[sci.electronics] CALL FOR VOTE: SCI.VIRTUAL WORLDS

bluefire@well.UUCP (Bob Jacobson) (12/15/89)

                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." <<

bluefire@well.UUCP (Bob Jacobson) (12/15/89)

    The Hardy machine at the University of Washington, where votes for
the proposed new newsgroup, sci.virtual-worlds, were to be tabulated,
has temporarily gone down.  This occurred just as the Call for Vote:
Sci.Virtual-Worlds notice was being posted.
 
    Please delay your response to the Call by approximately twelve
hours, until noon on Friday, December 15.  Hardy should be working by then.
If your vote is returned to you by Usenet, it means that Hardy was
down when it arrived.
 
    Thanks for your understanding.  These things happen, although the
local salesmen *swear* this is all just a figment of our imagination....
 
     Remember, the address for voting on sci.virtual-worlds, aye or
nay, is:

                          hitl@hardy.u.washington.edu
 
-- 
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." <<