P3D Re: C3D (was:Ban everything not specifically 3D?)

[Larry Berlin <lberlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Mon, 23 Mar 1998
>From: roberts@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (John W Roberts)
>..................................
>
>An intriguing idea and a generous offer. However, I'm inclined to favor
>not creating C3D *at present*, for the following (somewhat selfish) reasons:
>
> - The way P3D is set up now, there's a certain amount of discussion of
>computer issues, but if it builds up above a certain rate, people start to
>complain, and it (eventually) tapers off. By reading P3D, I get exposure to
>a limited amount of computer 3D stuff, enough to keep track of what's new,
>and get a general idea of how to do 3D things on a computer. If C3D is created
>and I don't subscribe, that moderate flow of computer information on P3D
>will be cut off and I won't know much about what's going on in computer 3D.

*****  I think there are enough persons into both cameras and computers that
some computer related discussions will continue to happen on P3D as will
some camera discussions on the D3D list. 

>
> - If the C3D list is created, it will provide the nucleus for explosive
>growth in postings on computer 3D topics. So if I *do* subscribe, I'll be
>flooded with computer 3D stuff, and the total amount of 3D mail I get a day
>might conceivably double. A large part of the C3D mail will be long discussions
>on how to configure $10000 rendering programs that I can't afford. :-)

*****  The good news is that most of the stereo related software that exists
does not cost $10,000. There's an enormous number of 3D interested
programmers poised with the skills and interests to produce more stereo 3D
content for your enjoyment. Helping this group discover the stereo
dimensions would be quite beneficial for additional low cost STEREO
inclusive tools in the future. Plus, you could never get that concentration
of stereo computer stuff on P3D without stimulating strenuous dissent.

The fact that you anticipate *explosive growth* of postings on this topic
seems significant. That can only happen when there is a desire to have such
discussions and a lack of suitable places to have it. The entire internet is
an example of the total of knowledge being greater than any one person can
absorb in a life time. One has to make choices, even within specific areas
of interest.

Maybe there are ways to make *keeping up with lists one isn't reading in
detail* easier?

>(And for which specialized discussion groups already exist elsewhere.)

****  I doubt very much if such groups spend any significant time on stereo
aspects even if their programs cost as much as a house. Until there is more
activity to generate major media in stereo, the subject as it relates to
stereo won't be strong in those other groups.

>......... For example, the way the list is now, a person planning to buy
>equipment to take hyperstereo photos might ask a question about a good tripod
>to buy, and a brief discussion could provide some ideas. With a split, that
>person might be concerned that tripods are not a proper "specifically 3D"
>topic.

*****  Tripods would seem appropriate to both P3D and D3D lists as long as
it's in the search for stereo results.

>
> - These preferences are based on the current long-term average rate of
>computer topic postings on P3D. If the long-term average were to get
>significantly higher, there would be a clearer need for C3D, despite the
>"cons".

*****  There has been a significant amount of squelching of digitally
related discussions on P3D. Therefore usage stats reflecting current
discussion levels in this vein are heavily biased and represent a largely
unknown value. The more significant trend is the very hot interest on the
part of so many when digital threads get started, despite objections from
some. There is a need for a discussion area in which that topic is the
intended discussion, instead of getting treated as a *barely tolerated*
topic. One thing seems certain, the current camera oriented folk are
unwilling to allow heavier digital discussion levels on P3D. Indeed, if that
were encouraged the list would simply become too large for most persons
regardless of their favorite topic. That makes a new group seem very practical. 

Larry Berlin

Email: lberlin@xxxxxxxxx
http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/
http://3dzine.simplenet.com/


------------------------------