A closer look into Webkinz
Now let’s take a closer look into how the average user interacts with Webkinz. Watch the following video to see one user’s journey from purchasing a Webkinz to adopting it then playing with it for the first time.
First off, we are introduced to the user’s special edition Webkinz. The fact that they animals are “special edition” suggest that they are one of kind and better than other. The more special editions that the Webkinz designer produces a sensation for the users and encourages them buy more.
The user goes on to make sure that we know that these Webkinz are official, which in my opinions suggests that the user believes owning Webkinz is “cool” and that we would “judge” her if they didn’t have the Webkinz seal of approval (the “W” and name tag).
Then we are taken to the actual computer screen to watch the adoption process. You will notice the design of the website and its colorful, playful interface. The clickable hand affords clicking on certain devices and shading is used to help the user know a device if clickable. The screen looks much like Microsoft’s Bob, but it appears that the user has no trouble deciphering how to use the site.
I find if odd that this video was posted to YouTube. A new media used in collaboration with another new media. We were watching a video, posted to the internet, of the user actually playing the game. It troubles me that the user posted this thinking that others would want to watch this. What makes her think that others would care? Does Webkinz create a voyeuristic nature having the user watch and oversee the everyday lives of his or her virtual pets and thus feels the need that others should watch her interact as well? The video has received only 3,000 hits, but still who would want to watch this? Obviously, I cared enough to watch the entire video (high five if you actually made it through the entire thing), but I still don’t get to obsession.
Scott Reed said,
November 7, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Some of your claims don’t seem to be fleshed out all the way.
For example: “produces a sensation”? What sensation?
“What makes her think that others would care?” This is a moment where the use of the rhetorical question gets you off the hook. Instead of analyzing the object in front of you, rhetorical questions give you the permission to ask an unanswerable question in place of making a point. In other words, if you want to analyze the motives or purpose behind the maker of the video, go ahead. But don’t shrug, point at it, and say it’s weird.