How Algorithms Can Be Used to Predict Great Literature |
Posted: October 25, 2017 |
Just like in music industries, book publishing bases its popularity on hits. More importantly, most experts feel that the process of predicting best-selling work is an art by itself. Most of the time, the aforementioned faculties serve the institution well. However, in other situations, they do not perform so well. For instance, when it comes to first time author. Occasionally, some of the prominent writers we view today experience some resistance before they come up to the spotlight. Some of these authors include John Grisham, E.L James amongst many other. What Can this Algorithm Do?Currently, most people view a computer algorithm that can give a prediction of about eighty percent success of published work as a fairy tale. Nonetheless, a group of experts made up of Jodie Archer, Nebraska Lincoln, and Matthew Jockers have come up with an algorithm that has solved the problem above known as bestseller-ometer. Probably, over the last few decades, according to New York Times when the system is applied retrospectively it has produced successful results. The working principle of the above algorithm involves identifying the traits of best-selling work, let us say over 2000 and plus novels. Then they compare the data to the characteristics of the less selling novels, thereby helping the user to identify the secrets behind successful literary work. Additionally, the algorithm helps to determine the trend in specific styles and genres applied in literature. Understanding Digital HumanitiesIn 2008, Jockers a professor at Stanford University led an emerging technology in digital humanities. The system involved the use of computer-aided quantitative analysis of literary work. Most of the scholars felt that a machine could do very little to identify substantial literature. Looking at Archer, he became interested in the above concept a few years before Jockers during the era of Da Vinci Code written by Dan Brown. Initially, the book was widely criticized by elites but eventually found a great audience. For instance, it sold over eighty million copies. It is in this regard that Archer concluded that the scenario was due to "textual charisma." Though the “bestseller-ometer” was the first successful computer algorithm in clarifying big data to novels, it does not mean that there were no other inventors. Initially, a scholar known as Inkitt had invented an algorithm that selected the first book in history. Currently, the London's Jelly books analyze and measures a phenomenon known as readers engagement before the novel is produced to determine its popularity. How the “Besteller-Ometer” Uses Big DataLooking at some of the characteristics that the bestselling ometer use, to many might seem like magic. Mostly, the system utilizes certain features such as word patterns, repetition and thematic emphasize. Notably, it is vital to point out that even people with literature proficiency cannot be able to compare the above features. Moreover, according to the algorithm sex does not thrill many readers. Other characteristics used includes literature cohesion and the choice of topic. One the most selling novel predicted by the system was Odysseus. Notably, the book by Homer illustrates the main character as a courageous warrior who was very cunning. The author creates a contradiction between him and other stereoscopic heroes in Greek literature. For instance, in many occasions, an Odyssey character analysis demonstrates provides insightfully intellect by logically analyzing each decision he makes and how that can be applied to readers. Final ThoughtsSumming it up, Archer feels that some of prominent authors such as John Grisham, Patterson, and Steel controls most publishers since they sit on top of best-selling novels. Thus, this makes identifying new upcoming talents very hard. However, it is appropriate to mention that if the publisher starts using bestselling-ometer algorithm, then they will be able to identify profitable work. Hence, writers will be judged in terms of their work and not popularity.
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