Insight Blog

Connections come to light! Will that be good or bad?

02/17/2012 19:25:00

Round 4 of the cover design. Just approved the internal design.. (*fingers crossed* on that decision.) I have been running this new version of the cover by contacts in virtual environments.

What do you think?. First impressions? Would you buy or be interested in a book with this cover?

A lot of great thoughts, a good many of them have been incorporated into this design. Some thoughts are conflicting.. color should be darker, lighter.. Get rid of the little people, get rid of the center picture... move the line.. etc etc. All good and thoughtful.. but.. decisions have to be made. All of which probably don't really mean much in the whole scheme of things... however.....

This book is broaching a human connection that has been hidden and not discussed, mostly because of the horrific reactions from those that believe only Real Biological Avatars have value. So if virtual relationships come out of the closet so to speak.. umm.. sigh.. I will be center stage on the firing line. ..... squeeek.....help....!

But I am not the only one that will be exposed, many that have pooh poohed there online time as nothing.... will now be under question and more scrutiny. "Hey, what are you really doing online?" "How close are you and that gal you say is just a friend?" There could be some huge conflicts erupt by those who have disguised their feelings. I am already contemplating and questioning if the good will out weigh the bad?

But then in public as I respond to the clerk who is adjusting my glasses as to what I do... conversations stop.... questions start coming from people in the waiting room.... experiences of pain, joy and confusion are shared on the spot. Something so very very intense which has had to be squished and swallowed has now been opened. Can we talk about it?

There are cultures that don't have a word for some emotions such as jealousy. Does that mean that jealousy is not in that culture? Probably not, more along the line of that culture refusing to acknowledge that experience as valid. That is where we are now with online interactions. Our culture is confused so it must be bad, don't talk about it.

The book I feel maybe a bit of a Pandora's box. As much as I want it to be the jumping off point to solid worthwhile connections worldwide with understanding, love and acceptance of diversity,... it could also be, for a time, the beginning of war.

We will be having a Roadside Philosopher's discussion on this very concern Tomorrow Feb. 18th at 8am in the virtual world of Second Life. Feel free to join us, or respond to this blog.

Would your life be better if virtual relationships were acknowledged?

Also, please express your own comments on the cover design.

Thank you all my virtual readers, philosophers and all of you that might have casually dropped by, for touching my soul and letting me be a part of your thoughts.. Hugs!

Virtual Valentines Better than AI

02/11/2012 00:57:00

Try it you might like it.

You know when I first saw those little animated robots that were pets or had some response to you in an interactive way I was WOW'd.

I use to watch a tv series that had a rogue electronic guy interrupt the television show and could interact.

Wouldn't it be fun to have someone who lived in your computer that could talk to you and respond whenever you needed to vent or bounce ideas around. No, I am not talking about Paper Clip cartoon tutorials from old Microsoft days. I am talking about a real AI.

But you know what would be better than that! A real person! Someone with history and experiences to share; which had thoughts and feelings just like a real person. The Ultimate computer companion...a real person.

This is what surprises me in today's market. We think it is all cute and wonderful to have electronic devices talk to us like they think, but devalue the real people who talk and share with us online as worthless? (Granted some of them don't think either. *smile*)

There is a connection that has been made. We can share and interact. That has got to be MORE awesome than a robot dog. We have got to have a greater attention span than just the trivialities. Trivialities get boring really quick. How long did you play with that electronic pet before the novelty wore off?

If we focus and do not skip by the chance online encounters that spark something inside and reach out via electronic media, are patience, forgiving and listen,we can make our whole planet a virtual valentine as we learn to love and appreciate the diversity that exists.

I just performed another wedding in world, a couple that met 15 years ago in one online environment had again met and united in a totally different online venue... so are now planning to take their unity into the biological avatar's realm.

I have witnessed that vows are no more valid in real life than in virtual if they are not meant by both parties.The same is also true in reverse. Virtual vows can be just as meaningful and just as valid as the people behind them wish them to be.

Happy Valentines to all my electronic connections that support me or hate me or send me supplies in Dragons of Atlantis.. at least virtual sweets are not fattening..Huga

Validation Measures

02/04/2012 21:33:00

"Virgin's Handbook on Virtual Relationships" which had a Kickstarter project engaged for the funding of the publication has reached its targeted goal! TY TY!

The philosopher, that is my core being, hates to deal with the realities of the world's valuation method of dollars. However, that is societies currency. Is someone willing to pay money in exchange for what you have to offer.

Yet, is it indeed what our internal being desires? If handed a bunch of money, would that be what makes us happy?

In the book I list the currency of value for relationships, which is Time. Time is limited for all of us. When we spend that currency it is not refundable, can not grow falsely from interest or by robbing people of theirs. It is all we got, a finite resource.

The measuring sticks that we use to grant value to things need to be examined from time to time. Science will say something is an absolute because it is measured and documented, but then the measurement may come into question and the basis for the belief were faulty.. and it turns out that the result has no more value than the measurement.

We have to examine our real life beliefs and measurements as well. What are we investing our real currency of value (time) in? Does it match what we want from our limited existence on this planet?

People slave away for others for dollars that they spend in taxes or Big Macs or their stamp collection... is that indeed your greatest desire? Does it bring you happiness? Many things mean different things to different people and that is not what I am questioning. Just are the things you are spending your time on.. are they what really make you happy?

Wall Street values money and the power to manipulate for more money..I rarely see anyone doing anything else but worrying if they will get caught fudging on this or that or if the illusion of value will crash tomorrow. A lot of time wasted on a construct that brings little value.

I was helping people with great ideas, giving my time and creations hoping someone would pull me along in their wake of success, but everyone is struggling and while drowning the first mode is to catch your own breath before helping others. They are forgiven, I learned a lot while "being used" as some would call it.

I value my virtual relationships!! That is my focus. I do not want people to hurt, but have control over how and when they engage their beliefs.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me with this project and for being my contacts and sharing with me your insights. Maybe someday we will indeed all link together in a virtual handhold. Hugs!

It is all about Perspective!

01/22/2012 00:17:00

So my life at the moment is focused on the project of getting the book published.

Strangely they start with the Press Release first? Fine! That is just a few words. How tough can that be, I just finished a whole book?

Well apparently multiple perspectives gives it a whole new challenge.

The publisher that doesn't know the project produces a yawn, fill-in-the-blank press release. I create something more along the academic side. Still too boring!

Then a brilliant friend ranted at me for 45 min kicking things up a notch from a marketing perspective, which I then had to rewrite from what he pointed out.

Now mind you this is only a short item. Finally a great editor friend corrected it for technical expertise and solved all my blabbering components with shorter more concise sentences.

But now I am getting rewrites from the first friend.. ummm perspective. Who is right? Depends where you sit in the circle.

At some point, I get to make the decision, "This is close enough to my ideal to let it fly." Will it work? Don't know? Do I like it? I am getting there. Will my wildest dreams come true... Probably not.. I do get pretty wild with my dreams. *wink*. So just have courage to hit the button and call it done and watch what hits the fan.

We are our own last point of decision in our own life. It is good to have different inputs, especially when they help you define sharper what you wished anyway, but they will never be the same. Don't try to copy someone else no matter how you may admire them. Let them help you clear the weeds from your path, but don't try to copy theirs.

I try to explain this to others when religious & anti-religious perspectives butt heads. You are welcome to give general directions, but don't SCREAM though the cell phone, "TURN LEFT NOW". That might work from the car your in at the moment, but from where the other person is in their travels, it will take them off the bridge.

It is absolutely amazing hearing a perspective I would have never considered, explained from where they sit. I marvel and simple say, "Yeah, you know.. your right."

Beginnings & Endings can we love both?

01/03/2012 10:07:00

Welcome to the Beginning of a New year AND welcome to the Mayan calendars 'end of time'.

We are born and from that point on have an expiration date, yet we fight the thought that there is an end.

What would you do different if this was indeed the last year of time?

How wonderful would you see everything? Every breath is a blessing, every dawn would be a miracle, but yet we just plow through each day hoping for a fantasy target in the future.

I am learning to celebrate endings. Irish wakes sound like a good way to me. Closing the book on good times or bad and starting anew is invigorating.

I am ending this month my five year research and book on virtual relationships and the psychology of our interactions with computers as inter-mediators. It should go to the publisher within the week, doing the last of the editing. I literally get to close the book. *smile*

Then I must start the horrific component of getting the word out there. I will be starting a kickstarter project to get a bit of funds to assist with the cost of publishing this venture and then marketing... UGH!

I know the book will have wonderful insights, but I also know that it will be very caustic to some. I think there will be something uncomfortable in it for everyone to squirm, but that is what it is like to have new information come to light forcing you to re-look at yourself under the new view.

Much love has gone into this, because I see this as a way of perceiving ourselves that will allow the freedom of being who we are.

But I apologize in advance for anything that which you might take offense..smile remember I don't know you personally.

We will see how long it will be before the end comes in this venture.. smile.. Let's celebrate beginnings & the ends. Hugs!

Darkest before the Dawn

12/14/2011 18:13:00

The month of December is literary the darkest before the dawn. The winter solstice on the 21st is the tipping point where once again the days lengthen.

The shortage of vitamin D from lack of sunlight, the pressure of the holidays and financial status of people in most countries adds additional pressures to relationships in world, online and in households. Where do we seek solace in an ever more tumultuous financial, social and technological climate?

May I suggest Stopping. That's right, just stop. No need to move, no need to respond...just pause and breath. Right this second.. I am safe. Right this second I see beauty. Right this second I can play my favorite song.

Everywhere people are grabbing in the "What's in it for me?" mode. Race here, race there.. no wonder there is stress. There is very little that is really needed. Breath.. smile.

A particularly stressful day found me choosing to spend time with my favorite fellow in-world on a sleigh ride. The ice skating center had big screens up with the Nutcracker suite playing. We just stopped... listened to the music and observed the virtual scene around us. That can be all that is needed to center again.

Will things always go our way? No.. are we going to ruin what we do have by focusing on what we don't. The rich are no happier than the poor. We all need light, hope, and love.

So offer to share that which is most valuable to those around you, peace and love. As simple as it is be grateful, be forgiving and let the pain of perceived offenses pass through you, because there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Hugs to one and all. Happy Holidays!

New worlds will our visions ever merge?

11/19/2011 21:08:00

Had a lovely discussion today with another passionate virtual world education advocate. He showed me Virtlantis and shared with me his vision of open collaboration.

Seems there is quite a few of us wishing to see function follow form.

So many new worlds jumping up trying to communicate how engaging the immersive factor is for experiential learning. SpotON3D, Reaction Grid, Active Worlds, Hypergrid's multiple worlds. We all start our own worlds with our own goals, and I think that is where we are failing.

The motherland of Second Life might be ending, (if my inside sources are correct) within a year, or it will evolve. Where will all these orphans of the vision unite after the homeland dissolves?

Is it our nature to collaborate? The seduction of creation sometimes takes precedence(click the link at the end of this blog for the video) as the urge to see our vision come to life...but after that? Where will it all go? Who or what will be the hub? Will there be a hub? Or will we all be "in the cloud"?

What do you think? Below is my little vision and the seduction of being the creator for the Science Circle's new opensim venture.

Global Celebrations - Always a Party Somewhere!

11/08/2011 13:24:00

The world is smaller now with social media and virtual worlds.

You are not only aware of the time zones of friends and colleagues (It's 5 o'clock somewhere), but the traditional celebrations of different cultures and perspectives.

"Hey, come watch the fireworks!" one friend invited excitedly while in a virtual world. "It's Guy Fawkes Day!"

"It's What?" I was perplexed. Apparently the explanation he just offered me was suppose to explain it all. When I finally got someone calmed down enough to explain what was happening and why, I could relax.

Each country selects things to celebrate and amazingly they might not be ALL-THAT in their origins, but has somehow developed into what humanity needs... and excuse to get together and feel united.

Celebrations are centered around something, usually "Not Real", if you define real as something tangible. People have days of remembrances to morn, days to commemorate a time of victory, days to be reflective, days to just party until you drop, or days to tribute to a virtue (Love, patriotism, courage).

They have an amazingly common cohesiveness in their correlation with the seasons.

So now as we start the traditional winding up & winding down of the calendar year lets use the differences we share as the reason for celebration! Happy Holidays All!

Sheep vs Visionary

10/30/2011 17:39:00

So the Wright brothers were crazy. Steve Jobs was bizarre. The focus of the world is on what is normal. If you are not like everyone else you are either a wacko or under delusion.

(... oooh.. unless you have money! Then you can be a Visionary, but that only happens AFTER you have spent years beating your head against tradition to make something happen while everyone laughs, telling you you're a nut case.)

We sooo have this sheep thing going on! We can ONLY be right if we are in the flock.

Well that looks cool but who else is doing it? Has it already been successful?

Well for PETE SAKES? if it had already been successful than I wouldn't need to try and convince you of the uniqueness of the idea and you won't be the first. You will be, at best, second.

I have a quote I use constantly to comfort my mind at troubled times. As the world is busy banging my head up against all the brick walls I ponder this.

It is from Sherlock Holmes Valley of Fear. I have seen it different in different copies of the book so I am going to just paraphrase what I remember of it, the first time I read it.

Watson came to Sherlock after just closing the door behind the detective. He asked, "Why with all the detectives in Scotland Yard, does only ONE detective come to ask for your assistance?"

Sherlock commented on how fondly he thought of the detective by saying. "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but intelligence instantly recognizes genius. He is a very intelligent man."

I get to run into some brilliant people once in awhile, through the serendipitous encounters within virtual worlds.

Here was one such encounter filmed to communicate wonderful insight that was rejected because it was inside a cartoon world. The ideas, the people were all wonderful.. but it should NOT be in cartoon.. That is not NORMAL... sigh. Creativity is not suppose to coexist with business facts.

I got to do the intro & write the questions to use for this interview. hehe.. Grady even out did me with the ways he answered them.

You need Flash Player in order to view this.

AgileDimensions interviews IBM's Grady Booch

An important conversation between two advocates of virtual worlds, listen in as AgileBill Krebs and Grady Booch discuss Agile systems and software in this enlightening 11 minute conversation. Using re...

Amazing Cultural Formation Before our Very Eyes!

10/15/2011 14:11:00

One of the great uses of virtual worlds is the ability to learn a different culture. Some virtual environments allow you to go visit and talk with those in Germany or Brazil and learn the language the way people use it now and in context.

But outside of the direct component is the value of "Learning HOW" to understand another culture."

A culture is defined by its legends, it's unique art forms, music, architecture, methods of communication and style of living.

How the culture connects the dots of their perceived reality into a cohesive story is something we all need to learn in this expanding global community. It is a consensus of many people's experiences through out time. It is not something that should be dismissed because it is not the same as your own.

A culture endeavors to explains what is presented to the people in their environment. The environment creates the culture.

The Roman and Greek Gods , Irish and the leprechauns & fairies, Australia's The Dream Time, Hawaii their menehunes, the oriental demons & dragons, every indigenous tribe has dances and stories to explain hunting success/failure, the weather, relationships.

All the stories are the joint cultural imagination of trying to make cohesive sense of the incomprehensible randomness that's observed within their environment.

For some reason there is great value in these stories and we treasure them because they define our human evolutionary existence. We put them in museums teach them to our young, immortalize them in art and respin tails in song and poems.

Funny, why we would place so much value upon a fictional construct?

We are currently bemoaning the lost of the worlds cultures... as communication has brought us nearer to each other.. we are floundering for some ubiquitous common global ground in which to define "US".

However like what happens most frequently in human existence.... We are missing the wonder of what is occurring in the here and now. The birth of a virtual culture.

Not only that... but the rapid shifting of humankind in its ability to adapt its story, while reality is constantly changing with the inclusions and obsolesces of new technology and communicational formats.

This is an anthropologists dream.. to watch at a phenomenal rate the reformation of global shifts in consciousness.

Yet we laugh because online communication is not perceived as real? Is anything that motivates the human heart... Real?