Neopets Article on Wired.com

[aliboy]

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.12/neopets.html
Have a read
There's abit about Doug Dohring aswell

[Runevalkyrie]

I'm warning in advance since I've read the article. If any debate starts involving some of the practices mentioned in the article, this thread will be locked.

Thank you.

[Dustin]

There was just one problem, Powell says. "Donna couldn't draw."

ROFL. I love that line.

Oh yeah, read at your own risk. I saw atleast one cuss word in it. (Warning for the youngins! lol)

[everconfused]

I just read the article, and it's not bad. I especially like that 2 over 50's were interviewed, soon to be one of those myself.

The whole immersive advertising thing, though, saying the ads are basically via games ... why is it that whenver there's an article about Neo, no mention is made of the banner ads? Is there something an interviewer has to sign or is told that they can't say anything about them?

I note they talk about keeping the site clean, and that's a good thing. Right now there's a very innocent spongebob banner ad that says Bikini. Try typing that anywhere on the site ... if you want to be instantly frozen. And we all know there's been more than one inappropriate ad. Just irks me, that's all.

As far as advertising in general (ie via sponsor games, etc.) I don't see how that will influence someone anymore than watching TV.

I was surprised to see "dupe day" brought up, though calling the people who did the duping hackers is kind of a stretch.

Aside from not saying anything about the top and bottom ads and no mention of premium, I thought it was an interesting read. Especially from someone who, from reading the author's description of pets and some of the items, has never played on the site.

[-Ducky-]

"Around the time of the Enron scandal, we bankrupted three of those companies just for the hell of it," he says. The Neopians weren't amused. "They were saying, 'This is no fair!'" he recalls with a laugh. "But, hey, stuff happens in the world."

But with no credit card numbers to verify identity, nothing prevents an 8-year-old from registering as an 18-year-old to post instant messages. And although they can't select a username like Phuckhead, because it's blocked, they could choose Childmolester - if it weren't already taken.

Tyler heard about the Web site from a girl named Anna down the street. He initially dismissed Neopets as "little ponies and stuff," but before long he had given up Grand Theft Auto for Faerie Paintbrushes. "Neopets is a lot wimpier," Tyler says unapologetically, "but it's fun."

"It is not until around 8 years old that they can mentally defend against a persuasive sales message if they wish to." Neopets reports that half a million of its users are under age 8.

intresting article. It was nice to learn a little bit more about Adam and Donna, along with the mysterious Doug.

[Skynetmain]

...

Tyler heard about the Web site from a girl named Anna down the street. He initially dismissed Neopets as "little ponies and stuff," but before long he had given up Grand Theft Auto for Faerie Paintbrushes. "Neopets is a lot wimpier," Tyler says unapologetically, "but it's fun."

...

I've been trying to convince my brother that this wasn't a Pokemon ripoff for years. The only people I've been able to convice have been my parents, aunt, and former roommate. Oh well. I send by brother NP e-greetings just to annoy the heck out of him I think I'll send him this article.

[May]

Good find aliboy! It was definitely an interesting read!

[stampsyne]

I remember reading that 'way back when' and laughing about people, who do not play (maybe have not even looked at Neopets themselves) writing about the site. You get some very interesting reactions.


Side note:
There should be a place that posts only quotes of newbies under the age of 7 talking about what Neopets is. It would be a riot!

[WockyChocky]

I just read the article, and it's not bad. I especially like that 2 over 50's were interviewed, soon to be one of those myself.

Oh, dear! You, too? How soon? I have 6 months to enjoy the rest of my forties. I hope someone buys me a BIG birthday present.

[everconfused]

I just read the article, and it's not bad. I especially like that 2 over 50's were interviewed, soon to be one of those myself.

Oh, dear! You, too? How soon? I have 6 months to enjoy the rest of my forties. I hope someone buys me a BIG birthday present.

Ah, actually Saturday

[Q]

That bit about the kid switching from Grand Theft Auto to Faerie Paint Brushes just slays me XD

"Around the time of the Enron scandal, we bankrupted three of those companies just for the hell of it," he says. The Neopians weren't amused. "They were saying, 'This is no fair!'" he recalls with a laugh. "But, hey, stuff happens in the world."

Does anyone ever get the feeling that WE are THEIR pets?

"We block over 1,000 versions of the F-word," Dohring boasts. "If someone types, 'I'm hot and s*** and 14,' we change the word s*** to stupid."

1,000 versions? Wow, at least 900 of those must've been invented by Neopians trying to get around the filters! I often think we have no idea just how much Neopets works behind the scenes to clean up after idiots who think they're just being funny. I have yet to see an 'I'm hot and stupid' board, definitely going to keep my eye out for one of those for a good laugh XD

The problem every popular kids' site faces is that users outgrow it and move on. But as long as a grandmother and granddaughter can play the game together - and match new users with old Neopets - the future of Neopia looks promising.

Now there is something entirely unique about this game; it is ever changing and adapts to anyone's needs. If your interests change, there is almost assuredly a section of the site where you can renew the fun. If you set a goal for yourself, like learning how to write better, there are a few things you can get into to hone your skills. I can't think of one other game that can grow and change with you, and has a community and thousands of sub-communities where you can socialize, and is continuously updated and added to to make it more exciting.

[WockyChocky]

I just read the article, and it's not bad. I especially like that 2 over 50's were interviewed, soon to be one of those myself.

Oh, dear! You, too? How soon? I have 6 months to enjoy the rest of my forties. I hope someone buys me a BIG birthday present.

Ah, actually Saturday

Yipee! Happy Birthday! Are you celebrating any particular way?

[xredchipx]

Its a quit intresting article.

[Erin]

I hate how every article written about Neopets makes it seem like you're constantly dealing with the immersive advertising, and the only way to earn np is by playing sponsor games.