engst@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu (Adam C. Engst) (05/11/87)
I first posted a notice on interactive fiction to the ST, Mac, and Amiga newsgroups because those computers have the necessary graphic environment to carry off interactive fiction. I received quite a number of responses from different people expressing an interest in being put on a mailing list or in starting a new Usenet discussion group. I asked around to find out the proper method of starting a new group and was told that I needed to talk about interactive fiction on an existing newsgroup for a while, then get names on a petition, and then apply to the net powers that be for a new newsgroup provided that I had shown that there was enough interest to warrant the new group. This procedure seems reasonable, so I am writing to these newsgroups to inform all those who are interested in interactive fiction and those who previously replied that I will be discussing it in MISC.MISC. I decided on MISC.MISC because it is for those topics which don't really fit into any existing newsgroup. I don't think that interactive fiction does. It is not a game, yet it is entertainment while also being serious literature. It can also be used for computer-aided instruction and has a certain relationship to artificial intelligence. It needs the technology of the computer and the creativity of the writer. What it needs more than anything else at the moment is interest. People must realize that it is not a game and it is not trivial, it is real. This discussion will be devoted to any and all of the aspects of interactive fiction with the goal of developing it as a new medium for reading and writing with the aid of the computer. To start the new discussion off on the right foot (or left foot, it's non-discriminatory), I will start posting the messages from the CSNEWS@MAINE discussion group that I started at the beginning of 1987. I will also accept any email, but please specify if you don't want your ideas posted because I believe in free distribution of pertinant information. In short, please give the subject a chance. I think it is very interesting and has a great future. Thank you, Adam Engst engst@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu.UUCP pv9y@cornella.bitnet
gary@percival.UUCP (Gary Wells) (05/13/87)
Expires: References: <955@batcomputer.tn.cornell.edu> Sender: Reply-To: gary@percival.UUCP (Gary Wells) Followup-To: Distribution: world Organization: Percy's UNIX, Portland, OR. Keywords: OK, Adam, let me say that my experience with this form is quite limited. We have a "storyboard" on our system, & there have been several attempts to get/keep a story alive, all of which have failed. The primary problems that I have seen: 1)Lack of continuity. To many little fingers have been in the pie, & the story line gets lost. Granted that this form should have a much looser concept of story line, still, if the context is medival forest, lasers would seem to be an inappropreate weapon. 2)Digresions into who was sabotaging who's character, etc. 3)Start up of another, non-compatable story in the midst of the existing story. Next? -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wudda yeah mean, I'm gonna get in trouble? I AM in trouble! ...tektronix!reed!percival!gary
werner@aecom.UUCP (05/15/87)
In article <610@percival.UUCP>, gary@percival.UUCP (Gary Wells) writes: > > OK, Adam, let me say that my experience with this form is quite limited. We > have a "storyboard" on our system, & there have been several attempts to > get/keep a story alive, all of which have failed. The primary problems that > I have seen: > 1)Lack of continuity. Too many fingers have been in the pie, & the story > line gets lost. > 2)Digresions into who was sabotaging who's character, etc. > 3)Start up of another,non-compatable story in the midst of the existing story. Funny. The above reminds me of quite a bit of the Mahabharata, especially the 3rd objection. -- Craig Werner (MD/PhD '91) !philabs!aecom!werner (1935-14E Eastchester Rd., Bronx NY 10461, 212-931-2517) "The DNA genetic system is the one library in which it is worthwhile to browse"
gary@percival.UUCP (05/19/87)
Sorry, I've never heard of the Mahabarata (or whatever). I assume form context that it has multiple digressions & regressons. So, wwe now have a reference to another source of poor writing skills. How does that apply in this discussion? -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wudda yeah mean, I'm gonna get in trouble? I AM in trouble! ...tektronix!reed!percival!gary