iif_kgpm_Dictionary_of_Media

introductionthe limits of a compact practical reference work, I have had to limit my choicesto the main items that recur in the relevant literature. Inevitably, there will besome omissions and gaps. Nevertheless, I have tried to cast as broad a net aspossible, so as to gather within two covers the bulk of the ideas and technicalterms that the beginning student or interested general reader will need to knowin order to decipher the relevant literature.Cross‐references to other terms contained in this dictionary are indicatedwith small capitals. The commentary provided for each of the personages consistsof a brief statement about his or her relevance and/or contribution to thefield. Only those personages to whom the technical literature regularly alludeshave been included in this dictionary. A bibliography of relevant works is includedat the back. Also listed are timelines for specific media or media genres,as well as a list of useful Web sites.Hopefully, the user will find in it all the relevant information she or hemight need for conducting a personal analysis of the media-communicationsnexus that now “rules the universe,” so to speak. I also hope to have provided aframework for understanding the world we live in and probably will live in forthe foreseeable future.AcknowledgmentsI wish to thank the editorial staff at M.E. Sharpe for all their advice, support,and expert help in the making of this dictionary. I am especially grateful toPeter Mavrikis, without whom this volume would never have come to fruition.Needless to say, I alone am responsible for any infelicities that remain in thevolume.I also wish to thank Victoria College of the University of Toronto forhaving allowed me the privilege of teaching and coordinating its Program inSemiotics and Communication Theory over many years. Another debt of gratitudegoes to the many students I have taught. Their insights and enthusiasmhave made my job simply wonderful! They are the impetus for this dictionary.xiv