Anyone for tennis?

Layer tennis that is. I have been discussing wiki collaboration with Ben Kepes. We tried to write a book review collaboratively but found that it was difficult to co-contribute to a work like that when our thoughts were similar but the expression of our ideas were so different. One would stifle the other - or that was how it seemed at the time. So, in principle a good idea - in practice less so. Wikis are better when the subject matter is more objective.

But there are other kinds of collaboration using the web. Here is how Layer Tennis works (from Coudal Partners - a well known design firm whose approach to the web is interesting, to say the least)

How The Game Works

We'll be playing matches using lots of different applications, from Adobe® Photoshop® to Adobe® Flash®, but the basic idea is the same no matter what tools are in use. Two artists (or two small teams of artists) will swap a file back and forth in real-time, adding to and embellishing the work. Each artist gets fifteen minutes to complete a "volley" and then we post that to the site. A third participant, a writer, provides play-by-play commentary on the action, as it happens. The matches last for ten volleys and when it's complete, everyone visiting the site votes for a winner.

I'm intrigued. My knowledge of Photoshop® is pretty limited so maybe I'll pick up a few tips.

Comments

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