Making an appearance

Hello All!

I thought I might take some time to share a few thoughts on those interactive communities on the internet like 2nd Life.

I have recently discovered that my 12 year old brother is a member of a site called Club Pengiun. All the players are penguins believe it or not. His pengiun is called "Mikeranga" (his nickname at school coz he has the slightest tinge of red in his hair). Thankfully he's realised that to become an actual 'member' you have to pay $5 bucks American.

But it got me thinking, which is scary, and I remembered the first lecture which had the 4corners report on 2nd Life. I don't know how people can spend their day trapped in a virtual world. And then there was that old white guy whose 'avitar' is a 20-something Afro-American. You can't tell me that there aren't other people don't make themselves more attractive on the web. I mean, if my little brother can set up an account on a virtual world and act like he's older, what's to say other kids don't too.

This makes regulating this issue really difficult, esp with pedaphiles. Yes I think that it's important but how are you going to police a website where nothing is as it seems? I read today that Britain is cracking down on the gaming industry with ganing online and virtual worlds also been included. It also looks like we're gonna follow with game makers calling for an adult rating to be introduced for some games. Of course this means that the government or whoever is gonna review the whole system and then you'll find we adopt Brittish laws - it wouldn't be the first time.

Anyway, that's my say on the matter but feel free to add or comment if you agree, disagree or want to add your opinion.

Until next time
Smile =)