Inhabit II - Data vs.DNA

Cloud idea from previous project doesn't seem so interesting in Second Life so am revisting ideas from the Threshold idea of' 'traces of where I've been, where I'm going'...

Friday session points:
- Extension of previous ideas.
- Think of the building as a whole not just a small part of it.
- Occupancy - how does this change the place? how does a person's activity within the space change the space? In particular, what about all the people who are not in transit (ie. work in the offices?) how does a place change the people going through it?
- Leaving a trace (physical/digital)
- Inspiring creativity.... an idea is the result of a cummulation of different thoughts/a network, rather than a 'eureka' moment

Trace Evidence
Physical = fingerprints, DNA (cells, hair), fibres
Forensic photography = forensic imaging, crime scene photography = the art of producing an accurate reproduction of a crime scene or an accident scene. It is part of the process of evidence collecting.
Digital = anything left behind, the history, from digital media

See this blog - pretty interesting: http://000fff.org/the-ghost-protocol-digital-identity-for-immortals/

"Our very existence leaves traces of our former selves, both in our own memory and, perhaps as important, in the minds and memories of others. These traces create the possibility of identification. All relationships are established through shared history. It’s this shared history (the traces) that builds relationships. "

• Physical versus digital ecosystems - free flow and exchange of energy versus data

• The traces we leave behind are like the ghosts of our previous selves...

Placing your hand on a door knob to open the door leaves behind traces of yourself. Since you're in SecondLife, a digital ecosystem, you leave behind digital traces of yourself instead of physical traces.

That is, data rather than DNA...

Leaving behind a wisp of yourself, a cloud, mist as you walk through the door, wisp of smoke/fog/mist is a cloud made up of tiny digital traces of yourself. It eventually disperses but may slow down the person coming in behind you.????