Why is it that people who cannot sing very well are always the first to belt out some tunes? I admit that I am no Vanessa Carlton, however, I love to sing. I mean, put me somewhere where I can be alone and play some good music, and I am all set.
Last week, I read an article titled "The Thing Is...". After reading this, I didn't stop to observe how well the article was written, or the point that the author was trying to make. I was outraged. The message I received from this article was that cheating was all right. And I am here to bring a different perspective to that topic.
The author begins his article with this statement: "You see all the races and the work they had to put into it, so why complain?" What he is talking about are the Smart Cars Races, and is basically answering the question of why it is not all right to cheat. People put time and effort in creating and accepting a race. I do admit that it has been a while since I have visited the Smart Cars Race Track, so I went again, with the basis behind this article in the back of my mind. I have a good friend who is really into racing. She was one of the first to explain what's been going on in the article called "Smart Cars Cheating". Quite frankly, I didn't think that the explanation was completely clear, so I asked my friend about it again.
Basically, what the racer will do is spin their axis and cross the finish line at the exact opposite end of the track. However, this is only possible on two tracks where the finish line is directly behind the starting line. In other words, they do a U-turn.
Tell me if you see otherwise, but I don't believe that this is right. I mean, aren't you supposed to finish the race in the appropriate way? The author of the article that I mentioned earlier goes on to explain that this isn't cheating, and even has the audacity to tell everyone to leave this topic alone. I am sorry, but I believe that Whyville should be (and is trying) to be fair and just. Cheating doesn't help. The Top 10 Racers in a week is determined by the number of wins and losses, and also the number of races that were not turned down. Cheating should not help you get into the Top 10 Hall of Fame, and does kick other racers (who are fair and just) out of these positions.
Smart Cars isn't the only form of cheating on Whyville. Have you ever heard of copying (another form of cheating, I believe) in the Face Factory? Have you ever looked at a part and thought to yourself, "I have seen this before"? When you look at it, you notice that it was made by a different designer but looks exactly the same. This has been happening a lot recently, and I have heard a lot of bragging and boasting on this issue. Some argue that it is all right, since the designer has often been banished or is retired.
But when you think about it, some of Whyville's most famous and respected designers haven't copied a part at all. Isn't a good designer one who displays much creativity in his or her parts? This is what sets them apart from all of the other designers. But how do they copy a part, you ask? It is a method known as "counting pixels". Some individuals have a program that allows them to copy parts on Whyville. A pixel is a square that you design on Whyville and they are very tiny. You can count the pixels in a product, and match it up with the appropriate colour. Let's not forget the old method of "copying and pasting" parts. Some may even do this, and sell the product at a sky-high price so that they make a large profit. I wonder if Akbar realizes that this is happening in his own store.
So, what measures should be taken to ensure that cheating is abolished? Frankly, the only thing I can suggest is a slight punishment. If you think about it, cheating is not tolerated in schools, or while playing a sport, so should it be allowed on Whyville? Many people will have a difference of opinion, and I respect that. I am just making sure that this is out there for people to be aware of.
This is a request Mr. Radio Man, just one desire form a Hip-Hop fan,
TIKE
