Lambda MOO & Board Games
Lambda MOO and playing games face-to-face is somewhat similar. Although there are some minor differences, such as Lambda MOO not officially qualifying for the title of "game", there are also a large number of similar problems that must be addressed. For one thing, both in real life and in the MOO requires time. Both are forms of entertainment, both can be somewhat addicting. In each of them, there are have different levels of experience seperating newbies and older players. Generally speaking, people who are new at a game will have different views than someone who might play everyday. There also exist some ways to welcome these new people into the game. There are also lists of rules and conduct for both types. Social interaction and the written word play a large part in both. The main differences are the surroundings and the way through which you communicate with others.
In real life, all one needs to do to communicate with someone is speak a few words of whatever language a person speaks and, given that there is another person there to hear them and that that other person speaks the same language, then they will then be able to strike up some sort of conversation. What this requires is the use of the vocal cords, some common hand gestures or actions, and a change of facial expression. For many people, this process comes naturally and it is something we have hours of practice with. In the case of LamdaMOO, this interaction must be expressed through the written word alone. The MOO equivalents to a complete conversation appear in the form of 'say' commands, emotes, and smily faces.
These differences alone can make up for a large percentage of the experience. Similarly, when in a world such as the MOO, even the room around you is in the form of text. There are no 3-D graphics to help the senses and there is no sound minus that which is in your own room. In my personal opinion, enjoying a game such as the MOO requires more effort on the part of the user than does a game of, per say, dominoes. This effort is because the user interface isn't inherently natural and it is sometimes difficult to stay focused. It is not a bad way of communication, but real-time communication through word alone is a more involved process. One needs to extend a fair amount of effort in order to say even the most simple of things and perform the simplest of actions.
However, the freedom with the MOO is that you can use your imagination. Similar to an ongoing book, you have the option of immersing yourself in a world that does not exist. In this way, you can be who you want and explore new things without ever having left the safety of your home. For some, it is also the chance to break rules, particularly those of common courtesy and etiquette. These are some of the issues raised in the "Rape in Cyberspace" article. Many people say that they feel more comfortable online for several reasons. First, you can be in the company of people who don't know who you are or what you look like. Second, these people won't know who your are in real life unless you tell them. Similarly, you may feel more comfortable telling them things because they will have little to no effect on your real life. In the case of real life games, this is completely different. Except in the rare chance that the other players are wearing masks or sitting behind miniature brick walls, you'll likely know who it is you're speaking to and playing against. They may not be someone you know, but at least you can assume fairly safely that they are who they say they are. After all, lying about your identity in real life is more serious than lying about it online.
In general, both the MOO and real life board games have their uses and their differences. In the end, however, they both end up solving the same problems - entertainment. Both can be fun, and both can be serious. Each experience is different and no one's view of the same game is exactly the same as another person's.