Transformative Copy Transformative Copy Transformative Copy Transformative Copy

Abstract

The ability to create an unlimited number of identical copies is a privilege of digital documents. What if that would not be the case, if each copy of a digital file would go along with some sort of transformation? This thesis examines the implications of such a scenario on information ecologies and map out the design space for a new type of decentralized authoring applications. The concept of the copy is inherently transformative, even if just as the transformation from " the One into the Many ". However, until the recent transition from analog to digital media, the perfectly identical copy was not possible, every reproduction resulted in transformation. While this transformation usually is associated with loss of information, it also creates new information, traces of an objects history. As a result of the ability to create of unlimited numbers of perfectly identical copies from digital files, this dimension of context information is lost-digital files do not have a history. In the course of this thesis, five examples were implemented that illustrate important properties of the concept of transformative copying, in order to propose a general framework for a sociable, transformative file format. They investigate two cases of transformation: First, transformation as a deliberate process by humans. A second dimension is transformation as an autonomous process, either in form of an imperfect copy or as a result of an objects age and usage, such as wear. Both points seem like independent cases, but in our scenario they are closely interconnected and inform each other. Acknowledgments My readers Andy Lippman and Bill Mitchell for their valuable advice and comments, patience and support. for safely guiding me through the minefields of bureaucracy. Judith for being such a wonderful and caring advisor, continuously challenging me and for saying the right things at the right time. The Sociable Media Crowd – esp. Aaron, Drew, Orkan and Yannick, Alex and Christine for always being ready to help and collaborate, share knowledge and for being great friends. I learned so many things from you! My friends Carlos and Hyun, for giving me the necessary encouragement at a crucial point. Whitman Richards for continuing inspiration and generous support. Nina for everything we shared and for being a fountain of ideas. My friends Simon, Mariana and Duks for providing contagious enthusiasm as well as facilitating advanced procrastination. Amanda, you rock. All the friends around the media lab who …