The Transformational Power of Multimedia

I take exception to Nat Goldhaber’s remarks regarding the positive social effects of his work in developing multimedia technologies, “In Search of Computing’s Holy Grail” (Sept. 27).

Lotus Development Corp. founder Mitch Kapor says of the PC phenomenon that “it was naive to think that a piece of technology would have a transforming effect on society.”

Well Mr. Kapor, let’s take television as an example of a piece of technology that had a transforming effect on society.

Before TV, we worked and saved and eventually bought houses or put our kids through college. Now we work, go home, then sit religiously in front of the TV while it tells us what to buy. Then we go out and buy all the stuff, leaving most of us so deep in hock that keeping the house out of foreclosure is heroic enough, never mind putting anything aside for junior’s tuition.

The future of multimedia will be to further streamline this process. TV sets will combine with computers so that at the top of the regular TV screen there will be a set of pull-down menus with headings like “FILE” and “BUY.”

The viewer will be able to activate these menus using the remote control to buy whatever Madison Avenue is currently blitzing all over the screen or to save copies of the commercials for electronic Christmas lists. That’s right, little Joey might not be going to college but at least he’ll have the latest Wrestling Psycho Zombie doll with the Kung Fu grip.

If the goal Mr. Goldhaber, is to make megabucks real fast, then lets call a spade a spade and not try to attach any selfless social importance to it.

PETER POIRIER

Pomona