Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Okay. Fine. I finally weigh in on the Augmentation versus Immersion debate.

A twitter from Fleep Tuque (thanks) was the virtual straw that broke my pixelated back and moved me to comment on the Augmentation vs. Immersion debate (AvI). After months in the blogosphere, the issue is still blazing. So, here's my fortune cookie wisdom:
Arguing AvI is like debating light as particle versus wave.

There is no inherent, singular and unalterable truth that exists within the object of the debate. There is only subjective truth that is determined by the perspective of the debaters.

Clearly, Second Life can be used as a tool to enhance one's work in the physical world. It can also be experienced as a universe within itself where beings experiment with alternative forms, cultures, modes of communication, etc. So what?

Let's not rain on each others' parades. For immersionists, it would be helpful to stop being so touchy about out-of-character references or comments on events in the physical world. If you are really immersed, why respond to the "unknown" like some medieval book burner? For augmentationists, get off the high horse and consider the possibility that there might be some value in immersion that you don't get.

Silly humans.

3 comments:

Zippora Zabelin said...

Amen ;-)

Digado said...

Really enjoyed your blog and good summary :)

The one thing that should be obvious us they are not mutually exlusive, or right or wrong - but the consequences and conclusions vary - Perception is key. The issue that started this, and will over and over again is a demand for recognition on either side.

Augmentists don't like the idea of this 'toy world, separated from the physical world.

Immersionists don't like the idea of the intrusion into a reality that can be turned on or off with the flick of a switch.

Confrontational to either side there is truth in both :)

P.S. Who are you on twitter? If you could reply/follow @Digado (http://twitter.com/digado) I'll be sure to follow you.

Digado said...

Oops, sorry, should have looked before I asked, followed the link on your blog now :) (annoying blogger uses different comment templates >.<)