Archie Explores

The “Non Linear There”

 

There.com is a place about as “non-linear” of a story as you can get. It’s perhaps not as severe as Attention Deficit Disorder, however, it’s a lot more fun. So what do we mean by … hey wait a minute, is that CLUCKY over there? 

“Non Linear Story” is the bread and butter of many video games and the progression of options that unfold as you become immersed in game play.  Take Super Mario 64 as the classic example. You can go where ever you like in the game as long as you have “earned” your door-keys and stars. The options to go this way or that, are available from the ‘git-go’. 

Well, our little planet in cyber space, There.com. you have an interesting blend of “freedom through very few limitations” and of course you may simply do nothing at all if you like, and no one will be urging you to complete a course of events, or giving you any pressure what-so-ever to do anything. I thinks it’s fun to try and level up in various skills, but it still, doesn’t really matter if you do or not. It’s not like you are going hit the ‘jackpot’ by reaching the top skill level. That would simply be a proud, personal accomplishment. 

Autonomy. 

You are free to be completely self motivated. This can be a little unnerving for some in the beginning. I have memories of newbies asking me how do “play” There.com. Haven’t you heard that before? And what is a complete crack-up is not having any ready answer for that question while the poor noob waits for a clear response. 

I have seen a “new guy” running by saying ‘I GET this game!! I gonna win!! I’m gonna win it!”  I wonder whatever happened to him. Perhaps he “won” and moved on to W.O.W. or HALO or something.  

We’ll probably never know. 

Now “Linear” is for example, a story with a single line of thought. A movie. A book. There are advantages to a story like this of course. The rich context and description, deeper character building. But this format is not all that interactive for gaming. 

There.com represents the freedom to do cool works without being brought down. We have genius designers making everything from clothes to cars. Houses, every kind of building you can think of. We have “object” makers who make furniture, knick knacks, and the stuff of life. Some designers come and go. Some old objects become valuable. We trade and make purchases in auctions. Some designers become Tbuck millionaires, and some just do it all out of the love of doing it. Some (many I suspect) designers had absolutely no idea what they doing when they began designing for There.com.  

Sure, you might come across a griefer on occasion, but don’t let that spoil your fun and freedom to be someone that discovers a brilliant way to contribute to There. There is an open-ended world. We bring the fun, inventiveness, and creativity to it. The originators would probably be proud of the way that There.com has evolved.  

Yes, you can find other virtual communities online, but There.com is unique. It is a positive place. It is a beautiful place. And you are free to… hey wait a minute! Let’s go jump our buggies over that island! 

Best,

Archie