Internet friendships

One topic that I was recently talking to some friends about concerned online friendships. Some people had stories about onilne friends they had made over the years. These could be fellow web designers, like minded musicians, random game friendships...just random people you have ran into on the web and forged a friendship with.

Meeting people on the internet can be a challenge. . . . I find it easier in some ways, namely, that there can be as little element of prejudice as possible. Using the Internet, is it possible that we can remove all pre-judgment of perception?

Would removing all prejudice (both conscious and unconscious) even be a good context for meeting people? Or do judging people immediately (irl) protect us from the creepy old men.



Anyway, it is always interesting to discuss online friendships.

What can be gained from meeting people through online forums, games, chats, etc.?

splash page = bad

I have been interested in the idea of making the homepage immediately part of the game. New players would be taken directly to a sort of "Join the fight!" rah and "Click here to do this" crash tutorial. Returning players would be given game updates, personal news, new form/chat without having to log in.

For any players, I would have a quick "about this" message/SEO/ keyword section..but for a lot of games I think new people visiting the game want to be shown what it is.

Players might not get over the initial disappointment (mostly,need to build up trust right away).

Try to give new people seeing your game for the first time an honest impression of your game. That is, I wouldn't use a much better graphic and kickass appeal if

They don't necessarily want or need to be taken immediately into a detailed description of the game setting. Instead, show them what is currently going on in the game world. What are people/agents doing right now? What is the big forum event that everyone is talking about? Yes, I'm sure you have a great history of the game world and story you want to cram down my throat, but I will get to the details when I am good and ready!