http://hyperworlds.org/answers.html

If Xanadu and Mirror Worlds are the answers, what are the questions?

by Jack Seay

Feb. 6, 2005

What folder did I leave that document in?

What did I name that file?

What changes did I make to it? Can I compare any 2 or more versions?

My hard drive crashed; I didn't back it up with my over-complicated
backup software; now what?

Can I reformat a document for different screen size, PDA, desktop
printer, offset press, audio reading, etc.?

What if I change the text (pictures, audio, video) in a particular
format, do all the formats of this version reflect the change?

How can I use part of another document without asking permission, and
still be legal?

How can I get paid when someone quotes parts of my book, listens to my
music, or watches my movie or animation?

Can I create a slight modification of something created by someone else
and not step on anyone's toes?

How can I (or my accountant) make notations and highlight possible
errors in my bank account without corrupting the original document?

Can I link from this sentence to that paragraph, movie segment, or song
verse? Can links be made unbreakable and bi-directional?

How can I participate in a debate in ways not even imaginable using
current methods?

Can I rampantly re-use anything made by anyone and know that they will
get fair payment automatically; and that anyone can always see the full
context of the original anytime?

Why is it so hard to update and expand web-pages? Is there a better way?

How can I show the vast, intricate, inter-relationships of this
Universe, my thoughts, all human knowledge, and all the arts; in all
media past, present, and future (when available)?

What kind of software will we want to use when our PDA's are connected
with 3D VR glasses, surround sound, and 20+ coordinate data gloves
(instead of a 2 coordinate mouse).

Can my database be more flexible, yet maintain integrity?

Can computers by my servants, not my masters?

How can I get a high-level overview, but zoom in to any level of detail?

Can software usage and/or programming become both more intuitive and
powerful?

Does any software have to be browse-only?

Is the hierarchial file-system obsolete?

Is the OS as the determinant of software's look and feel obsolete?

Does all human knowledge have to be fragmented into disconnected
corpuscles of curriculum?

Can business software be more like playing a high-end videogame and
less like sitting in a dentist's chair?


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