I don't suppose there are too many people who can effectively counter some of the Luddite sounding perceptions that some people regard virtual reality, but let me just offer these thoughts. In my opinion it is about developing relationships from the inside out and what may be the next step in human evolution on a 3D global Network. As a virtual architect it has been a passion of mine to build these alternative 3D worlds and in over ten years I have marveled at the global scope of the coming virtual community. I have even lived vicariously through a number of roles as artisan, musician and builder, often designing galleries and studios preparing for a public yet aware of the vast potential of cyberspace beyond simple texting, 2D FaceBooks and MySpaces.

Star Trek fans may appreciate that one of the goals of all this cyberspace technology is the inevitable 3D halo-deck and it is these fledgling 3D realities being created from scratch in Active Worlds, Second Life and other virtual venues that we see all the old and new potential for the next step in global interactivity. Human relations have always been forged and bonded through the pursuit of all kinds of new frontiers and shared social networking in 3D is no different.

While some, like Mr. Black who writes for the Driftwood, might want to shake a computer 'geek' like myself to have a look outside at the fabulous 'graphics', he should realize that it is those very high resolution graphics that now form the inspirational baseline upon which virtual realities are built. E.G. artisans creating paintings and digital photos, you can now walk right inside and explore.

Finally, I think few people realize that a good percentage of cyber space cadets are handicapped or disfigured in some way or another and what could be more innovative than to be able to vicarious create a second version of oneself. And so what if it is more idealistic, youthful or shapely?, the fact is it accomplishes the goal of re-creating oneself in a role one might not otherwise realize within the limits of one's real-life circumstances. Flying, dancing and interacting with people without the superficial barriers or limitations that a wheelchair or disfigurement might present in the real-world makes for human relationships forged from getting to know someone from the inside-out. Contrast that with often not even getting to first base through impenetrable divisions between people due to perceived notions of class, race, disability or introversion. Virtual realities offer a challenging new frontier beyond the superficial and if in the end people find distant friendships or even love, what of it? Nothing that happens in virtual reality in terms of human behaviour is really any different than the real world and the advantages far outweigh the myopic idea that there is only one objective idea of reality or cultural morality.

I will admit that years ago I might have also felt some urge to shake people up after perhaps ingesting some wild west coast mushroom. I too may have wanted to say "my god man eat some of these and have a direct look into reality unfiltered by your ego, and oh by the way, the graphics are mind blowing"... but I digress.

"Reality" when you think about it, is a term that is nominally pretty passe at this point with all the perceptual advances in alternative lifestyles that a even a few years ago would have been perceived as unreal. If reading a book can be considered a private, fantastical way to live out ones vicarious life for a few hours then virtual spaces simply take the notion to the next level but with the huge advantage that people globally are taking part in the 3D storyline and putting their best idea of themselves forward to boot. That is the magic of this new frontier of the OMG, TTYL and Gee U R U crowd, becoming more commonplace through everyone’s desktop computer.

Curious people can check out my own and others fledgling 3D interactive work at www.Artshighway.com and beyond. And as always folks, if it ain't fun better left undone!

Paul Marcano
AKA Artist3d