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. With Real and fake and imaginary and authentic
A couple of interesting things in this Metropolis slideshow on “The Unreal World.” For instance, while it’s no surprise that you can hang out at an H/M store in The Sims, I’m not sure what to make of the fact that “the latest edition of Sim City Societies challenges players to create a green society by using alternative energy sources.” Is it good news that we may be on our way to tackling global warming in an imaginary world?
Also: Herman Miller “now offers Second Life members a collection of virtually rendered authorized editions of some of its best-known pieces.” Big deal, right? But this is what I like: The company “will make most of these new designs available for free to users who purchased virtual knockoffs. … from unauthorized sellers.”
That’s fantastic! If you’re going to have a representation of Herman Miller chair in a virtual world, you better make sure it’s, um, authentic. Make sure all your fake things are the real thing!
And finally, Fabjectory, which makes physical representations of avatars, for a fee.
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Reader Comments
“And finally, Fabjectory, which makes physical representations of avatars, for a fee.”
a) old news
b) there are other players in this space, including a former MS exec
c) expect continuing talk of the potential hit videogame “Spore” (yet to be released) allowing people to order their own, individually-created custom critter
d) if it’s 3D it can be manufacturing/fabricated; there’s little fundamental difference between a 3D avatar and the CAD files used to create most everything at the local Wal*Mart.
Sorry I mentioned it!
I’d rather you were sorry you said,
“If you’re going to have a representation of Herman Miller chair in a virtual world, you better make sure it’s, um, authentic. Make sure all your fake things are the real thing!”.
It’s a pretty stupid comment, imo. After all, there’s nothing “real” about a brand in the first place. It’s intangible. It’s an Idea. Nothing more.
Okay. Thanks for weighing in, and all best to you.