A Sense of Time and Place

Laurence — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:40:12 +0000

Applying the principles of Rhythmeering requires a computer and network infrastructure beyond what the web currently provides. We’re getting there though with the emergence of what I call the meshverse. Second Life provides a glimpse

Like the Web, things change over time, but unlike the Web, a large part of the Second Life experience revolves around scheduled events. In Second Life, the time dimension is incredibly important, because the real-time social dimension is incredibly important. Whereas most of the Web is designed for asynchronous interaction (post a message, wait for a reply, come back later to check), Second Life pretty much depends upon synchronous interaction. This makes the time dimension that much more visible, which is why I think we’re really talking about a 4D version of the World Wide Web.

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Even parts of the web that include real-time chat are only adding one dimension to a typically flat (2D) environment. Not quite 4D.

Therefore, I’m predicting that the real future of Second Life will be seen to be the first four-dimensional version of the World Wide Web. The 4D Web adds a very visible sense of “place” and sense of “time” to our online experience, while accommodating the diversity of communication needs. It’s not a 3D game. It’s not a flat web page. It’s something that combines the best attributes of both, in a way we can naturally relate to.

Kitto Mandala’s blog

The Original Rhythmeering Blog » Time

A Sense of Time and Place