Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!ncar!boulder!johnsonr
From: johnsonr@boulder.Colorado.EDU (JOHNSON RICHARD J)
Newsgroups: news.groups
Subject: Re: CALL FOR DISCUSSION:  SCI.VIRTUAL-WORLDS
Message-ID: <14070@boulder.Colorado.EDU>
Date: 20 Nov 89 06:01:50 GMT
References: <14547-repost@well.UUCP> <1989Nov16.161429.12549@talos.uucp> <1988@atanasoff.cs.iastate.edu>
Sender: news@boulder.Colorado.EDU
Reply-To: johnsonr@spot.colorado.edu (Richard Johnson)
Organization: Center for Space Construction, University of Colorado, Boulder
Lines: 25

In article <1988@atanasoff.cs.iastate.edu> Mark M Mehl
(mehl@atanasoff.cs.iastate.edu) writes:
) Perhaps the charter could be split into two smaller groups (say on
) simulation and ergonomics).

Forget the ergonomics.  Let's talk virtual worlds.  To me that means
serious scientific discussion about data representation, communications
bandwidth, cognitive psychology, social effects of "jacking in", and
the like.  Such a topic is interdisciplinary (a catch-phrase meaning
no universities yet offer focused degrees in the field).  Having a
single group for the discussion is necessary for cross-fertilization
between the estabilished disciplines.  (IMO, cross-posting between groups
already present doesn't create an adequate focus.)

) Unfortunately, the virtual-world charter is so wide (to include
) non-computer issues as well)

Of course it includes non-computer issues (like sociology, psychology,
etc.).  That's why sci. is a better tag than comp.  Even real life
includes non-computer issues (I think 8-).

| Richard Johnson                           johnsonr@spot.colorado.edu |
|    CSC doesn't necessarily share my opinions, but is welcome to.     |
|  Power Tower...Dual Keel...Phase One...Allison/bertha/Colleen...?... |
|   Space Station Freedom is Dead.  Long Live Space Station Freedom!   |