So, apparently, I'm not cut out for online classes.
I guess there's something about the physical classroom environment that really works for me. Maybe it's the fact that the teacher is constantly reminding students of work to be done rather than students having to go online to find that they've already missed a due date...
Anyway, I felt it was a good experience overall. I learned what it's like to make a group project without ever meeting anyone in it. Also, I learned a lot about my supposed "Internet" generation. However, my everyday experience with others my age contradicts a lot of what is talked about in articles about the virtual world. Or, perhaps, I don't run into many of those people in my day to day life because they're busy at home on their computers. I mean, how could someone get their character from 70 to 80 and fight the Lich King if they're hanging out at school? They can't. They're living their other life. I'm still not sure I completely agree that my generation is more tech-savvy than the last, but I can understand the argument. Unfortunately, just because people are spending a lot of time in front of a computer on the Internet, it doesn't mean that they're doing anything more than checking their Facebook and Myspace accounts.
I just wish I had spent more time on this class than I did. I feel like I shouldn't even pass it, considering the amount of work I put into it versus my other classes. I think I'll be sad whether I pass the class or not. If I pass, I'll feel like I didn't earn it, and if I don't, then I'll obviously be upset about not passing a class.
I don't know much, but I know to avoid online classes in the future. Even though I really like the idea of them, my personality doesn't allow me to be able to keep with all the maintenance that's required.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
I guess it's time for more
So, a few years ago, my cousin and I would always talk about how great it would be if we could have our own server for an online MMO and play the way that we wanted. We really thought it would be the best thing that ever happened.
Well, I guess that that's pretty common now, but he and I missed the boat since we both stopped playing MMO's a while ago. Even World of Warcraft has tons of private servers that allow players to play for free with limited rules and small amounts of boring level grinding.
However, the VAST majority of players still play on the pay servers with grinding, lag, and unfair economies. Why? Well, maybe it's because they are more stable and get updates faster, but I don't think so.
The reason most players choose to play this way is because most players choose to play this way. There's a social aspect to it, I suppose. If a WoW player met another in real life (insert joke about MMO players not leaving their parents' basement here), they would probably ask which server each other played on. It would be a bit of a faux pas if one of them said, "I play on my own server so I don't have to deal with other players and level grind." For some reason, that's not cool.
I'm glad that my cousin and I never went ahead with our plans. If I ever play another MMO, I'll be sure to stick to the main game and not try to take it for myself. It's almost like an obligation to the others that play.
Well, I guess that that's pretty common now, but he and I missed the boat since we both stopped playing MMO's a while ago. Even World of Warcraft has tons of private servers that allow players to play for free with limited rules and small amounts of boring level grinding.
However, the VAST majority of players still play on the pay servers with grinding, lag, and unfair economies. Why? Well, maybe it's because they are more stable and get updates faster, but I don't think so.
The reason most players choose to play this way is because most players choose to play this way. There's a social aspect to it, I suppose. If a WoW player met another in real life (insert joke about MMO players not leaving their parents' basement here), they would probably ask which server each other played on. It would be a bit of a faux pas if one of them said, "I play on my own server so I don't have to deal with other players and level grind." For some reason, that's not cool.
I'm glad that my cousin and I never went ahead with our plans. If I ever play another MMO, I'll be sure to stick to the main game and not try to take it for myself. It's almost like an obligation to the others that play.
I hope I haven't screwed up my chance at a good grade in this class
Gah! I can't believe I forgot about the blog for this long. I feel like I'm a bad student or something.
Anyway.
LittleBigPlanet, anyone?
I've been writing a paper on LittleBigPlanet, which is a PS3 game with a lot of interesting online elements, for a while now. The paper has made me start to hate actually playing the game, which is really unfortunate considering how good of a game it is.
That got me thinking. Why do I hate Facebook so much now? I think its because it has become a part of my job and my classes. I can't help but think that when I log in. I need to check messages and whatnot as well as go to groups for classes. By the time I've done all of that, I don't want to be on Facebook anymore.
In fact, I feel like I don't even remember why I ever used it in the first place, if not for work and class? What is the point? The only thing I really use it for now is to make sure I don't forget a friend's birthday. Does anyone else feel this way?
I really hope that this doesn't last. I like the idea of Facebook, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that LittleBigPlanet is a great game. Maybe once this semester is over, I can find the enjoyment that I once had from them.
Anyway.
LittleBigPlanet, anyone?
I've been writing a paper on LittleBigPlanet, which is a PS3 game with a lot of interesting online elements, for a while now. The paper has made me start to hate actually playing the game, which is really unfortunate considering how good of a game it is.
That got me thinking. Why do I hate Facebook so much now? I think its because it has become a part of my job and my classes. I can't help but think that when I log in. I need to check messages and whatnot as well as go to groups for classes. By the time I've done all of that, I don't want to be on Facebook anymore.
In fact, I feel like I don't even remember why I ever used it in the first place, if not for work and class? What is the point? The only thing I really use it for now is to make sure I don't forget a friend's birthday. Does anyone else feel this way?
I really hope that this doesn't last. I like the idea of Facebook, and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that LittleBigPlanet is a great game. Maybe once this semester is over, I can find the enjoyment that I once had from them.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Ok, so seriously... It's 2008
I don't mean to sound belittling to people who know less about the Internet and technology than me. I understand that I'm Gen-Y and all that bogus crap that apparently should justify my knowledge.
What I don't understand, however, is that it's 2008 and we don't have flying cars, we still use the same keyboard as typewriters made over a century ago, I can print or watch on my TV anything I can see on my computer screen, and blah blah blah.
I think the reason for all of this is that people in general are afraid of change. While it may seem like the Internet has come upon us pretty quickly, it's still primarily used by younger people who grew up with it. Sure, Myspace users are often over 35, but that's not THE INTERNET. I mean power-using. Understanding simple things like how to download an mp3 is not that hard. If we can't get the majority of society to go beyond using their computers for taxes and email, how are we ever going to see the kind of technology that sci-fi has been promising for decades?
People know how to use computers, but they don't know how computers work. If only the geeks understand these things, and the geeks need jobs. The geeks get stuck making crap for the masses when they could be actually advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. The other problem I have is that geeks are making weapons for the government, because the military seems to be the only organization that fully understands that implications of being vastly technologically superior.
(note that I use the word "geek" with only the most admiration and jealousy)
What I don't understand, however, is that it's 2008 and we don't have flying cars, we still use the same keyboard as typewriters made over a century ago, I can print or watch on my TV anything I can see on my computer screen, and blah blah blah.
I think the reason for all of this is that people in general are afraid of change. While it may seem like the Internet has come upon us pretty quickly, it's still primarily used by younger people who grew up with it. Sure, Myspace users are often over 35, but that's not THE INTERNET. I mean power-using. Understanding simple things like how to download an mp3 is not that hard. If we can't get the majority of society to go beyond using their computers for taxes and email, how are we ever going to see the kind of technology that sci-fi has been promising for decades?
People know how to use computers, but they don't know how computers work. If only the geeks understand these things, and the geeks need jobs. The geeks get stuck making crap for the masses when they could be actually advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. The other problem I have is that geeks are making weapons for the government, because the military seems to be the only organization that fully understands that implications of being vastly technologically superior.
(note that I use the word "geek" with only the most admiration and jealousy)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Online Writing Certificate
So, lately I've been thinking about getting my certificate for online writing. I'm not sure how useful an English Literature degree is going to be in the future. For some reason, I went with that instead of professional writing. I'm a pretty big fan of writing online because it usually allows for creativity and expression in ways that traditional academic writing do not. I mean, I know how to make a point, and I shouldn't have to find 20 other people who have made the same point before me in order to have credibility. Can't logic speak for itself?
Additionally, online writing has space for people to write stuff that maybe not even 20 other people have ever thought about. In the past couple of years, I've had some great ideas for papers but have been told that I had to change my topic because no "academic" sources exist for me to draw from. What if I'm the first person to think of something? Traditional academic writing doesn't allow for that, unless you are working on a thesis, dissertation, or already have a doctorate. With online writing, if I want to compare and contrast fanfiction and fan-videos online, I can just do it. I don't have to wait until the topic is obsolete and a bunch of out-of-touch professors have already put in their two cents before I can say anything. I could literally start writing about that topic RIGHT NOW and could find a webzine or a site like AssociatedContent.com to publish it within a week.
Additionally, online writing has space for people to write stuff that maybe not even 20 other people have ever thought about. In the past couple of years, I've had some great ideas for papers but have been told that I had to change my topic because no "academic" sources exist for me to draw from. What if I'm the first person to think of something? Traditional academic writing doesn't allow for that, unless you are working on a thesis, dissertation, or already have a doctorate. With online writing, if I want to compare and contrast fanfiction and fan-videos online, I can just do it. I don't have to wait until the topic is obsolete and a bunch of out-of-touch professors have already put in their two cents before I can say anything. I could literally start writing about that topic RIGHT NOW and could find a webzine or a site like AssociatedContent.com to publish it within a week.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Leto the Dragoon
Today, I would say that I'm not a fan of MMORPG's, but that has not always been the case. I have a long history with the game Final Fantasy XI. So, let me tell you how that has affected my virtual life.
I started playing FFXI about five years ago and played it on and off for just over three years. My cousin and I were pretty big fans of the Final Fantasy console series, and we had always wanted to try out an MMO. So, we decided to start playing the game together right when it was available in the United States. He immediately got caught up in it, but it took me longer to get involved because I wasn't able to play at home. I always had to go to his house because we didn't have an Internet connection at the time (wow... crazy now that I think about it). Eventually, I was able to play at home. Along the way, my cousin's best friend began playing with us as well.
Once we more fully understood the game and where on the web to go for information (shout out to KillingIfrit.com!!), we scrapped our original characters and began playing as our permanent virtual selves. Jon, my cousin, became JonSnow, a Hume from Bastok whose main job/class was Red Mage. Scott (our friend) was Scottys, an Elvaan from San d'Oria (Sandy) with a main class of Monk. I was Leto (named after Leto Atreides from the fabulous Dune series of novels by Frank Herbert), an Elvaan Dragoon, also from Sandy.
The three of us played together all the time, but the other two were always 10 steps ahead of me in the game, which was helpful to me because I could always ask them for in-game assistance or money if necessary. We created our own Linkshell (FFXI's version of a clan or guild) called StrawHatPirates, changed it to Lollygaggers, and eventually to NightsWatch. We were on the server Remora, which was considered to be one of the most competitive and had a few of the most famous players of the game at the time (hey, BabyOphan). Each of the three of us also had side Linkshells that we used if the others weren't on. RemorasGuardians was the group I was in. When it started, they allowed anyone to enter, but it eventually became the second strongest Linkshell on the server. However, this was because of no help from me. I quit the game for about 4 months at one point, due to a lack of a way to pay the monthly fee. When I came back, somehow all of my Linkshell buddies had maxed out their characters and began to impose strict rules for joining. My character didn't even meet the requirements, but since I was a founding member, they let me stay on.
In addition to the in-game effects my Linkshells had on my life, there was one major change that would not have been possible without FFXI to my out-of-game life. Because of our in-game chatting through StrawHatPirates, Scott and I decided to become roommates. Since Jon only lived a short distance from Scott, I moved in with him, and the 7200 block of Schneider Ave in Hammond housed three very popular characters from Remora. Basically, while living with Scott, I became completely addicted to the game. At one point, I even spent real cash in order to get in-game money, which is taboo in-game and is considered cheating by Square-Enix (the company that made the game) I gained about 40 pounds, only remember going on one date the entire year I was there, and generally lost what semblance of a social life I had beforehand. That's not to say that I regret FFXI. I have a lot of good memories from the game.
Here's a video of my last minutes in-game as Leto. A Linkshell friend from RemorasGuardians made the video when I announced I was going to quit and give all of my equipment to the other members. I never maxed out my character. Leto remains forever level 50 (out of 75), but his exploits are still remembered by many.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WglKj7goxfA
Throughout my time playing the game, I began posting on message boards about it, editing Wikipedia and FFXIclopedia articles, reading and commenting on strategies for the game, creating websites and forums for various Linkshells, and watching and creating videos of in-game occurrences on YouTube. I guess I could say that FFXI introduced me to the Internet in an entirely different way than I had been exposed to in the past. Because of FFXI, I am a digital native and am thankful to Leto for that.
Since the last time I quit, I have vowed off MMO's (a vow I occasionally break whenever a new game has a free trial), but writing this has made me want to reinstall FFXI and run around in Remora for a while.
I started playing FFXI about five years ago and played it on and off for just over three years. My cousin and I were pretty big fans of the Final Fantasy console series, and we had always wanted to try out an MMO. So, we decided to start playing the game together right when it was available in the United States. He immediately got caught up in it, but it took me longer to get involved because I wasn't able to play at home. I always had to go to his house because we didn't have an Internet connection at the time (wow... crazy now that I think about it). Eventually, I was able to play at home. Along the way, my cousin's best friend began playing with us as well.
Once we more fully understood the game and where on the web to go for information (shout out to KillingIfrit.com!!), we scrapped our original characters and began playing as our permanent virtual selves. Jon, my cousin, became JonSnow, a Hume from Bastok whose main job/class was Red Mage. Scott (our friend) was Scottys, an Elvaan from San d'Oria (Sandy) with a main class of Monk. I was Leto (named after Leto Atreides from the fabulous Dune series of novels by Frank Herbert), an Elvaan Dragoon, also from Sandy.
The three of us played together all the time, but the other two were always 10 steps ahead of me in the game, which was helpful to me because I could always ask them for in-game assistance or money if necessary. We created our own Linkshell (FFXI's version of a clan or guild) called StrawHatPirates, changed it to Lollygaggers, and eventually to NightsWatch. We were on the server Remora, which was considered to be one of the most competitive and had a few of the most famous players of the game at the time (hey, BabyOphan). Each of the three of us also had side Linkshells that we used if the others weren't on. RemorasGuardians was the group I was in. When it started, they allowed anyone to enter, but it eventually became the second strongest Linkshell on the server. However, this was because of no help from me. I quit the game for about 4 months at one point, due to a lack of a way to pay the monthly fee. When I came back, somehow all of my Linkshell buddies had maxed out their characters and began to impose strict rules for joining. My character didn't even meet the requirements, but since I was a founding member, they let me stay on.
In addition to the in-game effects my Linkshells had on my life, there was one major change that would not have been possible without FFXI to my out-of-game life. Because of our in-game chatting through StrawHatPirates, Scott and I decided to become roommates. Since Jon only lived a short distance from Scott, I moved in with him, and the 7200 block of Schneider Ave in Hammond housed three very popular characters from Remora. Basically, while living with Scott, I became completely addicted to the game. At one point, I even spent real cash in order to get in-game money, which is taboo in-game and is considered cheating by Square-Enix (the company that made the game) I gained about 40 pounds, only remember going on one date the entire year I was there, and generally lost what semblance of a social life I had beforehand. That's not to say that I regret FFXI. I have a lot of good memories from the game.
Here's a video of my last minutes in-game as Leto. A Linkshell friend from RemorasGuardians made the video when I announced I was going to quit and give all of my equipment to the other members. I never maxed out my character. Leto remains forever level 50 (out of 75), but his exploits are still remembered by many.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WglKj7goxfA
Throughout my time playing the game, I began posting on message boards about it, editing Wikipedia and FFXIclopedia articles, reading and commenting on strategies for the game, creating websites and forums for various Linkshells, and watching and creating videos of in-game occurrences on YouTube. I guess I could say that FFXI introduced me to the Internet in an entirely different way than I had been exposed to in the past. Because of FFXI, I am a digital native and am thankful to Leto for that.
Since the last time I quit, I have vowed off MMO's (a vow I occasionally break whenever a new game has a free trial), but writing this has made me want to reinstall FFXI and run around in Remora for a while.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
I hate signing up for stuff
So, for most of my online life, I've had one username (auhsojsivart) and one password (*******). Now, however, I run three different emails, have two different logins for instant messengers, and have had to set up three separate blogs which are, in turn, linked to three separate google accounts. It's annoying. I really just want everything to be linked together. I'm not the kind of person who writes things down as I do them, so whenever I need to log in to something, I have to go through a mental inventory of all the possible usernames and passwords I've ever used and basically guess as to which works with whatever particular service I need to use at the moment.
Additionally, I hate blogger. It has told me, just in the last 20 minutes, that my email doesn't exist, that I'm a spam blogger, that I cannot access one of my blogs until I receive a confirmation email (but, oh wait! that email address doesn't exist according to blogger), and that other people have used my email and password to create blogs... I really hope for everyone else's sake that they haven't had the problems I have had with it.
Additionally, I hate blogger. It has told me, just in the last 20 minutes, that my email doesn't exist, that I'm a spam blogger, that I cannot access one of my blogs until I receive a confirmation email (but, oh wait! that email address doesn't exist according to blogger), and that other people have used my email and password to create blogs... I really hope for everyone else's sake that they haven't had the problems I have had with it.
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