From: billc@Apple.COM (Bill Cockayne)
Subject: PHIL: Virtual Worlds discussion
Date: 9 Sep 92 07:55:24 GMT
Organization: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA



Bob made some very interesting comments as to why the is a sci.
newsgroup as opposed to a .comp group. The idea that all virtual
worlds must stem from computers is a very narrow view, but is
predominant in this newsgroup.

As I have just finished reading "Virtual Reality" by Howard Reignhold
(forgive my lateness in reading this book...too much Alvin Toffler
lately). He hops all around the VR map discussin projects, people, and
history associated with different areas. The most interesting part
concerned a Sensorama system that was built a number of years ago (all
facts elude me, and the book is at home).  The system was a very early
VR system based on movies and used sound, pictures, wind, smell, and
motion to immerse the user in another reality. It is obvious that this
is a VR application.

Also, many people have related to me the idea that drugs allow the
user to enter another world. This has some interesting reprecussions
since many cutting edge companies are now starting drug-testing. It
would be a shame if the people that have the best ideas for other
worlds were to be removed from the industry since they used drugs,
which probably started them down the path in the first place. (PS -
This is not an add for drug use. Personally don't use them and am
against their use.)

Finally, there is the simple concept of a virtual world being invoked
merely by the suspension of disbelief by the user. Having attended
many a play and movie I feel that there is a virtual world quality
exhibited at these events and that a large amount of study is being
neglected by not looking at how the public is affected by these
already dominant worlds. (I won't even start on the imaginary worlds
that TV creates) :)

Virtual World discussions include people from all areas of industry
and academia not just computer hackers. Though much of the discussion
seems at times to be dominated by the hackers the other fields often
pop up when discussions interfaces, paradigms, and already existing
models of human behaviour.

bill cockayne
Apple Computer, Inc.
billc@apple.com
DISCLAIMER: I speak only for myself.