摘要：Virtual-worlds research is a dynamic and growing interdisciplinary
area in the social sciences and humanities. Sociological theory can play
an important role in how virtual worlds are conceptualized and studied.
Drawing on data from ethnographic projects on two distinct types of
virtual worlds, an asynchronous text-based internet forum and a
massively-multiplayer online game, I consider what social and cultural
similarities these two types of virtual worlds have with one another,
despite their radically different forms and functions. My comparative
analysis is framed in terms of three questions. First, are virtual worlds
temporary and/or intentional communities? Second, what are the
frames of reference through which virtual-world communities are built?
Third, how do boundaries function in virtual worlds? My discussion
suggests some of the common social and cultural features of virtual
worlds.
关键词：Massively-multiplayer online game (MMO); Online community; Straight
edge; Subculture; Videogame; World of Warcraft.
