This is an imaginary conversation the reader has with the narrator. With this hypertextual conversational piece there is not only the narrator but the author (who is also the narrator) becomes involved depending on the path the reader chooses. The reader also has to participate in the story for there to be a story. The reader can either choose to follow the story and become the ‘main character’ or can be an ‘educated reader’ who prefers metaliterary discussion. This digital text can be read in different ways and will result in a different narration every time you choose one of the four options available Yes, No, Maybe, Bitch. The reader controls the outcome of the text. Joe's Heartbeat in Budapest is more an interactive text rather than a work of fiction.

The reader participates in Joe's Heartbeat in Budapest to create a narrative. With this text the reader can manipulate the ending. In fact with this text a multitude of scenarios is possible each time the reader participates. This contradicts Marie-Laure Ryan’s view that the story can only be added to each the reader opens the text. The reader can end the narration with the first click, by clicking on Bitch. This text needs the readers participation. The narrator can manipulate the reader to elicit a more favourable response. Instead of the four choices Yes, No, Maybe, Bitch the reader sometimes only has one or two choices. Sometimes the text ends abruptly, with no choices offered or a tongue poking out at you. The novelty of this text would wear thin within a reasonably short time. The reader probably can not remember a certain path taken to get the response.