The whole point of mixing at public functions is to interact in a unique way with other human beings: using conversation. As far as I know, we're the only species in the universe that converses.

One of the beauties of conversation at gatherings is serendipity - the hitherto unknown shared interest or experience. The small bond that forms is part of the grease that keeps the wheels of society rolling.

Conversation just might be the ultimate creative act. A smart tag that collects information about others, which is then read by the wearer, will limit many people to conversing about what's in their tag. I can't think of anything more boring or stifling of a creative act.

Posted by: JK on May 2, 2003 06:53 AM

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A stupid idea, period. First, event organizers do not want to pay through the nose for name tags. $10 for a box of 50 cards slotted in a plastic holder with elastic neck string, thankyouverymuch. Second, people don't want to disclose personal information. Third, women don't want men staring at their chest any longer than they have to.

Posted by: Dumb and Dumber on May 2, 2003 12:16 PM

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It sounds like fun to me, actually. People wouldn't be staring at each other's chests, they'd be responding to their own unit. I bet it would connect you to people you might otherwise have not talked to. Obviously it's an expensive system, but it seems to have possibility.

Posted by: Lydia on May 2, 2003 02:18 PM

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Just so long as I can indcate through my unit that I'm looking for a good time after the convention. Yeah, that sounds like fun. Virtual matchmaker.

Posted by: on May 2, 2003 04:50 PM

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