Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2005 06:57:19 -0500
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>
From: Barry Newton <bnewton at ashcomp.com>
Subject: [WSFA] Interesting talk
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>

The following item is coming up at the National Institute of Standards and
Technology next week, and may be of interest to some WSFANS--considerable
in some cases.  Security has tightened some since 9-11:  in order to get on
the grounds you must call ahead and have your name on a list of expected
visitors.  You'll get a pass at the gatehouse.  That being said, here's the
announcement:

10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES: Virtual Worlds: Realities of a Virtual
Economy
Practical virtual reality has arrived, but not where you'd expect. The
video game industry has now developed persistent systems that allow
millions to interact in the same fantasy game space at the same time.
Geographically vast and socially detailed, synthetic worlds allow ordinary
people to live out their lives almost entirely within a fantasy existence.
Does it matter to the rest of us? Perhaps. The economics are staggering -
people who spend their time in synthetic worlds also spend their money
there, and a thriving eBay trade in virtual items - magic wands and such -
has sprung up. One estimate puts this trade of real dollars for fantasy
items at more than $100 million annually. This talk provides insight into
the economic, cultural, and political consequences of synthetic worlds, and
the looming era of mass participation in practical virtual reality systems.
Edward Castronova , Department of Telecommunications, University of Indiana.
Administration Bldg, Green Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Flo Parkhill,
301-975-4203, florence.parkhill at nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available

Barry