Sweetjoni’s Weblog

 http://www.mheim.com/files/cgw.pdf

This article was basically about how virtual worlds can be changed to make the flow of information and the creation of communities more effective. It gave various examples of how online spaces have been changed, and the result almost everytime was a better flow of communication, as well as a stronger foundation for communities to form. One particular example was how members of a community were in an online virtual world interviewing an author. In one setting, the members of the group were completely unfocused and the author refused to answer anymore questions, all because the environment was not condusive to building a community and allowing the flow of communication. The administrators of the environment then changed the interface to something more organic, and the situation changed completely. The author answered questions and the community was focused and attentive.

One interesting aspect of the feng shui of virtual worlds that the article disccused was rituals. Apparantly, rituals are used before people enter an online space in order to unite the community and get everyone thinking and talking about a particular topic. Its really fascinating how virtual worlds are employing methods used for thousands of years to unite people together. These rituals are designed to draw people together and help positive group dynamics form by having the members do a common activity.

I wonder if online religious communities have considered using rituals in the same fashion. It most likely would make these communities even stronger. I think most virtual worlds should have a ritual before entering. It would focus the members and allow for interesting conversations to form.