FAQ
- Frequently(?) Asked Questions
1) What does “uncanny valley” mean?
The uncanny valley is a concept developed by roboticist Masahiro Mori. Basically it describes how that the more realistic a robot gets, the more humans will treat it like a real person up to a point. At that point the robot stops looking like a really good robot and starts seeming like a really creepy person. That dip in the graph where this happens is what he called the uncanny valley.
2) If the term uncanny valley was coined by a Japanese speaker, what is the term in Japanese?
Transliterated it is “bukimi no tani,” and in kanji it is 不気味の谷, I believe.
3) How does this relate to your site? Your site doesn’t have much to do with creepy robots.
Well, I liked the phrase, just the sound of it, and it’s story. Plus it’s easily abbreviated, and has quasi-geographical connotations. Plus the attractions and so forth on this site kind of fall into that valley, if graphed. They aren’t those sites at the peak, like Buckingham Palace or the Taj Mahal. Nor are they those long-tail sites like nice local parks or lakes. They’re the weird ones in between that a lot of people gloss over, but they still have a lot of moxie.
4) I went to one of the places mentioned on your website and it was gone/stupid/ate my dog. Why shouldn’t I sue you?
Well, I try my best on providing the most information about a particular item, but I’m not perfectt and I make misteaks. Plus some of the places I’ve never even been to, I’ve only second-hand knowledge. I urge everyone to call/email/send a letter to the proprietors of the places you are visiting before you go to make sure everything will be a-OK. If this site does have incorrect information, please let me know by commenting on the page with the bad info. And I’m sorry about your dog.
5) How do I correct or supplement information on your website?
Just register and comment on the article in question.
6) I have knowledge of a site or event that would be a good addition to this website. How do I add it?
You can send the information to me with the handy form. Please try to fill in all the information you can. If you are missing some information, that’s OK as log as you have enough for people to get to the place.
7) How do you pronounce ‘Lluvy?’
Very carefully. heh heh. Easiest way is like ‘u v,’ as in radiation, or the initials of the website. More accurately it is ‘YOO-bvee’ like in Mexican Spanish.