From: cyberoid@milton.u.washington.edu (Robert Jacobson)
Subject: New Systems: Avoiding "Cold Fusion" (Was Re: FVT will be on display)
Date: 18 Feb 91 17:36:25 GMT
Organization: Human Interface Technology Lab, Univ. of Wash., Seattle



The appearance of new VW systems could take the form of the Cold Fusion
debacle unless we exercise good judgment both in making claims and in
critiquing them. Perhaps we should also promulgate some parameters for
determining what is truly VW and what is something less or other than
VW. While technical parameters remain important as a way of benchmarking
systems, we also might want to employ more subjective tests in evaluating
claims for new VW systems (e.g., how inclusive is the experience of being
in the VW system?), as a virtual world is largely reconstructed in the mind
of the beholder/participant.

Any suggestions for parameterization?

Bob Jacobson
Moderator