One of these MOO's that Jim is talking about is Diversity University. It is a virtual campus with people working in a wide range of subject areas. Please visit and check it out. THe address is: telnet 155.31.1.1 8888 _________________________________________________________________________ : Richard Tilmann [log in to unmask] : : (517) 772-5451 : :________________________________________________________________________: On Thu, 26 May 1994, James L. Swanson wrote: > ---------- > Synopsis of an article on the future of electronic networks: > "Cyberspace offers chance to do 'virtually' real science" > Science, 264, p. 900 (13 May 94) > > Using software based on the MUDs (Multi-user dungeons), biologists, astronomer s, > and ecologists are creating virtual scientific meeting places called MOOs > (Multi-Uuser dimension, Object Oriented). > > "Unlike e-mail and bulletin boards, MOO conversations take place in real time. > Unlike Internet Relay Chat, MOOs are focused on particular subject areas and l et > users show and share data and tools as they talk. And unlike videoconferencing , > all a scientist needs to use a MOO is a computer and a bare-bones Internet > connection... The unique attraction of a MOO is that is is a shared, > customizable encorinment that is persistent. Build a lab and put in data, note s, > and tools and they will remain there after you sign off. With your permission, > collaborators can visit your lab and work with the data and tools while you ar e > gone... PARC researchers are putting the finishing touches on the next > generation of MOO, called Jupiter, which will offer full-color graphics, > windows, audio, and video." > > Coming soon to a MOOseum near (in galactic terms) us? > > ..Jim Swanson / Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies / Banff, AB T0L 0C0.. > .........................can-wmcr-ama@immedia.ca.......................... >