From: owner-3dui@hitl.washington.edu on behalf of Doug Bowman [bowman@vt.edu] Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2000 11:09 AM To: 3dui List Subject: 2 years of 3DUI! While updating the web archive of the 3DUI list traffic (yes, it's finally up-to-date...for those who don't know about it and want to read what we've been talking about, it's at: http://vtopus.cs.vt.edu/~bowman/3dui/), I noticed that a couple of weeks ago the list very quietly turned 2 years old! The first message was sent on 4/30/98. First, this is somewhat of an accomplishment, since many internet-based ventures don't last near this long. Moreover, we still have a stream of interesting discussion on the list. Sometimes more of a trickle, but every now and then a minor flood. :-) I'd like to also suggest that we take this "anniversary" as an opportunity to evaluate what we've done and where we're going. The list started with about 5 members, and we wondered whether there was any need to make it bigger than that, since the field was so small (see Ivan's first message). I don't know the official count at this point, but I'm guessing around 100 members from many different countries around the world. Clearly this is an interesting and vital topic. The list has also produced discussions that have led to research projects, collaboration, and a successful series of tutorials at major conferences. Thanks to all of you for contributing to the list. Your messages are what keep it going. Please continue to send questions, ideas, announcements, and musings. Also continue to invite your colleagues and contacts in the field to join us. We'd welcome your thoughts and comments on how this online community could be improved and strengthened. On a larger scale, I'm also interested in your thoughts on the growth and progress in the field in the last 2 years. Have far have we come? How far do we still have to go? I would bake a 3DUI birthday cake, but I'm afraid only those of us in and around Blacksburg, Virginia, would be able to enjoy it... Best, Doug -- Doug A. Bowman, Ph.D. (540) 231-7537 Assistant Professor bowman@vt.edu Computer Science www.cs.vt.edu/~bowman/ Virginia Tech