Interview Subject X didn't respond to my request, so I went to another geisha community and found X's comparable counterpart, Interview Subject Alpha.
Because of the human subjects protections we are abiding by, any real identifiers have been removed.
[17:52] Chikara Yokosuka: thank you so much for agreeing to this
[17:52] Chikara Yokosuka: How old is this community and/or how long has it been active?
[17:53] Interview Subject Alpha: i'll have to ask PersonA this is the oldest okiya and geisha community in SL::))
[17:54] Chikara Yokosuka: What is your role in this particular geisha community?
[17:54] Interview Subject Alpha: head geisha of the Theta1 community::))
[17:54] Chikara Yokosuka: Why a geisha club in Second Life?
[17:56] Interview Subject Alpha: because the people in this club as you call it love japanese culture and there is no way in real life that we could become geisha as they start very young::))
[17:56] Chikara Yokosuka: Why this community as opposed to another?
[17:57] Interview Subject Alpha: my PersonA is a very kind and patient woman and tries to let us be as rl geisha as possible::))
[17:58] Chikara Yokosuka: which leads into my next question :)
[17:58] Chikara Yokosuka: Besides for the virtual components, are these geisha shows typically what one might find in real life?
[17:58] Interview Subject Alpha: yes mostly as i have heard from a sister of mine here who is a rl geisha in japan::))
[17:59] Chikara Yokosuka: Do you have a favorite geisha story to tell?
[18:00] Interview Subject Alpha: i will have to think on this for an answer::))
[18:00] Chikara Yokosuka: How are the geisha and/or their stories selected for each event?
[18:01] Interview Subject Alpha: we think of a theme for an event and that sets the tone::))
[18:02] Chikara Yokosuka: Do you repeat geisha stories? If so, how often?
[18:02] Interview Subject Alpha: once every so often but, not all the time::))
[18:03] Interview Subject Alpha: we tell poetry and haikus::))
[18:03] Interview Subject Alpha: and have patrons participate::))
[18:03] Chikara Yokosuka: just two more
[18:03] Chikara Yokosuka: How can one apply to be a geisha here?
[18:04] Interview Subject Alpha: get an application from PersonA and have an interview with her::))
[18:04] Interview Subject Alpha: Ooops sorry wrong window!!
[18:05] Chikara Yokosuka: Are the geisha shows typically attended by more male or female avatars?
[18:05] Interview Subject Alpha: both here i have found::))
[18:05] Chikara Yokosuka: interesting
[18:05] Chikara Yokosuka: that wraps it up on my end, Interview Subject Alpha
[18:06] Interview Subject Alpha: you are welcome i hope i have helped::))
[18:06] Chikara Yokosuka: domo arigato *bows*
[18:15] Interview Subject Alpha: yokosuka-san this one has been open here since [date] the oldest one here::))
[18:16] Chikara Yokosuka: domo arigato for finding this out
[18:17] Interview Subject Alpha: Do-itashimashite.
[18:18] Interview Subject Alpha: oh an my favorite story so far is madame butterfly!!
[18:18] Chikara Yokosuka: I'm not familiar with the story
[18:19] Interview Subject Alpha: it is a story which was turned into an opera::))
[18:20] Interview Subject Alpha: about a japanese girl marrying and english sailor and having a child and the english father trying to take the child away::))
[18:20] Interview Subject Alpha: madame butterfly killed herdelf in the end::))
[18:20] Chikara Yokosuka: oh wow
[18:21] Interview Subject Alpha: now you know::))
[18:21] Interview Subject Alpha: many stories are heart rendering::(( and so sad::((
[18:22] Chikara Yokosuka: I was at another geisha establishment and there was an enlightening story about a man selling hats to get some dinner for New Years
[18:23] Chikara Yokosuka: and he was coming home after not selling any, and instead got rid of the hats onto some statues he believed were cold
[18:23] Interview Subject Alpha: hai!! have many stories such as that::))
[18:23] Chikara Yokosuka: yeah it was a nice one
[18:24] Chikara Yokosuka: haven't heard any of the more sad stories
[18:24] Chikara Yokosuka: or many, i guess
[18:24] Interview Subject Alpha: and they came to life and left him food for making them warm/
[18:24] Interview Subject Alpha: hai!!
[18:24] Chikara Yokosuka: hai hai
[18:25] Chikara Yokosuka: well Mulan-san I need to run
[18:25] Chikara Yokosuka: thank you for sharing your information with me tonight
[18:26] Interview Subject Alpha: most weklcome::))
Monday, January 19, 2009
The Interview, part 1
First, we were supposed to select somebody to interview.
My interview subject is Interview Subject X. She was standing at the entrance spot to say hi to those teleporting in for the show. Her profile describes her as the " organizer and hostess for live music and other events at the beautiful Location Y venue and dance area." If I remember correctly, there was another host for the actual Location Y show, but I'm assuming Interview Subject X has been around these long enough to answer my questions.
My interview subject is Interview Subject X. She was standing at the entrance spot to say hi to those teleporting in for the show. Her profile describes her as the " organizer and hostess for live music and other events at the beautiful Location Y venue and dance area." If I remember correctly, there was another host for the actual Location Y show, but I'm assuming Interview Subject X has been around these long enough to answer my questions.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Preliminary Map
This is the preliminary map of the area I studied. There will be a final version to accompany the prospectus.
[Map has been edited out due to change in URL]
[Map has been edited out due to change in URL]
Friday, January 16, 2009
Interview Schedule
[Note: [Activity] was edited in this to meet the requirements for human subjects protection.]
How old is this community and/or how long has it been active?
What is your role in this particular community?
Why an [Activity] club in Second Life?
Why this community as opposed to another?
Besides for the virtual components, are these [Activity] shows typically what one might find in real life?
Do you have a favorite [Activity] story to tell?
How are the [Activity] participants and/or their stories selected for each event?
Do you repeat [Activity] stories? If so, how often?
How can one apply to be an [Activity] participant here?
Are the [Activity] shows typically attended by more male or female avatars?
How old is this community and/or how long has it been active?
What is your role in this particular community?
Why an [Activity] club in Second Life?
Why this community as opposed to another?
Besides for the virtual components, are these [Activity] shows typically what one might find in real life?
Do you have a favorite [Activity] story to tell?
How are the [Activity] participants and/or their stories selected for each event?
Do you repeat [Activity] stories? If so, how often?
How can one apply to be an [Activity] participant here?
Are the [Activity] shows typically attended by more male or female avatars?
Interview Subject Proposal
Assignment 8
My interview subject is Interview Subject X. She was standing at the entrance spot to say hi to those teleporting in for the show. Her profile describes her as the "organizer and hostess for live music and other events at the beautiful Location Y venue and dance area."
If I remember correctly, there was another host for the actual Location Y show, but I'm assuming Interview Subject X has been around these long enough to answer my questions.
[Note: Due to lack of quick response by Interview Subject X, I had to choose another subject of roughly the same status at a similar but different location.]
My interview subject is Interview Subject X. She was standing at the entrance spot to say hi to those teleporting in for the show. Her profile describes her as the "organizer and hostess for live music and other events at the beautiful Location Y venue and dance area."
If I remember correctly, there was another host for the actual Location Y show, but I'm assuming Interview Subject X has been around these long enough to answer my questions.
[Note: Due to lack of quick response by Interview Subject X, I had to choose another subject of roughly the same status at a similar but different location.]
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Practice getting permissions
Note that in the future, we must customize the form for which type it is (land owner or venue owner).
This form was just PRACTICE in getting permissions for when we do actual research.
-------
My name is Adam Bockler / Chikara Yokosuka.
I am an undergraduate student enrolled in an introduction to research methods class (Multimedia 333:Introduction to Field Research In Virtual Worlds) at Bradley University in Peoria IL, USA, that is being conducted in Second Life winter/January term, 2009.
The course I am enrolled in right now is just focused on practicing getting permission of landowners, research subjects, and/or informants. There is no formal research being conducted until the next term.
The community here seems to be focused around author discussions, so I want to learn a bit more about how one comes to fit in with the group, about the kinds of things that you do during these events, about the various roles that people play in the events when they are here, and anything else I may be missing but have not had a chance to notice or experience yet.
My observations are merely descriptive: I’ll take notes about what I see and I may summarize those notes in my paper, in class presentations to my classmates, or on my web-blog about this research. The blog is found at: http://www.adambockler.com/interact/blog/chikarayokosukaSL.html.
I will not record or publish either the SL or RL name of any avatar/person. Any observations about avatars or recording of their talk transcripts would take place only after having obtained the explicit permission of that avatar/person and would only happen after the name of the avatar had been changed via secret coding scheme.
I do need to remind you that in the case of text chat, others beside myself have copies of text chat (perhaps interviews or general conversations) within their computing systems; likewise, Linden Labs servers have copies. I cannot "control" those copies; I can only promise to control/protect data that is in my possession.
If I were going to observe you as subject, I would ask you if I can have your permission to observe you in general. Any pictures taken in SL, that serve as explanatory data and which might include avatars, will be modified so that avatar names and identifying characteristics are blurred/blocked.
We will also interview subjects and informants about the communities of practice that we are studying. These conversations are, again, voluntary and only with the informed permission of the avatar/person/informant. I may copy out the chat transcript from those conversations/interviews. When we do, we will change/code names so that there is no recorded connection between you/your avatar and the data.
If you agreed to serve as subject of observation, interview, or as an information, you may choose to withdraw at any time without penalty by simply telling me you wish to stop.
You may follow the progress of all of the studies in the class, including this one at: http://slane.bradley.edu/com/faculty/lamoureux/website2/333/bloglinks333_09.html. Presentation of the activities from the class serve as our gift to the communities of practice who share time and knowledge with us; perhaps our perspectives will help residents to more fully understand and appreciate their activities.
If you have questions regarding the class or its activities, you can contact me, in world or out of world via email at phenomenal.aj@gmail.com, or my teacher, Professor Beliveau in world or out of world as Ed Lamoureux at ell@bradley.edu, 309-677-2378.
Do you read English clearly enough to understand this form and to respond?
Yes.
Do you have any questions?
No. Thank you.
If you are a land owner/venue owner, may I practice observing and interviewing avatars on your land/at your venue? [I may, later, return and ask your permission to do an actual research project here]
land owner/venue operator sign and date here:
***** ********, [occupation omitted]
_______________________________________________
If you are a an avatar with whom I seek to practice interviewing:
May I observe your behavior in this setting and make notes about it?
May I transcribe of copy of our interview for use in class presentations and published to the blog after removing your identity.?
practice participant sign and date here:
_______________________________________________
Thank you for your time and consideration of my requests.
This form was just PRACTICE in getting permissions for when we do actual research.
-------
My name is Adam Bockler / Chikara Yokosuka.
I am an undergraduate student enrolled in an introduction to research methods class (Multimedia 333:Introduction to Field Research In Virtual Worlds) at Bradley University in Peoria IL, USA, that is being conducted in Second Life winter/January term, 2009.
The course I am enrolled in right now is just focused on practicing getting permission of landowners, research subjects, and/or informants. There is no formal research being conducted until the next term.
The community here seems to be focused around author discussions, so I want to learn a bit more about how one comes to fit in with the group, about the kinds of things that you do during these events, about the various roles that people play in the events when they are here, and anything else I may be missing but have not had a chance to notice or experience yet.
My observations are merely descriptive: I’ll take notes about what I see and I may summarize those notes in my paper, in class presentations to my classmates, or on my web-blog about this research. The blog is found at: http://www.adambockler.com/interact/blog/chikarayokosukaSL.html.
I will not record or publish either the SL or RL name of any avatar/person. Any observations about avatars or recording of their talk transcripts would take place only after having obtained the explicit permission of that avatar/person and would only happen after the name of the avatar had been changed via secret coding scheme.
I do need to remind you that in the case of text chat, others beside myself have copies of text chat (perhaps interviews or general conversations) within their computing systems; likewise, Linden Labs servers have copies. I cannot "control" those copies; I can only promise to control/protect data that is in my possession.
If I were going to observe you as subject, I would ask you if I can have your permission to observe you in general. Any pictures taken in SL, that serve as explanatory data and which might include avatars, will be modified so that avatar names and identifying characteristics are blurred/blocked.
We will also interview subjects and informants about the communities of practice that we are studying. These conversations are, again, voluntary and only with the informed permission of the avatar/person/informant. I may copy out the chat transcript from those conversations/interviews. When we do, we will change/code names so that there is no recorded connection between you/your avatar and the data.
If you agreed to serve as subject of observation, interview, or as an information, you may choose to withdraw at any time without penalty by simply telling me you wish to stop.
You may follow the progress of all of the studies in the class, including this one at: http://slane.bradley.edu/com/faculty/lamoureux/website2/333/bloglinks333_09.html. Presentation of the activities from the class serve as our gift to the communities of practice who share time and knowledge with us; perhaps our perspectives will help residents to more fully understand and appreciate their activities.
If you have questions regarding the class or its activities, you can contact me, in world or out of world via email at phenomenal.aj@gmail.com, or my teacher, Professor Beliveau in world or out of world as Ed Lamoureux at ell@bradley.edu, 309-677-2378.
Do you read English clearly enough to understand this form and to respond?
Yes.
Do you have any questions?
No. Thank you.
If you are a land owner/venue owner, may I practice observing and interviewing avatars on your land/at your venue? [I may, later, return and ask your permission to do an actual research project here]
land owner/venue operator sign and date here:
***** ********, [occupation omitted]
_______________________________________________
If you are a an avatar with whom I seek to practice interviewing:
May I observe your behavior in this setting and make notes about it?
May I transcribe of copy of our interview for use in class presentations and published to the blog after removing your identity.?
practice participant sign and date here:
_______________________________________________
Thank you for your time and consideration of my requests.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Group of Practice
After spending a couple of evenings in a few clubs (themed towards heavy metal), I would like to try and pursue my research in the music field.
[Note: Since this assignment, I have sense been exploring other options and am now interested in possibly researching the SL geisha community.]
[Note: Since this assignment, I have sense been exploring other options and am now interested in possibly researching the SL geisha community.]
An Interesting Event in Second Life
6:00PM
SLT I'm sent an instant message from a group to say that a music club is active and invites people to come over. I've been to this club a few times after class and enjoy the folks who are there.
6:06SLT
The past few minutes have just been the hosts welcoming the newcoming clubbers. Some seem more familiar with each other and are making jokes. The DJ is dancing around independently of the dance ball at the top of the room. On a stage, a few avatars are dancing on stripper poles but aren't naked.
6:10SLT
In addition to the dancing avatars, there is trivia constantly going on in the Chat. Not many people play, so I almost feel out of place when I answer questions. One partier has donated to the tip jar.
6:14SLT
I noticed there is a video screen on the side. I thought this might be something to visually accompany the music and dancing, but after a few seconds, it clearly wasn't and I turned it off so as not to interrupt the music.
6:24SLT
I was headed out because of some inactivity, even as the music played, until the DJ excited most of us with some (in my opinion, awesome) picks to play. More people have started to filter in, and I'd estimate there are around 10 people here.
6:26SLT
Some avatars are just standing around, and one of the regulars (I'm guessing) has invited them to dance.
6:39SLT
After Slayer and Metallica hit the playlist, the members and I talk a little bit about the bands on tour, and Metallica's new album compared to St. Anger, but not as much discussion is had as I'd expect, considering my real-life friends talk about Metallica's albums at great length (ie, which album/song is the greatest Metallica has put out and why).
SLT I'm sent an instant message from a group to say that a music club is active and invites people to come over. I've been to this club a few times after class and enjoy the folks who are there.
6:06SLT
The past few minutes have just been the hosts welcoming the newcoming clubbers. Some seem more familiar with each other and are making jokes. The DJ is dancing around independently of the dance ball at the top of the room. On a stage, a few avatars are dancing on stripper poles but aren't naked.
6:10SLT
In addition to the dancing avatars, there is trivia constantly going on in the Chat. Not many people play, so I almost feel out of place when I answer questions. One partier has donated to the tip jar.
6:14SLT
I noticed there is a video screen on the side. I thought this might be something to visually accompany the music and dancing, but after a few seconds, it clearly wasn't and I turned it off so as not to interrupt the music.
6:24SLT
I was headed out because of some inactivity, even as the music played, until the DJ excited most of us with some (in my opinion, awesome) picks to play. More people have started to filter in, and I'd estimate there are around 10 people here.
6:26SLT
Some avatars are just standing around, and one of the regulars (I'm guessing) has invited them to dance.
6:39SLT
After Slayer and Metallica hit the playlist, the members and I talk a little bit about the bands on tour, and Metallica's new album compared to St. Anger, but not as much discussion is had as I'd expect, considering my real-life friends talk about Metallica's albums at great length (ie, which album/song is the greatest Metallica has put out and why).
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Potential Groups of Study
Pro Wrestling
One of my interests in real life is professional wrestling. Finding this just before the class started, I thought this would be a fun group to study. They appear to be the biggest Second Life wrestling organization, set up with their own arena and the most active group of the few. The only downside, as discussed in class, would that we would need to roleplay in order to fully get involved as a member of the culture. I’ve never actually RP’d anything, so this adds a different element. Since I haven’t done it, I don’t know much about RPing, but my guess is that they take turns explaining what moves they perform on each other, or there are animations for them. I have yet to see a match from this particular organization.
To me, the interest lies in that actual wrestlers live second lives both as a performer and as a person, and the Second Life talent as avatars and humans. What I haven’t found is if avatars themselves live another life (a Third Life?) as a wrestler and an avatar, or just the avatar as the wrestler.
Music
Another interest lies in music, specifically heavy metal – none of that manufactured bull, but music with some good rock n’ roll aspects (southern rock n’ roll is a definite plus). I’ve discovered a few clubs I like that play some all right music, and the people I’ve run into seem friendly, overall. There’s a little discussion, but mostly the avatars hit a giant ball to mosh, or dance. Thankfully this moshing isn’t the dreaded push mosh, but instead a solo kind of dance-around-like-an-idiot type of mosh. I’d be interested to find out why avatars come together to listen to music.
Martial Arts
I have not found a single good karate group that seems to be active – in fact, there doesn’t appear to be much of an audience in Second Life for martial arts. But this other martial art's group I found has over 80 members and says it will create an actual dojo if the popularity is there. I have not received any notices from this, so I’m not sure of the activities. While I don’t have as much experience with this martial art as I do karate in real life, I have learned a number of techniques. The intrigue lies in the fact that martial arts, among other things, is a physical activity – why sit at a computer as your avatar does all the work? Or would a Second Life group focus on the non-physical sides of the martial arts?
Education
I’ve always been interested in education – I’m potentially going to grad school and I’m one of the chief instructors with my karate program. Someday I would like to be a teacher in some capacity. Anyway, I took a look at a few of the educational/learning areas in Second Life from The Professor’s notecard. None of them had anybody to talk to. The places I looked at were a healthcare spot, a group trying to raise funds for malaria in Africa, and a Second Life campus.
Religion
Again, as with education, the places I looked at from The Professor’s notecard were pretty barren, so I wasn’t inclined to stick around very long. One monastery did have some information in various places. I’m interested to look into various religions studying in Second Life and how they do what they do.
One of my interests in real life is professional wrestling. Finding this just before the class started, I thought this would be a fun group to study. They appear to be the biggest Second Life wrestling organization, set up with their own arena and the most active group of the few. The only downside, as discussed in class, would that we would need to roleplay in order to fully get involved as a member of the culture. I’ve never actually RP’d anything, so this adds a different element. Since I haven’t done it, I don’t know much about RPing, but my guess is that they take turns explaining what moves they perform on each other, or there are animations for them. I have yet to see a match from this particular organization.
To me, the interest lies in that actual wrestlers live second lives both as a performer and as a person, and the Second Life talent as avatars and humans. What I haven’t found is if avatars themselves live another life (a Third Life?) as a wrestler and an avatar, or just the avatar as the wrestler.
Music
Another interest lies in music, specifically heavy metal – none of that manufactured bull, but music with some good rock n’ roll aspects (southern rock n’ roll is a definite plus). I’ve discovered a few clubs I like that play some all right music, and the people I’ve run into seem friendly, overall. There’s a little discussion, but mostly the avatars hit a giant ball to mosh, or dance. Thankfully this moshing isn’t the dreaded push mosh, but instead a solo kind of dance-around-like-an-idiot type of mosh. I’d be interested to find out why avatars come together to listen to music.
Martial Arts
I have not found a single good karate group that seems to be active – in fact, there doesn’t appear to be much of an audience in Second Life for martial arts. But this other martial art's group I found has over 80 members and says it will create an actual dojo if the popularity is there. I have not received any notices from this, so I’m not sure of the activities. While I don’t have as much experience with this martial art as I do karate in real life, I have learned a number of techniques. The intrigue lies in the fact that martial arts, among other things, is a physical activity – why sit at a computer as your avatar does all the work? Or would a Second Life group focus on the non-physical sides of the martial arts?
Education
I’ve always been interested in education – I’m potentially going to grad school and I’m one of the chief instructors with my karate program. Someday I would like to be a teacher in some capacity. Anyway, I took a look at a few of the educational/learning areas in Second Life from The Professor’s notecard. None of them had anybody to talk to. The places I looked at were a healthcare spot, a group trying to raise funds for malaria in Africa, and a Second Life campus.
Religion
Again, as with education, the places I looked at from The Professor’s notecard were pretty barren, so I wasn’t inclined to stick around very long. One monastery did have some information in various places. I’m interested to look into various religions studying in Second Life and how they do what they do.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Chikara Yokosuka
So this is going to be my blog for all things Second Life.
MM 333 at Bradley University - Introduction to Field Research in Virtual Worlds
MM 333 at Bradley University - Introduction to Field Research in Virtual Worlds
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