1000-word Essay for Final Project

Journalistic Writing
Final Project---Individual Report
951002032
Sharon Yu

Sex and Trade in Second Life
The purpose of our survey is to explore the relationship between sex and trade on SL, and how people in the virtual world deal with this hot issue, sex acts. As everyone knows, there are free sex and commercial sex in general. Free sex gets involved in a broader aspect than commercial sex does, so we decide to shrink our survey topic from general sex acts to commercial sex, or sex trade in other words. When it comes to sex trades, we think of two counterparts right away, the offer side and the acceptance. Our participants are escorts and customers who have ever had sex trades experiences in sex clubs. Escorts mean someone who is paid to go out socially with another person. Escort is sometimes used as a polite way of referring to a PROSTITUTE. (definition from Macmillan English Dictionary)
The reason why we choose this topic is that we are curious about the different sexual aspect in virtual world. In real world, people are confined their sex acts to morality, public opinions, social stereotype, etc. Second Life is a new platform that provides free space to develop anything hard to achieve in RL and helps people feel competent with imagination. Also, sex is a controversial issue since human culture was first developed. Due to connections with trade, sex becomes more complicated. It relates not only to one’s pleasant feelings but also problems of fair business.
In our first discussion of Sex and Trade, we concluded that place, price, and service are three common factors influencing sex trades. In order to develop further, we raised a question that asks customers to point out other potential factors that would make influences when choosing sex partners. Their answers surprise me a lot, because they are those that never come up to me. Escort’s gender and experience are important. These two factors will stimulate customers’ excitements. The more experienced, the more satisfied customers are. Besides, one of my participants mentioned that he cares whether there’s affection between them or not. He pursues the physical excitement, and also looks for mental harmony. According to his speech, he would have some conversation with escorts first. If a escort strips directly or verbal flirting in the beginning, he would say “good bye” right away. Affection is a surprising and interesting answer that I didn’t expect to know. In my opinion, I think that people looking for sex trades just care about high quality excitements, so appearances or some sex tool would be the key factors however. I just ignore that there are still people who consider sex acts serious.
On the other hand, it’s an interesting to know in what condition an escort refuses sex trade. Many female avatars become escorts just for money. Someone claims that sex trade means nothing but exchanges of money only. Earning much more money is their ultimate purpose, and then what exaggerating situations will they reject the opportunities to gain money? My participant said that she can offer any sex services asked by customers. Complicated services are available when her counterpart pays enough money. Only one condition will be refused, rolesplay. She can’t bear having sex with an avatar that looks like a kid. According to her thoughts, this kind of behavior is moral.
How we decide our survey destination is that we use some key word such as escort and then choose the top three places to visit. Platinum is my destination for the whole process of finishing my survey. There are many escorts dancing sexily and flirting with customers. Sex trades means that we combine sex acts with business behaviors, which is different from the common sex acts between fixed couples. Escorts are someone temporarily providing people sex services depending on price levels. As far as I develop the field of sex on SL deeper, I know that cybersex and verbal sex are the most popular ones. When we first designed our survey questions, we assumed that blow jobs might be one of the most impressive services for customers. We were wrong. Cybersex is an extraordinary answer that I never think of. Cybersex, computer sex, internet sex or net sex is a virtual sex encounter in which two or more persons connected remotely via a computer network send one another sexually explicit messages describing a sexual experience. It is a form of role-playing in which the participants pretend they are having actual sexual relations. In one iteration, this fantasy sex is accomplished by the participants describing their actions and responding to their chat partners in a mostly written form designed to stimulate their own sexual feelings and fantasies. Cybersex may also be accomplished through the use of avatars in a multiuser software environment.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber_sex definition from Wikipedia) Different from cybersex, avatars turn on their microphone and talk with all flirting words to raise each other’s sex feeling when carrying out verbal sex. Word work and voice work are both famous ways to do sex. As I mention before, most female avatars is eager to earn money through the escort job, so there are individual price table shown for customers. Long time and complicated service are factors in price ranges. There is the note card sent from my participant, Goldie, in the following context. The most interesting part is that she also offers her RL pictures on SL sex trades. Someone might avoid disclosing their RL identities. I’ve interviewed an avatar who was even unwilling to tell his nationality and real age. It depends.
Hi I am Goldie, a 27 year old dirty blonde escort from Australia. Since discovering SL I have never been freakier and get off on getting you off! I have a curvy juicey body and love sex....and have many RL pics to make you cum in your pants!
Pease contact me i would love to pleasure you and myself at the same time

My Rates:
600L for 30 minutes of dirty talk
1200L for 30 minutes of sex
2400L for 60 minutes of sex

RL pics 500L each

If you want more or less time just ask and we will work something out. Payments will be accepted in advance for services rendered.

Check out my profile for my RL pics and if you like what you see IM me...........cant wait to have fun with you and make all your dreams cum true xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After finishing the survey, I discover that sex trade on SL is a common activity. People just do whatever they want without responsibilities. Having sex and then leaving away is the sex mode in virtual world. No wonder people enjoy a lot in role-playing games. There is something that is really impossible to realize in RL, so people tend to rely on virtual world to satisfy fantasies. I have a friend who is an escort as her job on SL. Her real age is about 60, but her avatar looks so sexy and is a young babe. In other words, SL is a platform designed for people to compete their real statuses. It is fun!

Second Discussion of Final Project

SEX and TRADE
Conducted by group5

This questionnaire is aimed at the potential factors which may influence sex trade in Second Life.


No:
Place (Location):
Name:
Nationality:
Age:
Sex: Male Female


1. How do you find this place?
2. Why do you want to have sex in second life? Please explain it.
3. What does sex trade mean to you?
4. How often do you have sex trade? (per month)
5. Which sex clubs do you usually visit?How much money do you pay for each sex trade at those places?
6. What kind of “service” have you ever had?Which one do you think is the most impressive?
7. What service(s) would you like to pay the highest price?
8. When you decide your sex partner, what other factors will influence the sex trade except prices, places, and services? Why?
9. Does the trade experience in second life influence your sex attitude in real life? Why or why not?

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It is our renewed survey questions above. After the first class discussion last week, we found that our topic seemed too general. We revised the questions and tried to answer it as an intervewee. Some of the answers were too vague to have exactly statistic outcome, so that we narrow the main topic from Sex to Sex and Trade. In our expectations, these renewed questions may gather more specific answers that we need for the final priject. What we aim for is not only the sexuality in SL, but also the relationship between sex and money.

script of final project(our first dicussion)

Name:
Age:
Sex: 口male 口female
Data:
How long have you played Second Life?
How often do you play it?

Question:
1)How do you get the information about having sex in sl?
2)How often do you visit these places?Please recommend the top 5 places you like most.
3) Which one do you think is easier to find a mate in sl, male or female? Why?
4)How do you choose your mate when you want to have sex?
5)Do you inquire the real sex of you mate before you decide to have sex with him/her? Why or why not?
6)If the sex of you mate doesn’t match the avartar’s, would you mind? Why or why not?
7)Have you ever tried the commercial sex in sl? Why or why not?
8)Where do you find the commercial sex?Please recommend 1 to 5 places you often visit.
9)What kind of service would you like to pay the highest?
10)Which one do you think cost more money? Toy boy or prostitute?
11)Does the sex experience in second life influence your real life?

(revised)Meet Jazz in Jazzer

Meet Jazz in Jazzers

Reported by Sharon Yu

Jazzers Paradise(89.190.36)

Spot it! Jazz singer’s live concert is right on the corner and he is in rehearsal on this island now. Here comes Quinton Diavolo.

As soon as approaching to the stage, I heard some streaming voice much louder. Tiffa first welcomed me, introducing herself, Quinton’s manager. Rehearsal was not yet ready. The sound I heard was just looping from guitar. Sussie, the stage’s owner, appeared later to examine their rehearsal. After all facilities were done, Quinton turned into a shining Jazz star, presenting a wonderful performance that attracted people so much. It was a remarkable experience of a concert, in rehearsal. I was much more like a fan cheering my hero on stage.

This is an island full of art works. Live concert is just a part of it. Movie theaters, music stations, and music-affiliated stores are easily to be found there. People there are usually music lovers. Posters everywhere announce when and where the concerts will be. Don’t be afraid to miss any information you want. In a mat store, you would find that every piece of mat has its unique picture on it. If you like a movie star, you could attach he/she on your piece. It’s a store making your product one and only in the world. When meeting someone on the road, you may notice that their titles are “music lover XXXXX.” It’s an environment filled with melody and musical elements. I even imagine that I were a rocker when going through this island.

Are you a music lover? Or a movie addict? You will find almost everything you want on this island. By chance, you would meet your idol right on the spot!

Meet Jazz in Jazzers

Meet Jazz in Jazzers

Reported by Sharon Yu

Spot it! Jazz singer’s live concert is right on the corner and he is in rehearsal on this island now. Here comes Quinton Diavolo.

As soon as approaching to the stage, I heard some streaming voice much louder. Tiffa first welcomed me, introducing herself, Quinton’s manager. Rehearsal was not yet ready. The sound I heard was just looping from guitar. Sussie, the stage’s owner, appeared later to examine their rehearsal. After all facilities were done, Quinton turned into a shining Jazz star, presenting a wonderful performance that attracted people so much. It was a remarkable experience of a concert, in rehearsal. I was much more like a fan cheering my hero on stage.

This is an island full of art works. Live concert is just a part of it. Movie theaters, music stations, and music-affiliated stores are easily to be found there. People there are usually music lovers. Posters everywhere announce when and where the concerts will be. You don’t be afraid to miss any information you want. In a mat store, you would find that every piece of mat has its unique picture on it. If you like a movie star, you could attach he/she on your piece. It’s a store making your product one and only in the world.

Are you a music lover? Or a movie addict? You will find almost everything you want on this island. By chance, you would meet your idol right on the spot!

(revised)Having A Crush on Fairy Tale Island

Having A Crush on Fairy Tale Island
Reported by Sharon Yu

By accident, I was reported to a scenic spot in Florida. It was a large and tranquil region that I’ve never found in cities. Except for high buildings, performing stages, office rooms or any other authority places, this is the retreat closet to the nature. Wild animals are available anywhere. There are beautiful beaches and woods on the island. I found that a huge book, beginning with “Once upon a time,” is placed in the grass. It seems that I burst into the world of fairy tales.
Entering a classroom, I saw a rabbit teacher teaching math. Several rabbit students sit there dozing off or concentrating on lessons. Also, some chairs and decorations are made up with large carrots, which is impossible to happen in real world. Instead of indoors activity, I also discovered a secret pavilion where I had a meditation. Along the beach, I lied on a deck chair to enjoy its pure sea water and wonderful sunshine.
I took an adventure in the forest. Black bear was not that friendly to me. A crocodile and a leopard stayed alert when I approached them. These wild animals must be shocked by me, the unexpected visitor. However, they weren’t assaultive at all. The most interesting thing was that an outdoor classroom was located right in the woods. Mushroom chairs were so cute that parents might want to send their little children there if possible.
This is really a retreat that makes people relax. Making friends with wild animals and staying away from hustle and bustle are the best therapy for any sicknesses. Go and enjoy it!

A Retreat Away From the Turmoil of the World in SL

A Retreat Away From the Turmoil of the World in SL
Reported by Sharon Yu

By accident, I was reported to a scenic spot in Florida. It was a large and tranquil region that I’ve never found in cities. Except for high buildings, performing stages, office rooms or any other authority places, this is the retreat closet to the nature. Wild animals are available anywhere. There are beautiful beach and woods on the island. I found that a huge book, beginning with “Once upon a time,” is placed in the grass. It seems that I burst into the world of fairy tales.

Entering a classroom, I saw a rabbit teacher teaching math. Several rabbit students sit there dozing off or concentrating on lessons. Also, some chairs and decorations are made up with large carrots, which is impossible to happen in real world. Instead of indoors activity, I also discovered a secret pavilion where I had a meditation. Along the beach, I lied on a deck chair to enjoy its pure sea water and wonderful sunshine.

I took an adventure in the forest. Black bear was not that friendly to me. A crocodile and a leopard stayed alert when I approached them. These wild animals must be shocked by me, the unexpected visitor. However, they weren’t assaultive at all. The most interesting thing was that an outdoor classroom was located right in the woods. Mushroom chairs were so cute that I even wanted to send my future children there if possible.

This is really a retreat that makes people relax. Making friends with wild animals and staying away from hustle and bustle are the best therapy for any sicknesses. Go and enjoy it!

(Revised) Magic Power From Temples

reprted by Sharon

Going to the temple and wishing for good luck are the most popular custom in Taiwan. In one’s whole life, it’s hard to skip this process except for the Christians. Whenever there’s a big holiday, you can always see temples flooded with a bunch of people and vendors, especially in the crowds, you don’t even need to walk but still be pushed forwards. There are some introductions of Taiwanese worship culture in the following context which will take you more closer to the most exciting part of Taiwanese worship.

In the beginning of a new lunar year, people would get up early, preparing for offerings which often include fruits, vegetables, meats and biscuits. Not only Gods of famous temples but also Gods of kitchen or some local places are becoming center roles of worship. There’s a belief that the one who gets the first incense stick will have a good year. So, the incense race becomes the well-known activity in every temple. Generally, people tend to spiritually rely on Gods, wishing great fortunes, especially under the serious situation of worldwide economy depression, it becomes more prevailing this yearAnd don’t forget the most special ritual in worshiping－ Jhen Tou (or religionary array). In the countryside, people put on thick cosmetics and costumes like Gods and form a group of members to hold Taoist ceremonies. Lots of adherents then follow those members with an incense stick in hand, walking a long trail from city to city. This is the way people show their respects towards divine spirits. And they strictly believe that what they sacrifice will bring them luck in the future, and moreover, gain a sense of inner peace.

Nowadays, many people need some faith to sustain them in this competitive society, and therefore worshipping plays a prominent role within Taiwanese minds.

(Revised) Taiwan, A Lost City

Taiwan, A Lost City

Whenever coming into a department store, a supermarket, and Nova, we see lots of different products on shelves. There are so many choices for customers, but only a few of them are local brands. Take several big companies for example. Hitachi, Panasonic and Sony are famous brands from Japan; Apple, Mcdonalds', and Clinique are stemmed from United States. Taiwanese are even addicted to Hong Kong's and Korean manufacturers instead of supporting our local brands.

In entertainment news, we often hear the terms of Korean-fans or Japanese-fans. It means that many fans follow foreign stars and almost go crazy with them. People seem to be less interested in local manufactures. Does it mean that Taiwan is inferior to any other countries? Of course not!

As everyone in Taiwan knows, there's a main scientific domain in Hsinchu. Actually local brands have their qualities as good as foreign, and they may get a lower price. What drives Taiwanese crazy about overseas product is foreign companies' outshining advertisements. In this case, consumers decide a good brand based on its glorious packages and high price. Does the product deserve its price? It depents however. In fact, high prices contain too many other elements such as patent fee, transportation fee, agency fee, etc. Local manufactures just dismiss those unnecessary expenditures. It is so sad that consumers tend to be traytors when in a market. No wonder someone would considers Taiwanese copy cats. The nickname derives from our worship toward foreign things and foreign culture.

Taiwan Story II

Raising A Copy Cat Becomes A New Trend in Taiwan

Whenever coming into a department store, a supermarket, and Nova, we see lots of different products on shelves. There are so many choices for customers, but only a few of them are local brands. Take several big companies for example. Hitachi, Panasonic and Sony are famous brands from Japan; Apple, Mc’donalds, and Clinique are stemmed from United States. Taiwanese are even addicted to Hong Kong’s and Korean manufacturers instead of supporting our local brands.

In entertainment news, we often hear the terms of 哈韓族 or 哈日族. It means that many fans follow foreign stars and almost go crazy with them. Why people tend to be blind in Taiwan? Is Taiwan really inferior to any other countries? Of course not!

As everyone knows, there’s a main scientific domain in Hsinchu. Actually local brands have their qualities as good as foreign, and they may get a lower price. What drives Taiwanese crazy about overseas product is their vanities. Consumers decide a good brand based on its high price. Does the product deserve its price? In fact, high prices contain too many other elements such as patent fee, transportation fee, agency fee, etc. Local manufactures just dismiss those unnecessary expenditures. It is so sad that consumers are blind then.

No wonder someone considers Taiwanese copy cats. The nickname derives from our worship toward foreign things and foreign culture.

Taiwan Story I

2009/03/10
By Sharon Yu

Going to the temple and wishing for good luck are the most popular custom in Taiwan. In one’s whole life, it’s hardly to skip from this process except for Christians. Whenever there’s a big holiday, temples are always flooded with people and a bunch of vendors. In the crowds, people don’t need to walk but still be pushed forwards. There are some introductions of Chinese worship culture in the following context.

In the beginning of a new lunar year, people would get up early, preparing for offerings which often include fruits, vegetables, meats and biscuits. Not only Gods in famous temples but also Gods in kitchen or some local places are becoming targets to worship. There’s a superstition that the one who gets the first incense stick will have a good year. Hence, incense race is the well-known activity in every temple. People tend to mentally rely on Gods, wishing great fortunes, especially this year under the serious situation of worldwide economy depression.
In the countryside, people put on thick cosmetics and costumes like Gods and form a group of members to hold Buddhistic ceremonies. Lots of adherents then follow those members with an incense stick in hand, walking a long trail from city to city. This is the way people show there respects towards divine spirits. And they strictly believe that what they sacrifice will bring them luck and fortunes and, moreover, make them comforted.

People nowadays really need some supports to survive in this challenging society so that worshipping plays an important role.