GMS@psuvm.BITNET (09/18/85)
I am gathering information for research into the applications of
computer-assisted communications. My eventual aqim will be to produce
a book detailing (among other items):
- the types and topologies of computer networks
- forms of electronic 'chat', mail, file transfer and bulletin-board
systems
- the nature of human communications through these channels
- the effects of these systems on information flow
- guidelines for 'effective' usage of CAC (Computer-Assisted
Communication) systems
I am intetested at this point in getting some reaction from people
on the net as to:
- any relevant books or articles I should check out
- any people doing similar research and how I can reach them
(hopefully on the net)
- any personal reactions such as "Why I use CAC systems" If you
are reading this then you DO use CAC systems. Why? What do
you get out of it?
As an example of the kind of product I would like to see come out of
this consider that we lose all vocal intonation, body language and
inflection when we use email or BBS systems. To compensate for the
corresponding loss of information some people use meta-language
symbols to convey inflection. Such as --> (:-) our old friend
the 'happy face' to convey a wry smile.
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Gerry Santoro
Microcomputer Information and Support Center
Penn State University GMS @ PSUVM (bitnet)
101 Computer Building santoro @ penn-state (csnet)
University Park, PA 16802 ...!psuvax1!psuvm.bitnet!gms (uucp)
(814) 863-4356 gms%psuvm.bitnet@wscvm.arpa (arpa)