Ending of Play Money

Earlier today, I finished reading “Play Money”. The last section confused me. I immediately went to the first chapter and reread it and to help me understand the end of the book.

“A dogged intuition told me something world-historic was afoot in the territory I was moving into … the radical confusion of production and pretend, the emergence of play … of what the world economy has become or where it’s headed … “ (3).

Throughout the middle sections, I found myself rooting for Dibbell as he worked toward his goal of earning more money at virtual buying and selling than he earned as a professional writer. I got caught up in the drama along with him. I wanted him to succeed. In the end; however, he sadly fell short of his goal. It was good fun while it lasted!

What started out as play in a virtual community turned into real life situation where at times Dibbell neglected his family and career and was drawn downwards into what the virtual world has to offer. Then he thought of his little girl, Lola and decided to give it up - the dedication page says, “For Lola, for real.”

Play Money

Or, How I Quit My Day Job and Made Millions Trading Virtual Loot

Julian Dibbell's book has an intruiging title ... but can someone really earn millions of dollars in a virtual world. The title itself sounds like a spin to a new stock market deal.

Real-money trading (RMT): MMO players who don't have the time, patience, or ability to acquire fantasy good through fantasy means will purchase the goods from other player with "cold, hard, real-life cash". I think about this several moments not quite understanding it and then read on.

In parts three and four, Dibbell writes of his experiences with purchasing virtual real estate. After a short time, he writes very little of his dream house in Malas.

As I read further, I realize there is an real breathing industry (economy) in the virtual world. I don't completely understand it. I am confused by the value of the real dollar compared with the virtual dollar (or the gp and gold indexes).

I have read through part seven now. My impression of virtual trading is that it is less risky than the stock market and more risky than buying lottery tickets. The return is minimal at best and it takes a great amount of time to turn around a small profit.

I am interested in seeing where Dibbell ends up by the end of the book. Will he become a millionaire or wind up in the poor house?

Second Life

Part of this week's assignment was to set up an avatar in Second Life. I was more than apprehensive over this assignment - I was really reluctant! But I took the plunge and my avatar's name is "Lynsie Jewell" who wears blue jeans and a lavendar top. I didn't have too much trouble manuvering in the orientation - I flew and drove a vehicle. It was then that I decided to approach and speak to another avatar. I spoke briefly with "Fernando Peccable" from Brazil and "Jiff Clary" from China. I had a longer conversation with "Mariagerman Ling" from Germany. Maria and I actually talked more about real life. She is a bus driver and it was 5:00 A.M. there in Germany. All three of the avatars spoke some English.

Video Project

Last week, my group for the video met and decided on a topic. Rebekkah, Ken, Adam, Jennifer and I concluded that our video would be about "podcasting". Each person would share their experiences related to recording a podcast. Earlier this week, Ken, Jennifer and I met and the project began. Ken ran the camera while Jenn and I described some of our difficulties with recording a podcast. I'll admit that I'm camera-shy and needed to speak louder. Hopefully Ken can do something to adjust the sound. Overall, it was good to meet some of my classmates and work together.

Is it time for … A Whole New Mind?

Daniel Pink presents his ideas about the Conceptual Age … high concept, high touch, creators and empathizers. The world is changing because of technology and people are able to concentrate more of our attention on creativity and less time thinking about survival. Pink outlines the six senses that a person must sharpen to survive and thrive in today's world. Here is some of what I found important.

1. Not just function but also Design.
“Good design is a renaissance attitude that combines technology, cognitive science, human need, and beauty to produce something that the world didn’t know it was missing” - Paola Antonelli. (72).

2. Not just argument but also Story.
“If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away as needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive.” - Barry Lopez (114).

3. Not just focus but also Symphony.
“Metaphor is the lifeblood of all art.” - Twyla Tharp (139).

4. Not just logic but also Empathy.
“Leadership is about empathy. It is about having the ability to relate and to connect with people for the purpose of inspiring and empowering their lives.” - Oprah Winfrey (160).

5. Not just serious but also Play.
“There is no question that a playfully light attitude is characteristic of creative individuals.” - Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi (198).

6. Not just accumulation but also Meaning.
“You’re not going to find the meaning of life hidden under a rock written by someone else. You’ll only find it by giving meaning to life from inside yourself.” - Dr. Robert Firestone (225).

I appreciated the content presented in the book and look forward to trying out some of the suggestions in the portfolio section that followed each of the six senses.