for historical phenomenon. While the majority of history is presented in the form of narrative, there are other ways that information can now be presented thanks to new media. As a result, this simple program scrapes an image database and then presents its images sequentially on a rudimentary website. It expands on the work done by David Staley in presenting the past through sequential art. While Staley’s work provides distinct examples of sequential imaging, this project allows the reader to interact with the work, both through the manipulation of the program and the eventual data itself. As a result, it can be seen as a work encouraging postmodern explanations for historical phenomenon and an embracement of Web 2.0 cyberculture, which praises audience interaction. Finally, while the work itself can be seen as a new form of historical narrative and presentation, in that there is no necessary order to click through the section, there is also a more traditional and detailed analysis of the program’s implications and applications, which represent the “heart” of the project.