Writing, Coding and Painting Virtual Reality in Silicon Valley

By Michael McAnally,

Copyright © April 26, 2021

Preface

As I begin writing, I realize how unique and unusual this might become. For some readers, I might seem crazy! My main writing experience has been with technical articles, and a failed attempt at a science fiction novella, which ultimately became blogs. Sort of the opposite of how it goes.

This one is going to be different. It’s going to include a little of everything mashed up together; code, prose, futurism, transhumanism, comic, and basic technological philosophy. It represents years of my own research, and untethered self study. My opinions on everything under the sun, real and/or virtual.

So the way this will work is I include links to brilliant individuals in their wider fields of study and research as reference material. There is no point in me rehashing what others have said and done. They have said it best the first time. However, I would be greatly remiss if I didn’t include them as much more than just a series of tiny little foot notes at the bottom or back of the text. Who even reads those? Other than scholars. Future AIs?

I truly hope my writings are enjoyable, and in some small way helps for a sustainable future and humanities survival through the transformational process of technological evolution.

Enough said. So buckle up for a fun wild roller coaster ride!

Chapter One: The Metaverse and You

Chapter Two: Open Avatars

Chapter Three: Waiting For Upload

Chapter Four: Building The Pi Metaverse

The First Four Chapters of My New Book . . .

The book is done! "Social VR for the Metaverse with A-Frame WebXR", By Michael McAnally, © Copyright September 14, 2022. 4 months writing effort, 5-6 years research effort. Many many working examples. https://t.co/Fg5upvYeBh #metaverse #socialVR @aframevr #webxr #webdev #VR pic.twitter.com/b1qb4AqiUl

— Michael McAnally (@Michael_Blade) September 14, 2022

What people are saying about my #VR #book. https://t.co/9UpcZeClir pic.twitter.com/TVdZyvmGCY

— Michael McAnally (@Michael_Blade) September 15, 2022

About Me

Temporary gathering of sentient stardust. Free thinker. Evolving human. Author, coder, and artist.

Yes, I’m a dreamer and very proud of it!

With a career spanning more than several decades, I am a dreamer and I embrace this aspect of myself. I was born before many modern technologies, such as smartphones and the internet, became widespread. I even remember watching the original moon landing live on TV as a child at my grandparents' house. In the future, I hope to see a stable human colony established on Mars.

I have a diverse and complex mindset and enjoy thinking about the future and all its possibilities. I am a critical thinker and will always try to cultivate and nurture my creativity. I may also dabble in various art forms. I always question the norm and actually enjoy being the least knowledgeable person in a room full of geniuses.

I have always been interested in computers and coding. When I was younger, I was a computer nerd and worked on mainframe computers and wrote video games. I also built my own personal computers. Throughout my career, I have held many different roles, including hacker (ethically), business analyst, solutions architect, network engineer, webmaster, entrepreneur, and designer of virtual worlds. I have learned many programming languages, but the constantly evolving nature of technology means that I have forgotten some of that older knowledge. However, I continue to learn new languages and skills. One project I am particularly proud of is creating mobile apps that help speech-impaired individuals communicate, similar to the software once used by Stephen Hawking.

I have also rebranded myself as a blogger and entrepreneur and enjoy using Photoshop and uploading YouTube videos. I have real world experience in UI/UX design and also have an online comic based on one of my science fiction stories. Recently, I wrote a technical coding book on VR for the metaverse, which required 5 months of writing and 5-6 years of research and development. The book is 121 pages long and represents my best effort at compressing and explaining the material clearly.

I enjoy writing my own stories, reading and watching science fiction, especially the kind that requires deeper thought. When listening to others, I have strong opinions and am not shy about expressing them. Money is not my primary motivation and I see it as a means to accomplish required tasks and projects.

Overall, I am proud of who I am and what I have become, and do not apologize for it. I dream and work to make those dreams a reality. It is what defines me..

I love to blog.  This blog is about my creative freedom to soar, to experiment, to grow.

It's more than just writing.  I get to express myself in multiple media; pictures, paintings, virtual reality, audio, video, code, whatever form.  Total expressive latitude within the limits of my abilities and taste.

I share this all with you. My way of giving back for the wonderful gift of life we have all been given.