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From: jenkins@magnus.ircc.ohio-state.edu (Kent Jenkins)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: We Need A New Name
Message-ID: <15494@milton.u.washington.edu>
Date: 30 Jan 91 22:53:31 GMT
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I don't really understand the problem.  A new name for what?  Virtual Reality?
The basis of the "fix" is apperantly that some people have taken "deck" and
"cyberspace" (and, if it's of any interest, FASA Corp., a role-playing company,
has trademakred "matrix") and someone will probably "soon take V-R".

When was the last time you asked for a "facial tissue" or went to the "icebox."
(Though the latter is a term my Mother uses constantly and drives me nuts.)
Though that's what these really are, a lot of people use "Fridge" (shortened
from Frigidare) and ask for a "Kleenex."  The idea of V-R, while starting to
come into reality, is still pretty nebulus and is already close to a household
phrase.  A household phrase, even copyrighted, is still used.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but I'm going to be using "virtual reality,"
"sim-stim" (which I think is more what we have nowadays than V-R), "cyberspace"
(when we get it), and so on unless someone DOES come up with another name for
it all.  But why?

Actually, I'm rather partial to "Plan Nine", but that is actually AT&T's.

-
 _      Kent Jenkins / Thenomain / Magnus Consultant / It's Just Me     _
|   Internet: jenkins@magnus.ircc.ohio-state.edu | "I seem to remember   |
|             kent-j@cis.ohio-state.edu          | something about a     |