My topic was the taxation of virtual goods, namely those in videogames. However, this proved intensely difficult to relate back to the concepts of the public sphere and other such topics discussed in class. So I'm considering a topic change. If anybody can think of any way I can relevantize this topic, please do so. And, no, relevantize is not a real word, but, yes, you like it.
Anyhow, I'm considering changing my topic to the concern that has recently come to plague my every internet-consumed moment, which is privacy. More specifically the guarantees of privacy within user agreements for sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and even Google. I feel that this topic is much more of an issue that may drastically affect the way the internet functions as a public sphere, and probably not in a favorable way.
Both topics are up in the air. The privacy contract is sounding a bit more appealing, but if anyone happens to read this and makes a super-duper-pooper-scooper argument for the virtual taxation, I'm still game.
I agree with your opinion. Even though my and your topic is not too private, we can invite more people to our public sphere if the topic is likely to be argued. I'm also considering change my topic because of same reason as yours.
ReplyDeleteI think when individuals consider signing up for a social network they have already signed there own personal contract to relinquish there privacy. Social networks are sometimes the means of which people who have difficulty seeing people in person due to time constraints to interact with them despite their busy lives. Some people feel its worth making yourself vulnerable in order to feel like they are not alienating those they simply don't have the time for.
ReplyDeleteAs a gamer i know what you mean about taxation of downloadable content or content you certain items purchase on an MMORPG out of your own pocket (although i think its cheaper to just play the game and the get the items i need with the games currency that i earn playing the game). Its relevant to the gaming public sphere in forums and the MMORPGS themselves when you consider the communicating gamers do on the MMORPG. When considering taxing online game transactions, the argument is that the items are "products" within the products(MMORPG's) themselves. The products your purchasing in the game out of your money is a another way the game publisher can continue to generate revenue from that product. So some can argue that if you can tax the product (MMORPG) from a retail store why not tax the products in the game you can buy with your own money. I think its something gamers should really be talking about and i'm sure they do
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