Hypertext fiction is a genre of electronic literature, characterized by the use of hypertext links which provide a new context for non-linearity in literature and reader interaction
The concept of being non-linear and interactive is what has stood out to me in the examples of electronic literature that I've seen so far. While this can appear in traditional books, it seems to be far less common and thus can be seen as a defining feature of hypertext fiction.
the word "hypertext" has become generally accepted for branching and responding text
For me this sums up what is so different about electronic text when compared to say a traditional book. There is an added dimension that goes beyond what could only be added by footnotes/endnotes and gives an immediacy to text that has never been available before.
text fragments are like stepping stones, there for our safety, but the real current of the narratives runs between them
For me this highlights a lot of what we have seen so far. Electronic literature seems to be about more than just the text, with images, sound, interaction and other elements being connected to the text. Without these other elements part of the narrative is lost.
I should probably also say that I don't view the literary arts as a citadel, separate (and perhaps in need of defense) from, say, visual or performing arts. Much of the best drama, for example, brings together the literary, performing, and visual arts
For me this section really highlighted just how art and literature can be the same. I think this idea of art and literature being part of the same is something to keep in mind when looking at e-literature that goes beyond the traditional book (of course it could just be my performing arts background speaking).