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Monday, January 16, 2012

The Uncanny Valley

Have any of you heard about the uncanny valley? Just look at that photo. That's Dirtgirl. A character from a children's program. When I watch Dirtgirlworld, I'm immediately transported to the uncanny valley.

It's a fascinating theory. The uncanny valley is a feeling of revulsion people get when they look upon robotic or animated human replicas that don't quite look or act human. The replicas fail to evoke an empathic response. It makes you cringe and want to burn them with fire!

I have to use this in a story somewhere.

In short story news, my writers' group meeting went well. They liked my story and had some very good suggestions for me. I hope to have my first short story to my CPs tonight and submitted to an anthology by the end of this week.

23 comments:

  1. Writers groups that work are the best. So glad you got good feedback and that they like your story.

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    1. I'm lucky to have a group that's really good at critiquing. I've learned so much from them.

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  2. This is a picture from the kid's show Dirt Girl. I can't watching it because it creeps me out, or as you explained, gives me "the uncanny valley." I'll have to remember that for later.

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    1. I like the message of Dirt Girl, but the animation is just freaky!

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  3. Never heard of the uncanny valley.
    And that's good news regarding your short story!

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    1. My husband actually heard about the uncanny valley in a podcast. Who knew there was an actual term for such a feeling of repulsion!

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  4. I totally know what you mean by the uncanny valley...:) Awesome progress on your story... :)

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    1. Thanks! Oh, and if you don't have time to read it, that's okay. I know you're really busy. :)

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  5. Woot, woot, on the short story.

    So, like I feel about the smurfs is uncanny valley? Or is that just my revulsion to sappy? lol

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    1. Hehehe! I don't think the Smurfs count. The sappy is just getting to you. :)

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  6. Yep, I've heard of it. It's why Tintin was a risk because the animations are almost real, but not quite and it had a strong chance of revolting people. They managed to get past the valley though.

    Yay re your short story.

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    1. I didn't know that about Tintin, but the animation was sort of odd.

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  7. I wish I had a writer's group near me! You're very lucky. :)

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    1. Writers groups online can help just as much. So many friendly and helpful folk out there.

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  8. never heard of the uncanny valley. Congrats on your writing!

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  9. Congrats on the writing group! That is always such a good feeling of accomplishment.

    As for that creepish picture you posted at the beginning...um, yeah. I get the uncanny valley feeling. It's in full swing here :P I'm thrilled to know what that feeling is called now!

    Thanks for the new knowledge ^_^

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    1. I always like learning new little facts like that. Plus, the uncanny valley is a cool name. Heh.

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  10. So...you want to burn someone alive? I get that way with Dora, but it's more of a "Why won't Boots tell her to stop shouting all the time?!"

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    1. Thankfully my son has never seen Dora. We don't regularly watch Dirtgirl, but just the commercials make me cringe. I always wondered just why telling Swiper "No swiping" makes him stop. He needs to brush up on his thieving skills.

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  11. I've got half a story written about uncanny valley. *shivers* hope yours goes better than mine, Christine.

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    1. I haven't thought of an idea for the story yet. Good luck with yours!

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