Next, I looked briefly at Virtu another continent which deals with Virtual worlds, e.g., Warcraft, Battlefield, Second Life. Just popping in on an intro screen I was deeply troubled by the potential negative consequences of those who might submit their minds to a questionable virtual mentor. Major dollars are spent on these worlds that people escape into. Is it different than reading fantasy? In many ways, yes as Tolkien and others have been tested by time and have been carefullly scrutinized by theologians and literary specialists; giving one the opportunity to make a decision to read or not to read. Virtual worlds are so new, so hidden and so seductive in some ways, that they are almost hidden from view. Are there groups that analyze them? I think that there are value decisions in each of these areas that are being established by the founders and agreed to by those playing the games.  I won’t mention the particular site, as I found the site objectionable, but the sites have become increasingly popular and have a strong attraction to others for a variety of reasons. I guess it’s almost like the old Masquerade parties of old, or Halloween, not one of my favorite “holidays.”

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