Maps of Becoming

The destiny of the ‘medium’ is to become the ‘means’ – a new paradigm in communication

Source credit: Wiki Media Commons

I
There are ‘n’ means of expression. A ‘means’ of expression is different from a ‘medium of expression’.

II
A ‘means of expression’ is purposive and is a carrier of a message – an agent for transmission. It has within it a communication goal.

III
A “medium of expression” is a-purposive. Multiple media can be used in combination as a single means to express a message. Eg: Book is a medium, a Novel is a ‘means’.

IV
So far, ‘means’ has been restricted by the media – these have been inter-twined. Eg: A ‘musician’ has been classified by the medium of expression rather than by the ‘means’ of expression.

V
A “means of expression” is a means of classifying knowledge objects.

VI
A ‘medium’ becomes a ‘means’ when it transmits a message. The message may or may not have been received.

VII
When the message is received, a cognitive outcome is achieved and transformation takes place.
The power of a ‘means’ is the message it communicates.