[-empyre-] commerce compatability and web 3d

["Melinda Rackham" <melinda@unsw.edu.au>]

petko wrote
> In my last project - www.socializer.org /selected for web 3D art show/ I
am
> using again VRML in combination with IRC chat server and PHP and again
I've
> found the same problems: impossible compatibility for different operating
> systems, browsers etc. etc.
> However, I am getting more convinced that I have to adapt my projects for
> one concrete OS, browser and plug-in and to search alternative ways for
> distribution of 3D scenes - broadcasting a video from rendered 3D scenes,
> converting 3D in 2D animation etc.

i have exactly the same infuriating xplatform etc probelms petko, and have
made vidoes a well for accessable delivery (which of course look crappy
compared to the actual experience) , and ironically find that showing online
networked art is easier in the museum situation becasue at least you have
controll of the hard and soft ware!! - once i thought java would solve all
those problems, but it doesnt either. yes, there is the choosing one option
and just writing for it - but in the totally shakey world of dotcoms there's
no security in that either - i imaging a large section of the 3d community
who gambled on Blaxxun for 3d content delivery are very nervous at the
moment as to its future, as one section of the company has filed for
insolvancy according to what i'm reading on the vrml list.

the integration of standards, the competition and the commercial aspects of
online 3d was something i wanted to ask Nick Polys about  from his opening
statement, and how the people who work in software development see it
panning out.. or is it just anyone's guess? it almost feels like waiting for
an earthquake.. wondering which bit of ground will open up next to swallow
up years of artwork.

melinda