Unlike reading a book hypertext gives the reader choices on where they choose to go. Its hypertext because it isnt restrained to just be text; it includes artwork, sound, animation links to keep the reader on the page; The possibilities with Hypertext are endless.
A Hypertext is never constrained to be linear Geoff Ryman’s work is a great example of a true hypertext: 253: A Novel for the Internet about London Underground in Seven Cars and a Crash As well as Shelley Jackson’s Patchwork Girl.
The evolution with hypertext is relativelly new and finding information regarding the effectiveness of its purpose and use is a real task!
Christina–
Good comment. Some trouble with your links though.
–dr t