Time has flown. I was looking forward to two more days before we have to go back to reality and real life. Yes, it is that somber. Modern technology ie the computer with its emails have been flying back and forth. Looming ahead is some not so nice negotiations. It will be sorted out, eventually; games we have to play every year and just part of working life.
But I did have a great time for the last few days. Not terribly restful and found out a couple of things! So what happened? Did the normal duty of visiting the elders and relatives, picked up a few Ang Pows on the way. Yup, still unashamedly doing it.
Then I have a confession. I did not do any work ... oops!... I mean study! The rest of the time was spent on Facebook, farming away. But it is not all bad.
Had a more comprehensive insight on the type of people who play virtual farming. Classifying them into couple of groups of 'farmers' are:-
a. Honest farmers:- there are a group of folks who are obviously elderly; taught how to play by their children - to keep them occupied; and be in touch with the 'outside' world and their own children. They are honest folks, as they laboured away on their farm. These generally have less than a hundred 'friends'. But it soon grows as they learn more.
b. Street-wise farmers:- then there is a group, who are obviously 'young', as in not defined by age. These group are obviously IT literate, and have found ways to 'beat the system' or street-wise. In addition to the cursory farming, they spent as much time visiting their neighbours. This enables them to collect if not snatch points ie bonuses and gifts without having to labour much. They also collect 'friends' or neighbours like one would collect dust, and have from a thousand to four thousand neighbours.
Actually a more appropriate description of these group is 'pirates of the sky' or 'vultures of the web'. Many of the honest farmers are amazed as to why one's 'gifts' are snatched away within 5 seconds. One lady actually wrote and scolded them, on her wall. There are ways, of course, to stop such encroachment. Until the Honest farmers learnt of it, they are being exploited. Very much like real life. Meanwhile 'ignorance' is bliss'.
I believe that Farmville is making millions for Facebook or Zyxna. I am sure there is a 'counter' which collects the number of hits, every time one visits a neighour. Such hits would be sold to advertisers; not that many people actually have time to read the advertisements on the side.
Meanwhile, for the last few days, I have made use of and took advantage of such knowledge. Why farm so labouriously?
- Make use of what we know
- and/or take advantage of the position we are in,
- or be ignorant and be exploited.
All very much part of life, whether in an ordinary game of virtual farming, secular life or religious institution.
Not for me to judge. We just have to answer before HIM, when at the appropriate time!
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