Introduction
A preliminary definition of "technopoetics" is that it seeks to apply aspects of literary analysis to the Web or other online environments, but also extends beyond the verbal to include the visual, multimedia, and cognitive/intellectual aspects of the Web. Based in part on Daniel Anderson and Erin Smith's previous work with technopoesis and drawing on my recent introduction to cognitive linguistics, I have the following understanding of the interweaving of techne and poesis:

• meaning connects techne and poesis
• meaning can be understood as purpose and action (either in terms of use or as a state of being, becoming, or experiencing – in other words, both internal and external action)
• acts of making are poetic because they involve purpose and action (and hence meaning)
• acts of making include both creation and interpretation.

Cognitive Linguistics TechnoPoesis of the Visual Reusable Images Preliminary Conclusions

Since part of poetics also focuses on meaning, and on underlying question about what it means to human and how humanity relates to scheme of things, "meaning" becomes a fulcrum on which both elements of technology and aesthetics are balanced. As a result, the products of technological communication inevitably draw on and invoke poesis, whether or not they are recognized as something aesthetic. The use of technology is always based on an act of making, an act informed by the understanding of humanity as a creative force, and which potentially transforms the shape of culture.

Note: Caryn Talty's site includes a more detailed discussion of Anderson's definition of technopoetics. Also, Erin Smith and Michael Day presented their thoughts on the value of technopoetics and online communities at CW2001.