Exercise 5.2: Social architects and online games
Social architect
George Ambler from the website, “The Practice of Leadership“, discusses a definition and the role of the social architect that seems to be in line with other discussions about this term in my readings.
“The social architect’s task is to create the space for people to act on what matters to them”
The social architect must understand how people gather. They have a purpose for the space. They seek to sustain the space by encouraging engagement of members. Engagement and growth is created, designed and encouraged within the community space.
Whyville
Whyville is an educational Internet site geared towards preteens and children. Its goal is to engage its users in learning about a broad range of topics, from science and business to art and geography. (Wikipedia)
Below is my online identity.
| Objectives | Rules of Engagement | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
|
Whyville is an online virtual town for children. Members are able to communicate, play games and participate in online activities. They are able to earn virtual money and spend it in their virtual town
|
Participants create their own avatars or personal identity. Signing up is an extremely easy process. The tick of a box stating parental permission gives instant permission for anyone to become a member. Moderation is claimed by the creators of the site and there is some moderating of common words and phrases. Even though this is designed for children members of any age are able to participate. For me… not a comfortable experience knowing that adults could be participating in a children’s world.
|
One of the first virtual worlds where virtual currency was used. Currency in turn allows user to create own content. Huge number of government, non government and corporate sponsors. Was created in 1999 and would have been extremely unique in its day.
|
Despite the awards and accolades received by this website I was concerned that there wasn’t an online presence that moderated comments or gestures by members. On my beach there was an argument over clams and nasty comments being made. One person accused another of being jealous. Another one suggested that a girl avatar was in fact a boy because of the comments s/he was making about others looking hot. Hmmm! Not sure I’d want my young child to participate. (see pic below)
Numedeon Inc owns Whyville. Numedeon was founded by Dr. James M. Bower his students and collaborators at the California Institute of Technology. From my reading on wikipedia about the owner and his intention with this website I would say that he is a social architect. His website, (virtual world) has survived nearly ten years of use. Many other websites have similar communities but Whyville has still been able to maintain at least 4.8 million members.
Club Penguin
This is me! Not happy! Broke! Obviously need to earn some money through playing games in order to improve my living conditions, get a pet and warm clothes. To be really wealthy though, I need to access my ‘real’ credit card.
| Objectives | Rules of Engagement | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
|
Club Penguin is an online virtual world for children. Similar to Whyville in that members participate in online games, activities and chat. Members also have a currency that allows them to buy games, send postcards etc. Allows for ongoing interest and engagement.
|
Participants create their penguin identity. Rules of use are expressly stated and clearly written as a condition of signing up. Emphasis is on cyber bullying and privacy. Icons give added weight to what is written. Free account can only be activated from a parent email. (How do they know that this email address isn’t a person under 13? ) Members are able to report another player by clicking on their avatar and selecting report icon. Moderators are paid to enforce the rules of the virtual world.
|
There appears to be a ‘class’ system of unpaid and paid users. Paid users are able to access more enhanced features of the website. Two types of chat mode… ultimate safe chat where members are only able to use predefined statements and standard safe chat where message filters are employed but aren’t fool proof. Most pages have support tips or tips that reinforce online behaviour and expectations. Paid moderators! Members are able to access pets called puffles. Stage was created for members to perform plays. Scripts are provided on a monthly basis.
|
Club Penguin is currently owned by Disney. Development on Club Penguin began in 2003 when Lance Priebe and Lane Merrifield, employees at New Horizon Productions (which became New Horizon Interactive in 2005) in Kelowna, British Columbia,[9] saw a need for “social networking for kids”. (retrieved from Wikipedia Sept 6th) I would suggest that the developers of this site are social architects. They created an online community that has over 12 million memberships. Members are able to communicate within the rules of the community. The world of Club Penguin continues to grow and develop with the addition of new rooms, games and activities ( stage) When additions are being made to Club Penguin anyone is able to beta test the new environment. This allows participants to have a voice in the growth and change to Club Penguin over time.
I actually feel lonely looking at my lonely rugged cold igloo. At least I have a chimney I guess! That’s me in the middle of my igloo! Send money!
No Comments so far ↓
There are no comments yet...Kick things off by filling out the form below.