The www is not the creator of hypertext. This dates back decades and traces of it can be discovered even in more remote times. On the other hand, although it can be considered brilliant, it is not an extraordinary invention either since it is only a way of capturing the diversity of content and interrelationships typical of human memory, as demonstrated by cognitive research. The novelty lies rather in the discovery of the relationship of this modality with the potential of computer systems and, even more so, telematics. This article analyzes the main characteristics of hypertext and its consequences for the use of this new form of expression.