I agree with Stolley’s claim in “Source Literacy: A Vision of Craft” that because writers use open-source computer languages and open formats, we write digital things. I also agree that people should understand the technology behind what tools they use to write. Learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be difficult. However, I do believe that understanding said programs better can give writers more control over their work. So, instead of simply using a program and accepting the way it creates something, writers can make their own decisions on how their work looks and functions.
The four ‘steps’ that he uses to make his vision a reality are also very helpful. His first step was to get comfortable with relying on the keyboard which is probably something a lot of writers have down already. His second step was to commit to writing in a text editor and write HTML and CSS. He says old habits hold people back more, and I do agree. Using HTML is something writers probably don’t use often, but it can help improve things. The third step was to learn Git and make a GitHub account. The last step was to learn open-source programming languages like JavaScript.
Out of the previous four steps, I think using HTML, learning JavaScript language and learning Git would probably be the most difficult. I have some experience with HTML, but none with JavaScript and Git/Github. However, I understand why Stolley believes learning these skills is important. People use digital programs without taking the time to learn everything. They just want to get their work done. Stolley wants writers to go beyond just using these tools and actually understand what’s happening behind the screen and use it to improve their craft.
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