[-empyre-] seeing yourself a prototype - the limits of open source

[christopher sullivan]

definitions, I think we are not all talking about the same thing.
so here are my worst case and  best case definitions of prototyping.
Chris

dictionary, 

Prototype A prototype is an original type, form, or instance of something
serving as a typical example, basis, or standard for other things of the same
category. The word derives from the Greek(prototypon), "primitive form", neutral
of (prototypos), "original, primitive", from (protos), "first" and (typos),
"impression".[1]

my definitions.

best case scenario: . a prototype in is an object, or behavior, that is an
experimental attempt to work towards a best case scenario of application,
validity, or volatility of an idea, or thing. there must be a concrete need,
for the prototype to be valuable.

Worst case scenario: a replacement or guinea-pig for a genuine article, so to
make the person experiencing or using this thing, or thought system. feel that
they are negotiating a known object or experience: a dopple ganger or facsimile
of the real. a placebo: a stunt man. 

what is your definition?







Quoting Julian Oliver <julian at julianoliver.com>:

> ..on Thu, Mar 18, 2010 at 03:10:01PM -0000, Johannes Birringer wrote:
> > >> Davin wrote:>> At one point in time, discrete objects were things that
> were considered prototypes that could be thrown into an existing system and
> tested. Increasingly, it seems like the prototypes are geared to test
> individual and collective consciousness.  In other words, maybe we are the 
> prototypes?  Being tested so that we can be effectively processed,
> shrink-wrapped, labeled, bought and sold>>
> 
> Hmm, This statement from Davin confused me also. I thought it was fairly
> clear
> that any act of learning - or any 'attempt', which all action is at it's root
> -
> simultaneously produces the self as a prototype, even if only for the
> duration
> of that act. The very notion of a prototype assumes a platonic and
> eventuating
> objecthood, a finished thing. When are people ever so singularly resolved? 
> 
> Second order prototyping is the work of other people, especially
> aquaintances,
> marketeers and those that resource people.
> 
> Beast,
> 
> -- 
> Julian Oliver
> home: New Zealand
> based: Berlin, Germany 
> currently: Berlin, Germany
> about: http://julianoliver.com
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> 


Christopher Sullivan
Dept. of Film/Video/New Media
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
112 so michigan
Chicago Ill 60603
csulli at saic.edu
312-345-3802