Post by Blank on Sept 11, 2009 15:30:08 GMT -6
aka crap that I have been making up as I go along. I figured I should maybe start making a thread where I explain some of the terms I've been using or things I've been referencing.
eInkir/DatPadd/padds - They're all basically the same thing, a futuristic handheld device used to reading, watching videos, making lists, etc etc. Since paper would be pretty rare on Terra (they probably have some made of 80-90% recycled paper with maybe a little new wood tossed in every once in a while), most people would use these padds to do everything, from ordering food at dinner to sending letters, to making notes, finding directions, the list goes on. Padd is the generic term, like calling an iPod an mp3 player. eInkr and DatPadd are both specific models. eInkr is a newer and more expensive model. DatPads are the cheaper, older model and are usually used by people in the Below or those who simply can't afford the nicer models.
Diamonds - they are worth nothing. Even now, diamonds are highly inflated in worth. They're actually pretty common as far as jewels go, and they're only worth money because a few companies can limit the supply. Right now, we've already figured out ways to create synthetic diamonds, so in the future we could expect to see this commonplace. The focus would be on 'natural' diamonds (as it is now), and all synthetics would be worth a little money, but not much. Mostly these diamonds would be used either in mining (as they are now) or other technologies, like cutters or in lasers.
Wood - As I touched on up there, wood would be incredibly rare on Terra. Because of this, there's very little paper around, and especially no homes made of wood. The very rich may use it in decorating as a status symbol. Shipments of it are brought from either Antheia (which are rare due to the Elves not liking the idea of clear cutting), and from Nox (which are also rare due to the cost of importing and dangers posed to loggers by vampires and werepeople none too happy with the cutting). This stuff is worth it's weight in gold.
Metric Measurements - Because the future has no excuse to not be in metric.
===New Terms===
Viewscreen Functions - Viewscreens are pretty self-explanatory, but think of the interface as a cross between a computer and a TV. They come with the Network and all things accessible from the Network, as well as serving as a video camera/webcam/video phone. However, most people prefer to send private messages, simply because video calls require you to tidy up and look nice. They come with a number of options and can be controlled through voice commands, touch-screen options, or remotely controlled from other padds.
Subscriptions - As well as all the free information available (like the current internet), there's also information that has to be purchased or subscribed to in order to access it. Anything specialized like academic research, or profit-based like movies, music or etc, has to be purchased to be used. There's likely pirating in the future, and a blackmarket for expensive information, allowing the poorer masses to have access to some of this. A subscription would allow you to download as much material as you wish, but once you cancel your subscription, the material would become inaccessible. Or you can spend the extra money to permanently purchase the media and never have to worry about losing a copy.
Tutor Programs - Viewscreens come with a built-in tutoring program which many families probably take advantage of to either supplement their child's education, or to completely replace the teacher. More expensive tutors have better options (more voices/personalities, better ways of evaluating a child or adult's current level of education and adjusting as they learn, better materials or explanations, etc) but while they are excellent, they haven't replaced conventional schools by any means.
more will show up as I make up more stuff. Feel free to write down stuff that you've referenced or terms you've made up!
eInkir/DatPadd/padds - They're all basically the same thing, a futuristic handheld device used to reading, watching videos, making lists, etc etc. Since paper would be pretty rare on Terra (they probably have some made of 80-90% recycled paper with maybe a little new wood tossed in every once in a while), most people would use these padds to do everything, from ordering food at dinner to sending letters, to making notes, finding directions, the list goes on. Padd is the generic term, like calling an iPod an mp3 player. eInkr and DatPadd are both specific models. eInkr is a newer and more expensive model. DatPads are the cheaper, older model and are usually used by people in the Below or those who simply can't afford the nicer models.
Diamonds - they are worth nothing. Even now, diamonds are highly inflated in worth. They're actually pretty common as far as jewels go, and they're only worth money because a few companies can limit the supply. Right now, we've already figured out ways to create synthetic diamonds, so in the future we could expect to see this commonplace. The focus would be on 'natural' diamonds (as it is now), and all synthetics would be worth a little money, but not much. Mostly these diamonds would be used either in mining (as they are now) or other technologies, like cutters or in lasers.
Wood - As I touched on up there, wood would be incredibly rare on Terra. Because of this, there's very little paper around, and especially no homes made of wood. The very rich may use it in decorating as a status symbol. Shipments of it are brought from either Antheia (which are rare due to the Elves not liking the idea of clear cutting), and from Nox (which are also rare due to the cost of importing and dangers posed to loggers by vampires and werepeople none too happy with the cutting). This stuff is worth it's weight in gold.
Metric Measurements - Because the future has no excuse to not be in metric.
===New Terms===
Viewscreen Functions - Viewscreens are pretty self-explanatory, but think of the interface as a cross between a computer and a TV. They come with the Network and all things accessible from the Network, as well as serving as a video camera/webcam/video phone. However, most people prefer to send private messages, simply because video calls require you to tidy up and look nice. They come with a number of options and can be controlled through voice commands, touch-screen options, or remotely controlled from other padds.
Subscriptions - As well as all the free information available (like the current internet), there's also information that has to be purchased or subscribed to in order to access it. Anything specialized like academic research, or profit-based like movies, music or etc, has to be purchased to be used. There's likely pirating in the future, and a blackmarket for expensive information, allowing the poorer masses to have access to some of this. A subscription would allow you to download as much material as you wish, but once you cancel your subscription, the material would become inaccessible. Or you can spend the extra money to permanently purchase the media and never have to worry about losing a copy.
Tutor Programs - Viewscreens come with a built-in tutoring program which many families probably take advantage of to either supplement their child's education, or to completely replace the teacher. More expensive tutors have better options (more voices/personalities, better ways of evaluating a child or adult's current level of education and adjusting as they learn, better materials or explanations, etc) but while they are excellent, they haven't replaced conventional schools by any means.
more will show up as I make up more stuff. Feel free to write down stuff that you've referenced or terms you've made up!