Serious halfbaked idea alert!
Some plugin software or CGI script that would allow people to surf various forms of MUD areas online.
For those unfamiliar with MUDs, (multi-user dungeons), they are essentially text-based game worlds; chat rooms, if you like, that any user (using telnet) can hop
between through using simple commands.
One of the main appeals to MUDs is killing virtual-beasts called "mobiles". This would be left out, so that the software doesn't compete with already existing MUDs.
I think this would be neat because I and many others have made fabulous areas that we'd love for a wider audience to be able to enjoy. I know a lot of talented authors who have devoted lots of energy into these things. Most 'builders' end up strung out because of silly bureaucratic matters, which leaves their work unnoticed (except by traditional mud viewers).
Here's a story.
"One day, Phil was on his computer and he was surfing around his favorite MUD. But when he found out that his favorite area had been created by a guy who didn't get money, recognition, or even a thank-you, he became overcome by grief. He was so distraught that when he was in the shower later that day he slipped on a bar of soap and died because he wasn't paying attention."
People are dying out there! Who _wouldn't_ want to save lives?