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Models are a generic description mechanism. In effect, they are a limited form of telepresence. In the past, this was accomplished by literature, paintings, photographs and movies. Perhaps in the future we will be able to use models.

In giving a trip report, there are two things one wants to do. First, on needs to pass on the detailed information that has been gathered. This is probably the most important aspect of a trip report is usually dealt with well via a memo. By archiving this memo in some repository where others can access it, the benefits of the trip can be more widely distributed in the organization

And second, it is often important to convey the vague impressions that arose throughout the trip. How did the sunset feel when you arrived in Hawaii? What sort of person was the host to negotiate with? What sort of humor works best? What was the morale like? These sorts of issues are more difficult to capture but they characterize the role of a modelled trip report. They aremore like an impressionist painting than a photograph.

If this type of information can be captured well, then trip reports of vacations, or travelogues of good writers might be just as good as being there.

Richard Zippel