It is astonishing when you meet people, the number of different viewpoints that they will present to you. A while ago while I was in the Sportplatz, I came across a girl who was interested in dating me. Of course, she did not know the actual person who I was. I had never met her before. Instead, she judged me solely on the appearance of my animated citizen. Oddly enough, she was not the only one. Perhaps you come across these people frequently, and are inquisitive towards why they actually do such a thing.
When I spoke with the girl further, she explained that a Whyville relationship was part of the "game". So what game was she talking about, exactly? A game like Monopoly where your token lands on spaces which allow you to buy houses, hotels, and even go to jail? Or what about "reality" television, where you must battle out several other civilians much like yourself, to be rewarded a grand prize of thousands or millions of dollars?
Certainly, Whyville is not like that. At least, people don't search for food or vote people off the town's island. Not to my knowledge, anyway. However, how can someone perceive Whyville as a game? Is it even a game? Let me choose one perspective on the topic and start there.
Some believe that Whyville is a fantasy, a land of opportunity that differs from the real world. Where else could you buy your own plot at the age of 10, 14, or 16, or even throw pies and mud puddles at another citizen? When you come onto Whyville you are entering a new dimension and you become extremely engrossed with the activities. Dating, hacking, and chatting are among the various pastimes. Now, let us examine the other side.
Do you believe that some take this fictional world too far? Dating is perhaps one of the most serious issues. Becoming "romantically involved" with someone over the Internet can be a little strange, especially because you don't really know the person. Sure you might believe that you do, but you have to realize that anyone can act over the Internet. Not to mention that relationships over the Internet are not everlasting, especially when you are a pre-teen or teenager.
Popularity on Whyville seems unimportant, especially since there are thousands of citizens who come onto this site daily, weekly, and monthly. How many possible popular crowds could there be? Acceptance can be achieved in a variety of ways. Popularity is not defined as having numerous friends on a website. One or two exceptional friends are enough to feel satisfied. Don't you agree? Besides, you will only loose contact with them over time. Perhaps it is best to invest your time in a select few which you feel that you could share a feasible friendship with in the future.
Fashion may be a priority, but it is one that seems rather humdrum. Rating someone based upon clothes created by computer programs is embarrassing on your part. That person you met one day, who you found unattractive, could possibly turn into an in-style fashion setter. Clams are something that many people have and budgeting and saving can sure go a long way. Remember that clothes do not make people, but it is people who make the clothes.
Whyville will be perceived as something different to whomever you talk to. Just like people have differences of opinion on culture, economics, politics, and religion. We are all citizens to those who spend 12-hours each day on Whyville to the newest citizens that are still examining the town's contents and the citizens.
Game or no game, what do you think? Nevertheless, it is my time to roll... so hurry up and move your piece, please!
Days Go By,
TIKE
