Xref: utzoo news.groups:15668 comp.graphics:9009 comp.infosystems:40 sci.med:14006 sci.psychology:2462 sci.electronics:9050 alt.cyberspace:117 Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!apple!well!bluefire From: bluefire@well.UUCP (Bob Jacobson) Newsgroups: news.groups,comp.graphics,comp.infosystems,sci.med,sci.psychology,sci.electronics,alt.cyberspace Subject: CALL FOR VOTE: SCI.VIRTUAL WORLDS Summary: Voting begins on proposed newsgroup. Keywords: virtual worlds, virtual reality, artificial reality, cyberspace Message-ID: <15025@well.UUCP> Date: 15 Dec 89 08:44:53 GMT Expires: 15 Jan 90 08:00:00 GMT Reply-To: hitl@hardy.u.washington.edu (Steve Aukstakalnis) Followup-To: hitl@hardy.u.washington.edu (Steve Aukstakalnis) Organization: Human Interface Technology Laboratory, Univ. of Washington Lines: 78 CALL FOR VOTE: SCI.VIRTUAL-WORLDS ---------------------------------- The Call for Discussion ----------------------- Approximately one month ago a Call for Discussion was initiated to consider forming a new newsgroup, "sci.virtual-worlds." This newsgroup was proposed to be a nexus for scientists and researchers in many fields who, singly or together, were working to develop virtual-worlds systems. These systems use computer technology and advanced display systems to create various three-dimensional, user- encompassing environments in which pictures, sounds, and physical sensations replace keyboards and CRT's as the medium through which humans and computers exchange information. Sci.virtual-worlds was proposed to be hosted by the Human Interface Technology Laboratory at the University of Washington and co-moderated by science writer Howard Rheingold and Steve Aukstakal- nis of the Laboratory. The actual newsgroup would reside on a participating Usenet computer at the University of Washington. The Responses ------------- In the ensuing month, the Laboratory and Rheingold received over 50 responses to the Call. Some were posted in this newsgroup; most were sent as private email. Of the 50+ responses, only one was definitely opposed to formation of the newsgroup, on the ground that Usenet should be restricted to discussions of computers and more specifically, Unix. A few of these responses thought the newsgroup was a proper response to the growth of the field, but suggested putting it in another hierarchy (comp., misc., or talk.) or using another name (cyberspace was the most popular). More than two-thirds of the responses approved of the original name proposed in the Call for Discussion, sci.virtual-worlds, and encouraged its creation as proposed in the initial Call. How to Vote --------- In keeping with the responses discussed above, we are now calling for a vote on the formation of sci.virtual-worlds. Votes may be sent to the following address, where they will be tabulated by Steve Aukstakalnis of the Human Interface Technology Laboratory according to the rules governing Usenet: hitl@hardy.u.washington.edu Your vote should be in the form, "Yes, I vote for creating sci.virtual-worlds" or "No, I vote against creating sci.virtual- worlds." Extra verbiage or opinion will be discarded unless it is information supplied to the Laboratory for the purpose of map- ping research sites, identifying researchers, etc. VOTING WILL CLOSE ONE MONTH FROM TODAY, JANUARY 14, AT MIDNIGHT. All votes must be received by that time. Votes received after January 14 will not be counted. We will tabulate the votes and post a tally within one week after voting closes. If there are 100 more votes in favor of esta- blishing the newsgroup than there are opposed to it, sci.virtual- worlds will be created shortly thereafter. Notice will be posted to this newsgroup and sent to everyone who votes. If you have any questions about the proposed newsgroup or how to cast a vote, please call Steve Aukstakalnis at the number below or send him email to hitl@hardy.u.washington.edu. Thanks for exercising your right to vote! -- BOB JACOBSON, Associate Director, Human Interface Technology Laboratory University of Washington (FU-20), Seattle, WA 98195 USA (206) 543-5075 (voice), 543-5380 (fax) * bluefire@well.uucp >> "We can do virtually anything." <<