Re: accessing Glide

Charles wrote,

> Is there any reason why a simple text page of explanation,
> with maybe a few gif or jpeg or wav images and sounds,
> could not be provided, in addition to the multimedia trip?
> Some of us might prefer to get information that way.
> Anyway, the URL above doesn't work for me:
> "error: tcp_connect nova.stu.rpi.edu 80 failed".
>
Diana replies,
 sorry for the long delay in answering your question.  thought i had--the=
n--there it was...
reason 1)  we were on such a deadline to complete v.1 if the glide websit=
e by december 8, that the kind of additions you suggest were simply not =
possible. we have discussed adding lots more introductory material.  i =
think after the holifays, we'll be ready to get back to work on it.
reason 2)  the original intention has been, to present the material in =
its current multimedia format.  first, the very nature of the language =
includes the idea of language in motion, a concept much easier to show--b=
efore talking about--than with static pictures and explanation only.  the=
re are numerous animations throughout--i assure you it's not just gratuit=
ous eye-candy but actually trying to present concepts though a different =
linguistic modality:  motion and morphing.  the question is posed:  what =
does it mean when syntax is on the move?  and more fundamentally--what =
does it mean to move through a maze of language?  there are additional =
explorations using glyphs as soundscapes, a kind of visual instrument tha=
t can be played by the user inteactively to create different paths throug=
h triggered sounds, and therefore use a different sensory modality to ill=
ustrate the hypertextual aspect of glyph mazes.  the lexicon is an animat=
ed "ferris wheel" of meanings, radiating out from the core glyphs and mea=
nings, the branches opening and closing per the user's exploration--also =
advancing and retreating in a 3-D space.  again, the visual is used to =
express embedded concepts--how meaning can 'metaphor-ize' outward from =
a generative core.  the collabyrinth is the most complex--and experimenta=
l--of the pieces of the website.  this section is implemented in director=
 shockwave and fully interactive.  the user can experiment with composing=
 glyph mazes--choosing and placing mulriple glyphs on the screen, then =
changing their properties interactively to explore expressive potential =
with scaling, rotation, and color blending.  text can also be placed on =
the screen.  the user can save and store compostions, including motion, =
and reaccess them--or have them available for others to see.  again--this=
 is brand new, has bugs, and the visual interface is awaiting re-do to =
bring it into line with the interface of the site as a whole.  but we tho=
ught it was too much fun not to throw it out there for others to try.  =
also, being in 'early beta', we could really use the critical eye of vari=
ous users, telling use what doesn't work, what could be improved, etc. =
 very much a work in progress.  but the point here is that this kind of =
experiment is only possible using authoring tools that let one create ful=
ly interactive applications.  we are well aware that the hassle of downlo=
ading and installing plugins and 'xtras' necessary for its use is a pain =
in the neck.  but it is possible, and we stand ready to help anyone throu=
gh if they want to make the effort.  as the technology itself is constant=
ly 'morphing toward glory'  ;--)  things do get easier, little by little.=
  no doubt we'll do some kind of cd-rom version with everything 'built-in=
' but that of course limits distribution considerably, and we're not stri=
ving for something commercial, after all.  so--hope this answers your que=
stion.  we do agree that more easily accessible material would be helpful=
 and desirable.  and we will continue to develop the more 'high-end' expr=
essive potentials--even though they are considerably more work to produce=
--and to view.  in summary--this is truly a case of the medium and the =
message being closely aligned.  happy to help you--or anyone else--if you=
 want to try again!

diana