# 2006.02.05...

# 2006.02.05: criticalartware introduces BLIT:SCREEN by jake elliott @ Hack the Knowledge Lab @ the Institute for Advanced Studies @ Lancaster University in Lancaster .UK


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// about.nfo v0.06 02/24/2006//
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DEFINE contact = blitscreen@criticalartware.net

DEFINE blit =
"""
blit /blit/ vt. 1. [common] To copy a large array of bits from one part of a computer's memory to another part, particularly when the memory is being used to determine what is shown on a display screen.
-- jargon file, [http://catb.org/~esr/jargon/html/B/blit.html]
""""

void summary() {
BLIT:SCREEN is a [webApp|system|artware] running on the criticalartware platform. localized groups (collectives, clans, classes, cabals, etc.) sign up, register a mailing address + media playback capabilities + then [send+receive] media [to+from] randomized [sources+destinations] throughout
the WWWorld.
}

void snailweb() {
once a month, the BLIT:SCREEN system sends each group an email with the mailing address of another group to which to mail media. as a result, every group who participates in this physical exchange receives a DVD-R or CD-R or VHS or VinylRecord or any other media type delivered in any other appropriate format from 01 other participating group every month. likewise every group sends 01 instance of BLIT:SCREEN out to 01 group (whom BLIT:SCREEN has suggested), thereby creating a deeply distributed + dynamic 01 to 01 network.
}

void util() {
BLIT:SCREEN is both a distribution system + a distributed archive. in this way the system is grid distribution + grid archiving. nothing is prescribed about participating groups; a group might be a hacker collective living in a squat, an experimental television station [+/or] a professor collecting + distributing student work. media distributed through BLIT:SCREEN could include
completed projects, artworks, raw materials for production+remix, critical txts, unearthed archives, shared cultural resources, &c&c. the BLIT:SCREEN system assumes no prescriptions [+/or] standards as to what participants do with the material they receive, hwoever, screening+discussion+archiving are encouraged.
}

void criticalConspiracy() {
BLIT:SCREEN draws connections from the hystories + technologies of bicycling physical video tapes during the early video art moment, {sneaker|floppy|walk}-nets + onLine {communication|development} [channels/paths] in demoscenes + BBS culture as well as {highlighting|suggesting} contemporary possibilities for the role of decentralized distribution modalities + resource sharing.
}

void &criticalartware() {
BLIT:SCREEN runs on the criticalartware applat ([application/platform]). criticalartware develops new media discourse by engaging early moments of ({code|concept})-based experimental [media art/artware], conversing with + interviewing those active in these early moments ++ sharing cultural resources connecting these conversations. criticalartware as a crew of core.developers is also a [user/participant] in the BLIT:SCREEN system. BLIT:SCREEN as a project has been initiated by criticalartware core.dvr jake elliott + {continues|extends} criticalartware's commitment to open exchanges + criticalConspiracies.
}

data.src:

title: BLIT:SCREEN about.nfo
dvr: jake elliott
date: 2006.02.24
uri: http://blitscreen.criticalartware.net/?page=about