In class, we discussed instances where virtual world players are afraid of site administrators. However, I found cases where groups of users on the virtual pets website Neopets see certain site moderators as celebrity figures.
Specifically, a former Neopets staff member known as "The Phantom Orange Shirt Guy" had a large group of followers on the website. Everyday, a number of his followers would carefully watch the Neopets office webcam in hopes of catching a glimpse of him. Upon spotting him, users would take screenshots and post it on their Neopets webpages. In addition every Thursday was known as Ollie Day, at around 3pm PST followers would make a topic on the boards and chat while waiting in hopes of Ollie making an appearance. Ollie's postings were rare, and when this happened, the post was taken as a screenshot and posted on webpages. (Initially I was planning to post a webpage created by a user to illustrate my points, but questioned whether it was appropriate since specific usernames are shown on the page)
This example connects with the article about the wizard in Curtis' article, in which site administrators are seen as mystical individuals. However this example contrasts with what was discussed in class, in which other certain virtual world users fear the presense and activities of those with administrator powers.
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Nice job, Grace. It's almost Machiavellian: site administrators are either feared or loved, but which one gives them more authority? I wonder if the "type" of virtual world that Neopets represents has anything to do with this. Also, very good going with your instinct and not posting a screenshot with user names. In light of the Second Life debacle, I think it was the right move.
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