May 6-12, 2006 Opening Reception: May 6, 2006, 4-8p Location: Robert Zemeckis Center for the Digital Arts, 3131 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089

This weekend, I ventured to Las Vegas for the Digital Cinema Summit, part of the National Association of Broadcasters event. It was an eye-opening experience, especially with James Cameron's keynote, where he emphasized that while digital technology opens new doors, compelling storytelling remains the core of cinema. The discussions revolved around the future of 3D and digital experiences, all while addressing the business implications of digital cinema in a rapidly evolving industry. Ultimately, the summit felt like a gamble worth taking, blending the technical with the creative in a way that could redefine visual storytelling.

At the recent MASSIVE symposium, the atmosphere was alive with engaging discussions and a sense of community. I reflected on the significance of games, not merely as entertainment but as lenses through which we can examine social dynamics and personal perspectives. While I may not be a seasoned gamer, I believe in the power of play to challenge our views, provoke thought, and foster connections. Games can transform our understanding of life, offering fresh perspectives on the crises we face, and inspiring us to envision a more sustainable and meaningful existence.

In a quest for a geospatial web, the author grapples with the concept of spatial annotation and the collaborative power of geotagging. The vision involves simplifying the process for anyone to add geographic semantics to web resources, thereby enriching the internet with layers of context and relevance. Together with a friend, the author explores a tool that allows users to geotag during their usual web surfing, creating a community of geotaggers contributing to a vibrant, shared map of information. With the promise of feeds based on geographic coordinates, the future of the geospatial web looks bright and inviting for all adventurers of the digital age.

I’m really hopped up on the idea of the ubicamera that takes ubipictures. There are already hints of ubiquitous visual coverage with this “mutually assured flickering” whackiness of getting coverage of the same moment from a variety of perspectives. It happens, of course, with tagging concensus for events and so for…

Recently, I collaborated with Carolyn Strauss on a proposal for a new messaging architecture inspired by the notion of slowness. Instead of being just another fast- paced communication tool, this concept introduces an aesthetic that encourages a more reflective interaction with our messages. By creating a system that allows for a gradual arrival of communications, we can foster anticipation and mindfulness in our digital exchanges. Through ambient visualization and thoughtful design, we can transform how we engage with our overflowing inboxes, making the process more pleasant and manageable.

The recent thesis presentations by the 3rd year Interactive Media Division students showcased a wealth of creativity, but one project, in particular, captured my thoughts: Erin Dinehart’s mobile game, 'Journey of Jin.' This game stands out not just for its stunning graphics but for its unique take on mobility, described by Erin as a 'Mobile Distraction Portal.' It offers players a chance to immerse themselves in a world where they can escape the mundane, reflecting on the nature of movement and distraction in our daily lives. While it may lack traditional elements of mobility like GPS and sensors, it excels in tapping into the essence of casual gaming, inviting players to lose themselves in a delightful digital realm.

The post reflects on the high costs associated with attending the ACM SIGCHI 2006 conference, highlighting the frustrations of researchers like Anne Galloway, who plans to crash the event. The author shares their own disheartening experience from a previous workshop they organized, where despite their efforts, they still faced hefty fees. This commentary raises questions about the fairness of funding in academia and the sacrifices made by those who contribute to the field.

Nicolas Nova, who will be joining us at the Networked Publics Conference, points to a International Herald Tribute article on user generated content. (Recently, there was an article in the NYT on a similar topic.)