Are you a fan of the TV show "Big Brother" like I am? I know it's not exactly highbrow entertainment, but it's one of those summer shows that I just can't stop watching. For those of you not familiar with the format, let me fill you in. A group of strangers enter a house that is rigged full of cameras, and compete in challenges for food, luxury, and power. One person gets "evicted" each week, and all the action is broadcast on the internet 24/7, and on CBS three times each week.
Well, according to this BBC article, Big Brother is moving into Second Life, the online virtual world with over 1 million members.
Much like the TV version, a group of international participants will occupy a house (only this one is glass, so other people can watch the action live within Second Life) and one person will be evicted each week. The last one standing gets their own island within Second Life.
Unlike my colleague Emru Townsend at the Digital World blog, I am excited and fascinated with everything happening in Second Life. I'll have to log on and check it out.
I think it's really great for people who don't have a life and are intimidated by people who actually do have a life. The solution? Watch shows that are simulacrums of real living.
Dave:
It's pretty common for people who aren't gamers, haven't ever been a member of a 'virtual' community or even played (or seen!) a MMORPG to hate on the rest of us who are/have. And I think you might be right to criticize reality television in its escapist and voyeuristic nature. But Second Life is remarkably (and importantly) different! Although I probably don't approve of Big Brother's infiltrating SL in an attempt to be super-cool and bleeding-edgy, it does present fans a wonderful opportunity to be more involved in their favorite (albeit low-brow) show. SL provides a social platform and a space for role playing, so what better place for fans to gather and enjoy involved fandom? Think Trekker Conventions where fanzines are distributed....
Stop hating and educate yo self.
Eva Tal
I would have to agree with Eva Tal. I am by no means a "gamer" -- although I do belong to many online communities, they are centered around conversations, not games.
However, I wouldn't go so far as to say that Second Life is for people who are intimidated by others in real life. And the TV show Big Brother is by no means Masterpiece Theatre... but hey, I admit that up front.
I think that important things are happening in virtual worlds like Second Life that could impact us for years to come. Maybe Big Brother in SL is not one of those things, but hey... who knows?