Life #2

After reading the Cites & Insights article (Library 2.0 Revisited) for class I was very curious about this "Second Life" thing. Apparently I'm very behind on my web 2.0 knowledge. So, I looked it up. I have some friends who play WoW (World of Warcraft) and it seemed like basically the same thing, but rather than being mythical creatures teaming up to fight battles and accomplish quests, you create an avitar of yourself, or who you'd like to be, and do everyday stuff like chat with friends, design buildings and clothes, make money...though that part seemed a bit sketchy to me. Oh, you do get to fly!:)
So, I created a little person, kind of similar to me. It took a good hour to figure the very basics out, and I felt like I had massively wasted my time. But, I guess I can see how it would help to connect people who otherwise wouldn't. Like I saw "free translators" being advertised because apparently there are lots of people who speak a variety of languages in this "world."
The marketing concerned me. It's supposed to be a game, yet it's presented as a place to live out fantasies like being a fashion designer, scuba diving, having a big house, or even falling in love... also the fact that in order to get money "the easiest way is to convert real money" with your paypal account. Yikes.
Like I said, I know some people who play WoW, and yeah, it's scary how obsessed they can get. On the otherhand, some of them play on occasion just like any other form of entertainment and it's just good fun.

In my opinion, life is not to be lived in front of a screen. I do that enough with classwork, email, skype, facebook, news, and the occasional hulu or youtube break. If I had a "second life" that I had to keep up with and felt compelled to play constantly, it would be unhealthy. Humans need fresh air, sunlight, walks, face-to-face interaction, hugs, smiles (not just the :) kind), tactile experience like a paintbrush stroking a canvass or a book open in your lap...

I was wondering, has anyone else used this? What do you think? Is it really a tool libraries could use (other than provide a place it could be played...)? Feelings about the whole escapist/fantasy mindset? Please let me know if you disagree or if you have a very vibrant "second life" and I've offended you. I'd love to get your input!

Kindle

I've decided to do my individual topic for 644 on Kindle readers and other technology like it. I want to specifically look at the issues this technology raises for libraries. Some of my initial questions are:

• What are the basic functions of Kindles? What can they do? What can't they do? Pros/Cons?
  
• What is the cost of owning a Kindle? How accessible is it to the average consumer? Are there extra costs involved? Are there other options for wireless reader hardware?
  
• Who is using them at this point? Are there projections about who will be using them in the future?
  
• How is the public reacting to this new technology? Writers? Readers? Librarians?
  
• How will wireless reader technology impact library use? (Especially due to the fact that there are many options for free downloads of books from anywhere Kindles get wireless)
• Is there a way in which libraries could use Kindles, or appeal to Kindle users?

I've started my initial search and I'm already amazed at the technology, and slightly concerned as to how this will affect my chosen profession...:)

First Try

This is my first blog since high school...oh, the days of immaturely jotting half-thought-out sentences on Xanga.

I will try to keep this one a little less emo for the benefit of my fellow LIS644 classmates and Jo:)

This should be fun.