h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yet another sign of the apocalypse: there are no words to describe the horror at http://www.illusion2k.com

That is scary.

What is probably more frightening is that these virtual models will probably end up more real than our current pack of uber-models.

Note how much cheaper and pliable our silicon stars are.

Here's a bizarre hypothetical: Let's say an actor or actress signs a contract to do a movie, then somehow breaks the contract. Legally, are the producers of the movie entitled to use a digital facsimile of said person in the movie? Better yet, why not have Sir Anthony Hopkins star in your trendy independent film?

This is almost weirder than cloning.

How to make women compliant. This is one way. Never thought of this - don't like it..

I don't think you can call these creations women any more than you can call a 3-D rendered CAD drawing a house! They are the ultimate in superficiality, which is certainly not where I think beauty or attractiveness lies...

Nice legs, though!

I had conversation with male friend here about this, he says men don't really want to go out with the Claudia Sheiffers etc. Prefer to be with ordinary women really. Bet he would still look at the legs to thou'!

But to form a relationship with and fantasy fodder are quite often two different things aren't they?

The problem arises when all the young women feel they are inadequate when they don't look like these uber-models. This is down to our media and how it manipulates societies definition of beauty and not what a real man finds attractive in his real life flesh mate.

Oh definitely. Works for men too, though - if you're not built like Adonis, then you're a loser, apparently, and should not be seen in public. Women have a much harder time from it though.

Did you hear that most of the highstreet shops are agreeing to label all their dress sizes down by two 'to set a new standard', basically so that women will feel flattered and great that they fit into a 'smaller' size. Are they evil or what?!

And the problem with all that is the ones who are most vunerable to this and thus most affected by it are young people, at a point when they are trying to build an adult self image. Difficult thing to get out of though because beauty sells, Whether it's a beautiful girl or a beautiful image ......

I completely agree Peta, I have seen too much self-loathing to not worry about plastic perfection propagated by media types.

I know, we should launch a model agency with the h2g2 characters, now there is an imperfect bunch

What you saw the photos - and didn't think 'what a fine looking bunch of people'? I guess that bank ad is quite good - old folks skinny-dipping? Would be better still if I could remember the name of the bank......

Oops, I didn't mean you, the human Field Researchers, I meant our fictional correspondants, check out A109838.

Have you met them yet?

If I'm not back for a few weeks, I'm off to Canada to a conference. I'll be back on the 12th and will check to see what you think of them.

Woops too. Have seen them already they are well done. Maybe for selling things like Mr Muscle... Have a good trip. What is the conference on? Enjoy..

It's at BANFF http://www.BanffCentre.AB.CA/nmi/default.htm they aim to get projects together with financiers, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

I must go pack, bye...

Advanced Design for Multimedia
June 26-30, 1999 This one? Looks really interesting. All I got was a Macromedia Dreamweaver course in Islington! Still it's a start!!