Failed Screenwriter

The first 1st Joint International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling is calling for papers. I love to see this stuff - supplies me with reading material. I also enjoy seeing how they succinctly describe what we're all trying to do.

In order to create novel applications, in which users play a significant role together with digital characters and other autonomous elements, new concepts for Human-Computer Interaction have to be developed.

Where we differ is our approach in developing these new concepts for Human-Computer Interaction. Where they call for papers I call for volunteer developers to put tools in the hands of artists. Maybe they think it's too complex for artists to grasp.

In order to process stories in real time, traditional storytelling needs to be formalized into computable models, by drawing from narratological studies, and by taking into account the characteristics of programming. Consequently, due to its technological complexity, it is currently hardly accessible for creators and end-users.

Complexity is not the answer

Maybe I'm taking it out of context a bit, but the call for papers implies that we still need to figure this stuff out. I'm in agreeance with them that we have yet to crack this nut, but implying that it will take more complexity to solve goes against what I see happening on the Internet and in business. I've been a product manager for most of my career and I've got to say, you quickly learn to steer clear of complex. Complex is another word for unforeseen delays and failure.

Who says we need to figure it out ahead of time

Growing up with the Internet the practice of "launch early, launch often" is second nature to me. We shouldn't be looking to figure it all out at the beginning, we should be looking to put the tools in the hands of artists and letting them experiment - that's the whole idea behind TapBot.

Foster innovation with a platform

I know I've been harping on the platform concept movies 2.0, but Amy Shuen put it nicely:

Companies have adapted to user-centered innovation in different ways. Several authors have described how companies have innovated by providing platforms from which externally generated innovations can result, and where users--as well as ecosystems of affiliates, third-party developers, and service providers--can form innovative communities.

Amy Shuen - Web 2.0: A Strategy Guide

Forget the call for papers, lets try and build an innovative community around immersive story!