MMORPG: The female perspectiveFollow

maybe i'll regret posting again on this thread (given the way it has turned), but i wanted to give Nekky some {back up!}.

we all know there's a lot of generalizing going on (as well as personal grudges coming up), and, to some degree, ya gotta generalize in order to even talk about these issues. it was nice the way it started when we were trying to just look at some of the issues that came up, rather than make rigid categories that indicate one "side" is right, and the other isn't. (BTW, there are more than 2 sides!) So, the original subject is "the" female perspective, but these are also just perspectives. Which can be interesting. Empathy and all those human qualities... respect. yeah. Those things.

and i have to say, as Nekky and Scuzzlebums did (I think), helping ppl out isn't a gendered thing either, or necessarily a sign of creepiness. i spend half (or more) of my time helping others, and looking out for their interests. and i don't think i'm being creepy or flirty (though, sadly, sometimes ppl take it that way ~ i won't /em back at you, sir). why? has nothing to do with whether or not they're a girl or a boy (IRL or in game), but just 'cause i can, and, from my perspective, getting help is pretty much required on most game activities. I've taken help. I offer it. We're a community. Without trying to sound too preachy, perhaps it all comes down to how you see yourself in a community... but those aren't the original issues, or even the more interesting issues (from *my* perspective)...

ok. maybe i'm repeating something that's already been flamed, or missing the point. honestly, with all the venom, i can't bring myself to read these posts too carefully anymore. (and i know that since mine has long paragraphs and rambles, you probably can't bare to read mine either).

so, my final dr. phil thoughts... without a good transition.

it's really amazing how much gets lost in the transition between online interactions and RL. i mean no disrepect to online stuff, but it shocked when i found the degree of emotion hidden behind some of the seemingly non-challant /t's... which makes me think of what tenmiles posted a gagillion year ago on this thread about how his daughters are growing up/etc. what a game... that isn't just a game anymore.

(btw, nerd moment, just cause i can: for an interesting academic article (that's kinda old, most of the excitement about online stuff was from, like, 1995-1997?), check out Julian Dibbells' "A Rape in Cyberspace: or How an Evil Clown, a Haitian Trickster Spirit, Two Wizards, and a Cast of Dozens Turned a Database Into a Society." I'm gonna try to link a copy of it now.... here)

ok. i'm willing to learn how to be a better member of the community. how to listen to what y'all are saying.

now can i have my free stuff?

Let me say right away im a guy and well without sounding like a *** and not being rude WTF is wrong with p ind this game sometimes I feal like walking arround ind a dating service. I do understand that y girls has a problems ind game with creeps as you call some of the guy chargerts in game but just try to ignore them and laugh becors they need a life and dossent realise that its just a RPG game.
But not all of us are creeps, just playing the game for fun, well I can only speak for miself that is.

Hello from Leviathan! ^_^

Just saw the topic and popped in for an interesting read, especially the post by Tenmiles the Irrelevant. Very insightful look at gender roles and socialization online.

To Pax, /comfort. I'm sorry you have had a negative experience that made you want to quit the game. I think most of us girls have to deal with some sort of differential treatment in the game, however, when guys start stalking you or try to find out your IP address and such, that can be a little scary.

Sure, I've dealt with many proposals, lots of flirting, and the odd horny 14 year old boy. Mostly I just deal with it humourously and laugh it off, because I know that alot of them are just joking around, or some are kids that maybe have not developed their social skills very well yet. And there are also those lonely people really looking for something more online... to those people I try to be compassionate but firm. My RL boyfriend also plays, and I will alert them to this if they are not already aware. ^^ And to the real jerks, {/Blacklist} {You can have this.}

I avoid taking gifts as much as possible because I know this complicates things. Many guys think they can "buy" themselves a girl or something, it's quite bizarre to be offered expensive equips from strangers. I only take gifts from close friends who often receive even more expensive gifts from me to make it even, lol. I like to earn what I have to the point where I am a little hesitant to take small tokens.

Anyways, interesting read. Take care!