My pre-proposal. [Archive]

estero

01-26-2001, 12:06 AM

As virtual environments/communities have become quite the norm in this day in age, an entire sub-culture has been formed. Due to the sheer size of the Internet, there are many different ways for users to chat interactively. AOL chat, yahoo chat and IRC, are all a part of this Internet real-time chat system. I will be concentrating on the oldest and biggest IRC network named Efnet.

I am not only interested in this topic because it is an innovative way to communicate with people, but because of the different types of behaviour users exhibit. People tend to role-play, become someone else, someone they can't be socially in real life.

When people adopt an online persona they cross a boundary into highly charged territory. Some feel an uncomfortable sense of fragmentation, some a sense of relief. Some sense the possibilities for self-discovery, even self-transformation.

Friends are made, groups collect, and some people never meet other users, while some make real relationships.

What I may specifically want to focus my research on is the human relationships formed within a given channel. I believe this topic would be very beneficial to research because as time goes on, the nature of how human relationships are formed will transfigure.
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IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat". IRC is a multi-user chat system, where people meet on Channels (rooms, virtual places) to talk in-groups, or privately. There is no restriction to the number of people that can participate in a given discussion or the number of channels that can be formed on IRC. 

I'm doing a double major, Film/Anthropology. For me to graduate I must do some anthropological fieldwork and study a community or group. I've known about this research project for 3 years now and finally, my time to do it has arrived. I have months to conduct my research but a lot of the work was trying to figure out what I wanted to study. I did some leg work this summer and I narrowed it down to two things. IRC or forums. I played around with both ideas for a while but soon discovered that a forum is way to hard to do. The interaction is limited, thus my research will be conducted on IRC.

Tell me what you think. Feasible?

Keep in mind, the pre-proposal is very rough.

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[This message has been edited by Kaye (edited 01-25-2001).]

King Bastard

01-26-2001, 12:14 AM

Unless I'm wrong, you'd have to totally imerse yourself into the community, or Tribe (had too) to get the amount of info needed to write a paper like the one you propse to do. In my estimation that would leave you very little time for anything else...

But the idea is new, in so much as I've NEVER heard of anyone ever doing that detailed research into online groups... If your Prof doesnt give you high marks for innovation alone, I want to meet and beat the silly bastard.

Damn, I knew you had allterior motives, but this is a surprise to me... a good one, but still.

EDIT: That's a damn cool sig there Kaye, nice touch with the line being interactive!
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[This message has been edited by King Bastard (edited 01-25-2001).]

estero

01-26-2001, 12:24 AM

Well, it would be the same with anything else I wanted to study. You must totally dive head first and not come up for air until our research is done. Actually this is a little easier because I get to stay within the comforts of my our home to do my research.

Actaully, i've been going on irc for a few years now... I have always wanted to study it but I thought forums would have a bit better content than IRC did. I still find this to be true because most people just blabber their mouths on IRC where in forums its easy to weed out the shit and find good stuff. I was actually thinking about doing it on the Asylum, but that didn't work out so I decided to rule out forums all together.

I've already started my research, logging channels and what not, I jhust have to pick some subjects now. I'm not sure if I should do it on an entire channel, or pick my subjects by hand. I'll have to do more leg work I guess.

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[This message has been edited by Kaye (edited 01-25-2001).]

MstrG

01-26-2001, 12:31 AM

Curious as to why you chose EFNet Kaye. My experience has been it's a much more closed atmosphere than the other major nets (DalNet, UnderNet).

In my many years on IRC, I have run into a couple people doing research; they've generally been made outcasts when it was discovered what they were doing. I don't know if the approach you're taking prevents some "deception", but I would recommend you not make your intentions known wherever you go.

Good luck!

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SETI@Home (http://www.asylumnation.com/asylum_html/rec.html) : join us!

estero

01-26-2001, 12:36 AM

Of course I will make my intentions known. I *HAVE* to. I would get a mark of zero if I didn't. Actually, everyone who offers any info to me must sign or email me a disclaimer saying that they know I will be using their info for research purposes.

Another reason why I have chosen IRC is because, half my research is already done. The inital part of the research is becoming accepted by the group or community, that part is already done. I can just dig in now.

Oh, and why I picked Efnet? Its the oldest... and plus, I hate Chanserv and crap like that. Without Chanserv, there are more power struggles, etc. More like life, if you will.
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[This message has been edited by Kaye (edited 01-25-2001).]

Bishop

01-26-2001, 01:16 AM

Kaye, do you always edit your posts right after submitting them?

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estero

01-26-2001, 01:49 AM

<<fpMy sig has been fucking up, if you must know.

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Bishop

01-26-2001, 02:04 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Kaye:
<<fpMy sig has been fucking up, if you must know.

[/quote]

"Signature
Note: The Signature feature is currently enabled by this bulletin board's administrator. You may use UBB Code in this field, but not HTML. "

Reading is your fwiend. http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/smile.gif

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Horgasm

01-26-2001, 02:04 AM

Interesting concept for a report Kaye.

When you are completed you will post it here for us to read right?? ? <IMG SRC="http://www.geocities.com/hulk_horgan/bot.gif" border=0>

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About time to DRINK SOME
BURKINA FASO.. .

Mr. Snrub

01-26-2001, 02:19 AM

Kaye have bwain? NICE LADY!!!

Ok, i'll stop.

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Uberwonder

01-26-2001, 02:29 AM

I feel so... so... used.

Mudflap

01-26-2001, 02:39 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Uberwonder:
I feel so... so... used.[/quote]

That's funny. I don't feel used enough.

Hey Kaye! Exactly WHO is your daddy?

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If you build it, they will come.

Faceplant

01-26-2001, 02:41 AM

can you major in the internet in college?

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<IMG SRC="http://www.geocities.com/ctbubba77/pee.gif" border=0>GWB

3MTA3

01-26-2001, 03:58 AM

Its called web design, now shut up while everyone drools and fawns over Kayes massive ganglia plus attatchments...

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Princess_Heather

01-26-2001, 04:08 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Bishop:
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Kaye:
<<fpMy sig has been fucking up, if you must know.

[/quote]

"Signature
Note: The Signature feature is currently enabled by this bulletin board's administrator. You may use UBB Code in this field, but not HTML. "

Reading is your fwiend. http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/smile.gif

[/quote]

With a few extra mouse clicks you can avoid that little inconvenience...

Oh, and good Idea on the research paper/project... it'll be a tough one... I admire your bravery.

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[This message has been edited by Princess_Heather (edited 01-25-2001).]

Koliedrus

01-26-2001, 11:17 AM

You know, it actually sounds possible. I'm not so sure I agree with those prerequisites though. You tend to gain more knowledge of a group's natural behavior if you observe from a distance.

Since it appears that you'll be studying the entire network instead of one channel, it would be in your best interest to refrain from divulging your goals each time you pop into a channel. You'll quickly gain a negative reputation that will spread across the network and/or cause previously naturally interreactions to change simply by the knowledge of your presence.

.
.
.
X: So anyway, we had the fish's head in the dryer vent when I look up right into the eyes of the biggest snarling dog I've ever seen.

Y: No way! What'd you do?

--->K enters channel

X: Greets, K. Um, then you baste the trout in lemon and butter sauce while grilling it over a low flame. Be sure to wash the parsley in a diluted vinegar solution to remove any pestacides before serving.

Y: WTF?

Or worse yet....

K: Hi. Don't mind me. I'm just here to study you.

*KickBan*

I suggest that you take the officially required method only to certain channels where your research is welcomed AND get some covert information by going undercover. Watch the naked ape from behind a bush and observe it in its natural environment. If it notices you, mimic its behavior to gain acceptance.

It'd also be interesting to see some percentages concerning channels. You know, what percentage of the channel list is devoted to certain age-groups, interests etc.

Run with it!

Uberwonder

01-26-2001, 11:41 AM

Kol is right! I know I am certainly going to watch what I say from here on out.
Imagine, my psyche pinned to Kaye's disection board. Brrrrrrrr

Koliedrus

01-26-2001, 12:15 PM

Indeed, I am once again correct! Pardon my obvious delight http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/biggrin.gif

However, I'm only right because my wife is in another room.

*Begins work on calculations concerning the proximity of one's spouse to the percieved validity of an expressed opinion*

Mmmmmmmnah. Too many variables involved http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/wink.gif

Kaye, I'd like to ask you kindly for reports on your progress.

Instead:

POST SOME GODDAMNED PROGRESS REPORTS OR I'LL... I'll...

er, I'll...

AH! I'll make faces at you. Really scary ones, too!

Fear me! GRRrrrr.

Mr. Snrub

01-26-2001, 12:47 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Koliedrus:
er, I'll...

AH! I'll make faces at you. Really scary ones, too!

Fear me! GRRrrrr.[/quote]

AHHHH!!! KILL IT!!! KILL IT!!

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estero

01-26-2001, 02:46 PM

Kol: I'm not going to study the entire network called EFnet, that woudl be insane. Of course I am going to limit myself to a channel, or certain individuals. I have already developed relationships with the people I think I may decide to study, plus I'm an op in a few toronto channels so I run no risk of being kicked.

Rejection is part of being an anthropologist and we've been disgusting all the possibilities and how to react in the event I am rejected. I know what's going down, g!

Anyway, I will certainly give you all a progress report. I have to see if my topic is accepted first. *crosses fingers*

If so, I do my research proposal, THEN my research project.

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Uberwonder

01-26-2001, 05:35 PM

Kaye, truth be known, you may feel free to use any of what you percieve of me in your work. After all, it certainly is no invasion of my privacy and you would only be relating information about a "nic" on the internet.
It's not like I would be walking down the street a year from now and be stopped by someone because the recognize me from your work.

If you write about the Dark side of the internet, I'm sure I would be a likely subject for your study.

JoeyCat

01-26-2001, 08:35 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Uberwonder:
I feel so... so... used.[/quote]

It's always been my understanding that this is your favorite part of the "internet experience" http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/wink.gif

Uberwonder

01-27-2001, 01:07 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by JoeyCat:
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Uberwonder:
I feel so... so... used.[/quote]

It's always been my understanding that this is your favorite part of the "internet experience" http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/wink.gif[/quote]

Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to give the impression that it wasn't.

Koliedrus

01-27-2001, 12:23 PM

It would seem that I read your original post too quickly, Kaye. That's my fault. The last sentence in the first paragraph sparked my interest. I neglected to pay specific attention to your mention of performing your research on a particular channel in EfNet.

It's just my opinion but a research project should be ambitious in order to gain respect. Simply reporting on the interactions between yourself and the netizens you've come to know seems to be lacking something. In essence, you'll be reporting something that millions of people already know. Each person participating in IRC is already aware (to varying degrees) of the nuances associated with the communication format and the relationships that develope.

Before I reread your pre-proposal and your response, I was intrigued to the point of contriving ways for you to accomplish your goal. In fact, I came up with several ideas. Unfortunately, they all require quite a bit of time to gather and analyze data with minimal direct involvement in the area you wish to study.

Since I hate to waste a good idea, I'll present one anyway. Do with it as you will. For the record, I took the idea to sleep with me and visualized a possible solution in a dream (hey! I practice what I preach!)

I put myself in your "shoes", as it were. I logged onto Ef and chose a nondescript screen-name. After listing all currently active channels I picked five. None had anything remotely in common with the other four. I began recording a log for each channel, made a general introduction and mentioned that I would be occupied at times so my silence should be expected. Then I watched a movie (I think it was Altered States but... well you know how dreams go http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/wink.gif )

After the dream-version of the movie was over, I remembered my logs. I appologized for my silence (something important had come up) and bid farewell.

I then stored the log files on an shared-file system and contacted my volunteer research assistants via email to let them know that new information was on the server. To my delight, each one of them had done the same so I had 25 logs to analyze.

Insane? Perhaps. Possible? INDEED! Random sample or cross-section, the method is viable. I agree that studying the entire network is a proposal of mammoth proportions requiring resources currently unavailable to an aspiring anthropologist. I can only assume that since I thought of it, it's being done by organizations with the capabilities (paranoia optional) http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/wink.gif

Best of luck in your endeavor.

(Edit: details details...)

[This message has been edited by Koliedrus (edited 01-27-2001).]

estero

01-27-2001, 02:01 PM

Thats not how it works though Kol. The role of an anthroplogist is not only to observe (but it is sometimes)but to interact with their subjects and become a part of their community. I won
't be there to observe their interaction with ME, but with others. An anthropologist MUSAT conduct interviews, etc, to gain insider status and become an expert on the particular area of study. Sharon E. Hutchinson, didn't learn everything about the Nuer, just by observing their behaviours.

It would be unethical to just watch and report without having the subjects speak for themselves.

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Koliedrus

01-27-2001, 02:57 PM

Point taken.

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Kaye:
It would be unethical to just watch and report without having the subjects speak for themselves.

[/quote]

Does this include "people-watching" at the mall or an airport?

If so, my ethics are in question.

I'll stand down. Your project has promise. Please continue.

estero

01-27-2001, 04:51 PM

For MY project, yes. I have to write an mini ethnography about it, I must interact with them. I'm sure there are areas of study that do that, but thats now what I HAVE to concentrate on.

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estero

01-27-2001, 05:07 PM

Here are the guidelines for my researc PROPOSAL, not the actual project. Maybe this will help you understand a bit more.

<IMG SRC="http://www.angelfire.com/rant/mamacita/images/researchproposal.jpg" border=0>

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Koliedrus

01-28-2001, 01:06 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Kaye:
Here are the guidelines for my researc PROPOSAL, not the actual project. Maybe this will help you understand a bit more.

[/quote]

My intention is not to shoot down your idea, Kaye. I merely am attempting to offer constructive advice and hope that you do not perceive it as an attack on your intention.

Since my training in anthropolgy is minimal, my first reaction was to compare your effort to Jane Goodall's. Apparently my assumption was incorrect. I apologize for wasting your time.

You have my support as long as you report http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/wink.gif

estero

01-28-2001, 08:25 PM

You didn't waste my time http://www.thehypertribe.net/ubb/smile.gif

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Mattdecay

03-07-2001, 06:27 AM

Kaye, where'd you get that sig from your original post in this thread? I have one a lot like it made by a kind kind Austrailian boy named James from SPF. Find it at http://jimmy-b.hypermart.net/shockwave/mattdk.swf

Be sure to shrink the window to the size of a banner...

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estero

03-07-2001, 01:29 PM

Mine is better.

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Mattdecay

03-07-2001, 10:04 PM

STOP MASTURBATING TO WEBSTER PORN FOR FIVE SECONDS AND ANSWER THE QUESTION!

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estero

03-08-2001, 01:26 PM

Yes, I am masturbating to you saying "Kaye is the ruler of all things living".

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