Interactive Storytelling vs traditional Storytelling

Can the story become too stretched?

Due to the results of our previous poll, we thought perhaps the reason people aren't entirely keen on interactive methods is because the story cannot simply stay linear with a definitive beginning and end. Maybe people prefer the traditional storybook as in most cases, they will able to reach an ending which will bring a sense of shock or relief.. or maybe they simply enjoy flicking through the pages or the classic 'new book smell'. For those who enjoy participating in an interactive experience, perhaps people crave the gaming aspect of an interactive experience where they become a part of the story and have control over circumstances.

As a whole, when we experience a narrative in the present day it doesn't simply follow a path of events which are based around a journey-like structure. Joseph Campbell's 'Monomyth' (Hero's Journey) describes a basic pattern which reflects many narratves around the world where he argues that a character will follow a set of steps within a story.

Is this also relevant for today's interactive experiences? I would say no, as when we go to the cinema to see a film or take part in an interactive experience we are not solely being subjected to a set of predicted circumstances or paths. Instead, the ever-evolving nature of technology and the media world has made for new themes and ways of experiences stories so the ambiguity and unpredictable nature of narratives works to the advantage of the creators which lend their success to this.