Virtual Stars Part 1: An Analysis of Viability

(I've noticed talks about the Vocaloid Concerts echoing around the internet, and wanted to address the idea behind virtual stars in more detail.  Seriously, when you see a post on it at an econoblog, you know it's time to comment.)

If you pay attention to the news, you'll see occasional discussion about Virtual Stars, completely manufactured media people.  The ones I see talked about are mostly in Japan, such as Kyoko Date back in the late 90's, or the prominent Vocaloid phenomena today.  These creations ventures often seem to be a cultural curiosity (especially outside of Japan), an oddity, or something out of a bad anime or science fiction film.  I think there's something useful in the virtual idol/virtual star concept that I want to explore as worthy of actual consideration as a viable commercial exercise

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Free Stuff And Our Legacy

Lots of free stuff out there, isn't there?

Free books, free games, free video.  Games that are free unless you want premium content.  It seems that a lot of our media – at least that we can get electronically – has an awful lot of free stuff.

It's also good free stuff.  I've been continually impressed with what I can find for free online or via DLC.

Being who I am I like to speculate on why we got so much free stuff available because . . . well this is me, culture, economics, and geekiness.  It's sort of what I do.  It's my thing.  Plus I'm curious.

The reason we have so much free stuff?  It's a legacy of previous work.

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Why Retro Games Are More Than Just ‘Here To Stay’

On my Android phone (yes, I finally got one) I'm playing an old-school JPRG/Legend of Zelda type game  and 80's shooter homage.

On the Kindle you can play old-school text adventures.

It seems our more advanced mobile technology is putting old school gaming back in people's hands (mostly literally).  Yes, now with the technology of the 21st century you can go back and play games just like you did 30 years ago.  I say this without an intense sense of irony because it's actually a trend with multiple factors we progeeks want to keep track of because it's more than retro – it's cultural and technical.

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