About this blog
If, as predicted by Ray Kurzweil and others, most interpersonal interactions will by mid-century occur in virtual environments, we need to understand the psychological and cultural implications for education, business, governance, and for society overall.Taking its title from the J.G. Ballard novel of that name, the Unlimited Dream Company is an in-world research and discussion group for those interested in the ways in which technology shapes psychology in virtual worlds--and, in particular, those who believe that immersive 3D worlds have become a medium par excellence for thought experiment and personal transformation, whether intended by its 'residents' or not.
You are encouraged to read the introductory statement and About page before reading individual articles.
This blog was launched on 28th December 2010.
Monthly Archives: January 2011
1000+ Avatars
I happened upon by chance a couple of days back an interesting Second Life art project and web site, 1000+ Avatars. Essentially a photographic project–the Los Angeles-based new media and performance artist, painter and art historian Kristine Schomaker (Gracie Kendal … Continue reading
Pregnancy and birth in SL
Just a quick post, since I’ve little time to write extensively at the moment and since, in any case, the eloquent and amusing article “Pregnancy and birth in SL” accessible from the link below says it all: Forceme Silverspar, ‘Pregnancy … Continue reading
The Meaning of ‘Busy’
I was yesterday struck once again by the way in which the viewer interface in Second Life–in other words, the technology of participation–can ipso facto engender ambiguities and uncertainties unlikely to occur in Real Life, and consequently impact upon the … Continue reading
When you know you’ve been spending too long in SL
Although on the face of it this post may seem frivolous (but there’s absolutely nothing at all wrong with a little humour once in a while, is there?), it addresses a very serious and very interesting issue: in what ways … Continue reading
What is a ‘friend’?
At some point down the line when I’ve collated and reviewed my notes, I’ll be writing a great deal more about the meaning of ‘friendship’ in social networking application in general and in Second Life in particular. This morning, however, … Continue reading
The Unlimited Dream Company 