8/29/2008 How Do I Listen? Archived programs are streamed in the Real Audio Format. Click here to download   Hosted by: Dick Gordon Show Originally Aired: 8/27/2003 CALL 1 800-423-TALK Castles in the Air Screenshot from Sony Online Entertainment's "Everquest" Email to friend We're taking a walk on the virtual side, where online gamers roam lands in which real men and women never set foot. In the kingdoms of Norrath, Britannia, and Albion, wired warriors who live as burnt out construction workers or bored secretaries by day, get to fight tigers, lead galactic civil wars, and live in their own castles. But in this virtual existence, the old rules, like the one that says the guy with the most money wins, are starting to take hold. Some online gamers are paying real money for virtual armaments and objects that improve their position. Some say that's cheating. Others claim it's just the old economy conquering and constraining these new worlds. Related Shows Expat Existential The Connection (07/31/2002) Give Me Shelter The Connection (11/26/2002) Putting a Face on Slavery On Point (12/12/2002) Resuscitating Capitalism On Point (07/25/2002) Bad Writing The Connection (08/09/2002) 2001 in Review The Connection (12/28/2001) Related Links Julian Dibbell - blog Henry Jenkins Everquest Everquest realm Julian Dibbel, author, journalist, and trader of virtual goods Henry Jenkins, director of the Comparative Media Studies program at MIT John Dugger, owner of a tower mansion in Britannia, the fictional world of the game Ultima online, and salesman for Wonder Bread. John Dugger has aquired virtual goods with actual currency. listen Henry Jenkins explains how elusive value is, as a concept. listen list all Highlights... · All Along The Watchtower Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child · Once in a Lifetime Talking Heads: Popular Favorites

© Copyright 2008. Trustees of Boston University and WBUR