Steve Peters » 2006

The Ethical Dilemmas of Immortality

Posted on 24th May 2006 in Uncategorized

“Several ethical and moral arguments that have cropped up in recent years as labs around the world aim at the dream of immortality, or at least to extend lives well beyond the century mark.”

Ah, this brings back immediate memories of Lockjaw, where this was the central theme, which I thought was brilliant.

At first thought, immortality seems like a great thing. But when you stop and examine the cultural/ethical/moral ramifications, it’s not so clear.

“….and then the screaming started.”

Good times. :)

Social Networks Attract Nearly Half Of All Web Users

Posted on 13th May 2006 in Uncategorized

The top 10 sites collectively grew 47 percent in the United States from the same month a year ago to 68.8 million unique visitors, Nielsen/NetRatings said. The sites reached 45 percent of active Web users.

This has been something I’ve always tried to stress, as far as ARG design. A big chunk of web surfers have some sort of online community they call home, whether it be MySpace, WeLovePoodles, or Unifiction.

People tend to want to play at “home,” and forcing them into a new social area with new rules, etc., is something players may not want to do. This is just one of the reasons I don’t like “in-game” forums set up as a play space by ARG developers.

As far as ARGs are concerned, most of the time, the Player-base gains critical mass at one location or forum, but that doesn’t mean it always has to be that way.

Witness the Lost Experience. It’s being played and enjoyed at a ton of different places. Gravitational forces may whittle that down to a couple major “go-to” communities, but even if that doesn’t happen, is that so bad?

E3 2006

Posted on 11th May 2006 in Uncategorized

Well, I’ve been in So. Cal. all week, and will I get a chance to check out E3 this year?? Nope. :/

While I’m in town and all, I’m just too busy to head down there, which is a drag because things are finally at the point where I actually know people, and I could actually hang out with friends and have fun, instead of wandering around all by my lonesome. :P

So, to all my ARG friends who are there, and you know who you are, STOL!

Ah well, there’s always next year. Or something.

comments: 2 » tags: ARG

Time Flies

Posted on 3rd May 2006 in Uncategorized

I suddenly find myself in a semi-surreal scene. I’m sitting behind a desk that’s not mine, the windows are open, and I’m hearing buses and traffic…..and someone playing “My Way” on the saxophone from the sidewalk below.

Dude. Don’t quit your day job. Or get a day job. Or something. Please!

I’m also away from home, which is especially a bummer today, as it’s my and my wife’s 20th wedding anniversary. It’s all good, don’t worry. We got away and celebrated on Sunday before I left.

But 20 years. Ho. Ly. Crap. I used to think 20 years was a long time, but no more. I mean, yeah, I’m no teenager any more, but sheesh, old enough to have been married for 20 years?! No way, not me.

On the upside though, everyone today is telling me what an accomplishment it is to be married 20 years, and I do have to agree. But I don’t attribute it to much more than totally lucking out and finding someone who is so great and easy to live with. We’ve never really had to work at it, which means we’re either totally in denial about a lot of issues, or we’re just incredibly compatible. I’m thinking it’s definitely the latter. Or something. 20 years doesn’t make me, like an expert or anything. No deep thoughts from me on this one, I’m just glad and amazed we’ve made this milestone.

So, Happy Anniversary, baybee! I’ll be home soon!

….listens to sax player break into “‘Cause I’m Your Woman.” Or something. That Celine Dion song.

Man, life is good.

EDIT: Oh wait! Now he’s playing “Endless Love!”

comments: 4 » tags: ARG, job