A hypertext project must establish an objective purpose and create a deeper understanding and definition of itself. At the same time, digital humanities projects are striving toward “a standard suggested by the rhetoric of invention, discovery, and progress--namely the standard of science.” Failure will inevitably accompany success and understanding when working with hypertext theories and digital humanities projects due to the level of ambiguity they evoke. Failures are easy to hide even though they are sometimes the most valuable aspect of a project. Furthermore, digital humanities projects that are defined by process, experience, and failure are oftentimes difficult to fund. Nonetheless, projects and writing, whether in the name of science or theory, must critically examine and illuminate the “experience” that goes into the process of evolutionary transformation from book to hypertext.

Sir Karl Popper, known for his work with rationalism and having no direct relation to hypertext theory, develops ideas concerning the process of scientific discovery in his two-part theses: the first theses applauds intellectual competence, knowledge, and insight, and the second is a recognition of human ignorance in light of scientific standards. Popper’s theses aid in establishing standards for evaluating and completing scientific, research, textual, and digital projects. Regarding the transformation from book to hypertext, the presence of “ephemeral, contingent, [and] transitional” knowledge enhances this notion of “utility.” We need to realize the significance of “the need for experiment, the indispensability of mistakes, and the necessity of recognizing, documenting, and analyzing our failures.” The evolutionary process of transforming texts and creating a hypertext in digital humanities projects provides an opportunity to question, explain, and document the experience.

When completing and evaluating a hypertext project, all stages must be documented. In the beginning, a problem solving mentality will guide the methodology, next there are gradual alterations in the methodology process, and lastly no conclusive, formulaic answer to the problem should arise. After all, many problems will arise during each stage, and therefore, there is no right answer. Problems should be addressed and solved while being explained at all times. Often times, failures go unnoticed due to the presence of a polished, correct, final product even though the obstacles and failures that arise throughout the process are truly beneficial in light of the growth and realistic progress of a project. Regarding the process of digital humanities projects, we must record our failures, document the experience, and strive to utilize and comprehend scientific standards while attempting to understand and record this evolutionary process of change.