[MUD-Dev] Re: FW: UBE/high: Re: W IRED: Kilers have more fun

[Jon A. Lambert]

>On 14 Aug 98, Dr. Cat wrote:
> > 
> > So anyway, let's say Boffo leaps out from between the 
> > sporting goods and
> > the hardware section.  He's wearing football pads and a hockey mask, 
> > brandishing a rake, and to his sides and back he's got 
> > strapped a nail 
> > gun,
> > two hockey sticks, a chainsaw, and a ballpeen hammer.  He 
> > yells "Kreegah!"
> > and viciously attacks me.  I'm dead.
> > 

Sorry about requoting this.  The images conjured by this scenario 
are very humorous.  Methinks Sears hardware would be a very 
dangerous place to shop.  :)

> > Now, quite apart from how I might feel about this, Walmart is clearly 
> > going
> > to be upset at the slight reduction in the odds that I will 
> > spend money on
> > their lawn furniture because of this.  What's their solution? 

There are a number of these virtual shopping centers currently on the 
web.  I haven't seen the VR helmet idea implemented yet, but I think 
the basic problem's solution is already being addressed.  
When one walks into a virtual store on the net, one is presented with
mutli-user application where everyone exists in their own single 
user space.  I can't imagine any reason that Walmart or any other 
vendor would code for customer v. customer interaction.  Imagine the
potential problems of inviting loiterers, protest groups, etc.  
Imagine Walmart employees go on strike and place picketers inside
or just outside the virtual stores.  ;)

Then again, it is conceivable that persons who hang out at Walmart to
chat with other customers may well increase sales.  Perhaps this CvC 
interaction is more suitable for the mall avenue area.  Still it does
leave mall store owners subject to certain anti-commerce activities. 
Now customer vs. employee interaction might be very beneficial.  It 
would add that 'human' touch that seems to missing from current 
virtual stores.  Of course it requires the services of employees who 
really do know alot about products in their areas (a rarity in the 
real world chain store environment).  

> > Indeed.  I'll conceed I'm not interested solely in catering to human 
> > nature as
> > it exists now, but rather in contributing to its evolution to 
> > whatever it 
> > will
> > develop into in the next century or two.  I do view it as malleable.  

You may have to wait a few thousand years.  It hasn't changed much
in the last 5000 years.  The observations on human nature by St. 
Augustine, Machiavelli  and others are as relevant today as they were 
in their times.  
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