From: cyberoid@milton.u.washington.edu (Bob Jacobson)
Subject: Re: Virtuality as a system of actions
Date: Sat, 5 Oct 1991 16:49:23 GMT
Organization: HIT Lab, Seattle WA.



A difficulty with using prior media of communication (eg., theatre or film)
as a theoretical model for VR is that the "theory" underlying these earlier
forms is as muddled as the theory claimed as a foundation for VR.  "What
works" is still the rule of thumb in the other arts, as it may well prove
to be for VR:  empirical, trial-and-error methods of discovery will prevail
until some bigger picture is formed and expounded -- which may yet be
incomplete and contentious.  It's the way of the world.  As an ardent pro-
ponent of design methods and skills for virtual environments, I am still
left somewhat adrift by what passes for contemporary communication theory.

Bob Jacobson