What is particularly interesting about the electronic link is that it doesn't reveal explicit information about the nature of the transition. In some software, such as Director and Toolbook, it is possible to construct visual transitions between sections, relying on familiar film techniques. In any case, these rough indicators are far too large-scale to signal the nuanced relationships between ideas or events that may be necessary in a crafted narrative. Other methods are being devised as you read, though. In addition to acting in a wealth of yet-undiscovered ways as coordinators and subordinators, links perform other valuable contextual functions.
Links operate in ways unique to electronic literature.
A link on a web page that takes the reader to another site represents a rupture in the ontological world. A change of image with a click or mouseover can indicate a simple alternative in place, change perception of the screen contents, alter the background, open another window, take us to another segment of text or image, initiate sound, or begin animation. Links, or the absence of links, indicate the boundaries of the structure. They control the pace. They indicate time and rhythm.