This page was written by M. Elizabeth Bomhower on 17 Jul 2013.

This site requires Javascript to be turned on. Please enable Javascript and reload the page.

technsolution

A question of privelge or intention? (Margie's comment)

You know, there is something that has struck me here. It’s interesting that in WoW, gold-farming is a cardinal sin, and yet on SecondLife, it’s absolutely encouraged - Linden dollars (whether earned by in-game grinding or purchased with real cash) is commonplace.

So, I ask, what is the difference here? Is it because WoW is representing a fantasy world in the more traditional sense, whereas SecondLife is supposed to be a representation of just that – a “second” (real) life? But, what about all the fantastical possibilities on SecondLife – in RL, we cannot fly, we cannot turn into animals, etc. So, while it’s modeled in reality, the representation, arguably, is just as fantasy-based as Wow…

Why do you think this paradox exists?

This page has replies:

Fascinating comment, Margie. I'm wondering if the pursuit of profit rather than the quest is seen as sullying the intent / narrative of WoW? That 2nd Life is more cheerfully market-based / capitalist? I find the use of the guild metaphor in WoW interesting in that guild is pre-industrial market structure / form of capitalism. I wonder if a romanticized view the past leads us to thing that guilds are filled with craftspeople laboring for the love of their trade and not in pursuit of profit. The gold farmers spoil that vision? 2nd life is a technopolis and an everything for sale / purchase place?
Contents of this reply:
1. A question of privelge or intention? (Margie's comment) You know, there is something that has struck me here. It’s interesting that in WoW, gold-farming is a cardinal sin, and yet on SecondLife, it’s absolutely encouraged - Linden dollars (whether earned by in-game grinding or purchased with real cash) is commonplace. So, I ask, what is the difference here? Is it because WoW is representing a fantasy world in the more traditional sense, whereas SecondLife is supposed to be a representation of just that – a “second” (real) life? But, what about all the fantastical possibilities on SecondLife – in RL, we cannot fly, we cannot turn into animals, etc. So, while it’s modeled in reality, the representation, arguably, is just as fantasy-based as Wow… Why do you think this paradox exists?