h a l f b a k e r yIt might be better to just get another gerbil.
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The idea is for an electronic travel service. A user either goes to a web page or downloads a program, chooses a location, and pays a fee. The program receives video and receives and transmitts sound. High speed internet access is a requirement for the online service. At the chosen location, a low-wage
worker or mid-wage tour guide recieves a call on their video phone. The video phone could be a high-end retail model with a headset or a custom device that is able to record and send higher quality video. The user and the worker are now connected, and the user tells the worker where to go and what to do (within reason).
With this service, you are able to experience a city around the world. You can interact with the locals, and experience much of a travel experience without the price or effort of flying.
Telepresence Airship
http://www.halfbake...epresence_20Airship
Thank you [spacemoggy] for the inspiration. [Worldgineer, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]
First Person Reality TV
First_20Person_20Reality_20TV
[JesusHChrist, Mar 18 2005]
Amazon Explore
https://www.amazon.com/explore
Just 16 years later Amazon bakes this. (I believe it's for US customers only at the moment, but they say they'll expand soon) [Worldgineer, Dec 14 2020]
[link]
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You're going to put me out of business, [Worldgineer]! |
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You take the air, I'll take the ground. I don't think I could get any of my people to climb the outside of the Empire State building or see the topside of stonehenge anyway. Hey, we still haven't covered underwater travel. |
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I do like this idea - being naturally inclined towards any proposition which enables me to perform any function without getting off my lazy arse. However, in poor parts of the world you might be treated to a ringside seat as you watch a gang of thieves pursuing your remote tour guide to steal the presumably valuable video phone! |
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Also, being something of a scaredy cat when it comes to visiting the more dangerous parts of the world, this might be a real alternative. Any volunteers to give me a remote tour of the Iraqi battle fields, or that street in Columbia with the highest rate of kidnap/murder in the world? |
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Another benefit is that you don't need to speak the language. Bilingual guides are hired, and translate everything important said around them. |
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The "worker or tour guide" in this idea would get
paid by how well they could assist in making your trip
exciting. There would be competition arround people
who were willing to do the craziest stuff. You would both
share director-actor responsibilities. I bet teams of
people who can operate like this -- together, either two
heads are better than one, or brains and body -- will
become popular the more seamless the interpersonal
connection gets. See "First
Person Reality TV" link. |
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I tried out Amazon Explore last night, and took my wife wine
tasting in Argentina. It was fun. It's kind of great timing since
travel is pretty much dead at the moment. |
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This is obviously a good idea. (+) |
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