Abstract
This chapter examines the early phases of entrance into virtual worlds as a “newbie” avatar within the framework of van Gennep and Turner’s liminal phases of neophyte initiation rituals. This analysis of the avatar in liminal states examines how, even in seemingly anarchistic virtual worlds such as Second LifeTM, social norms and sanctions emerge to influence avatar identity formation and persistence. Observations on avatar identity development in liminal phases are drawn from the author’s research studies of avatars becoming initiated into dragonhood conducted on the Isle of Wyrms in Second Life from 2007 to 2009. Theoretical underpinnings of the chapter are illustrated using case studies highlighting key liminal phases of avatar development.
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Notes
- 1.
Gorean city states are based on a series of science fiction fantasy novels by John Norman, in which a majority of the women are slaves serving male masters. Some Gorean city states are purported to capture female visitors in order to enslave them. However, during the period of this study, the author only observed voluntary slaves in consensual role play within the Gor storyline. Most Gorean cities are exceptionally well designed by Second Life standards, with a formal community organisational structure. For more about Gor in SL, see Sixma (2009).
- 2.
Bondage and Discipline (BD), Dominance and Submission (DS), Sadism and Masochism (SM).
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
Furry + persona. A furry’s main character or identity. See http://furry.wikia.com/wiki/Fursona for more details on this topic.
- 6.
Tiny avatars, usually in the form of small animals, teddy bears, or robots. For more information about the tiny community in Second Life, see: http://raglanshire.com/.
- 7.
See my earlier comments on community organisation, volunteer staff ranks, and avatar orientation for newcomers to the Isle of Wyrms.
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Martínez, N.M. (2011). Liminal Phases of Avatar Identity Formation in Virtual World Communities. In: Peachey, A., Childs, M. (eds) Reinventing Ourselves: Contemporary Concepts of Identity in Virtual Worlds. Springer Series in Immersive Environments. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-361-9_4
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