Topics are interrelated through a matrix of associative particulars. The architecture of hypertext presents the possibility of an intrinsic - or implicit - relating of topics through anchor and target links that provide access to pathways of associated meaning. Through hyperlinking, any topic potentially relates to a myriad of other topics directly through the work of the architect. We are currently at the point of describing preferable considerations in establishing hyperlink connections. Taxonomic pathway and conceptual adjacency may be considered desirable guidelines in establishing hyperlink connections. Hyperlinks establish connections between ideas. Let us be guided by logic and the work that has been done through the years by scientists and librarians in organizing information. Hierarchical topic nesting, as apparent in the database organization of some information storage and retrieval systems (ISARS), can be built into hypertext itself in such a way that pathways of idea correlation are logical and consistent with current theoretical understanding in an approach to real knowledge. Concept matrix can, with thought and work, be developed in the architecture of hypertext. Both vertical hierarchical nesting and horizontal adjacencies can be limned through conscientious application of logic and care in the markup process.

Conciously constructed hypertext can be designed according to the principles outlined in this essay. One consideration is our rationale for placing hyperlinks in our document. The principles set forth in this document are, together, an attempt to bring order and purpose to developing hypertext work. They represent an analysis of some possibilities of hypertext as I have sought to think through teaching a class on Internet access in a small public library.

Writing hypertext involves the architect in a range of possibilities, which are manifest to each reader as a unique set of choices. A thorough consideration of hyperlink rationale in writing hypertext provides the reader with intelligent options, cohesive vision, and guideposts for orientation. This essay will present personal thoughts about hyperlink rationale and suggest syndetic connections in grouping hyperlinks to the works of others and through infralinking strategies applied within the structure and content of the essay itself.

• Notes on Classification of Links: Hammerich and Harrison
• Notes on Hypertext Convergent Links: Turoff / NJIT
• Notes on Hypertext Coherence 1: J. L. Lemke / CUNY

[ See also: Turoff, Murray, Ph.D. with Usha Rao and Starr Roxanne Hiltz: "Collaborative Hypertext in Computer Mediated Communications," 1991. ]

As this present work here proceeds, I begin to find directions that have already been anticipated in the efforts of others. In fact, I can begin to view this unique manifestation as an aspect of something greater that has indeed been in process for a considerable time.

This essay employs the word syndetics to describe a binding together of topics, considerations, as well as related works by others, and as an underlying organizational strategy followed through both infralinking essay sections or pages and grouping hyperlinks to deep links within other people's hypertext. The word syndetics, to me, conveys aptly one principle potentially manifest in hypertext, that being a facility to identify, link, and study points in juxtiposition by purposely combining for consideration elements of both very close and somewhat diverse propositions.

If this is a true understanding, then the word syndetics can be used to convey a sense of document interrelation purpose as anticipated by Vannevar Bush and a capablitiy of his memex.

Another theorist who notes value shown through interrelationship is Thomas S. Kuhn, remembered well for his thoughts on paradigm shift seen as pivotal to scientific progress. Context is important to Kuhn, who, when writing about verbal definitions states:

"The scientific concepts to which they point gain full significance only when related, within a text or other systematic presentation, to other scientific concepts, to manipulative procedures, and to paradigm applications." ( Kuhn, p. 141 )

We work within many paradigms. Perhaps our work in hypertext represents one aspect of an emerging paradigm, an information transfer paradigm. Rapid conveyance of information is characteristic of this paradigm and, within this paradigm, of hypertext itself. Also characteristic of the information transfer paradigm is efficiency. To this end, we can hope to facilitate the syndetic implications as per Kuhn's consideration of context import through our development of hypertext pathfinders and purposeful syndetic grouping of hyperlinks to works by others. If Kuhn's observances are true, then we may find synergistic value in lighting syndetic connections in our choice of hyperlink groupings. Further, we may advance the priorities of an information transfer paradigm by sharing with others the connections we may see implied by the juxtaposition of hypertext references.