The language of virtual worlds 183
expressions, which act as identity-markers for the group, though
evidence is anecdotal. The use of gender-neutral pronouns, such as
the set invented by Michael Spivak –e,em,eir,eirs,eirself,eirselves–
are scrupulously employed in some groups, and avoided in others.
It is simply not clear, in the absence of several studies of the Cherny
type, just how generalized a particular usage is. For example, how
many MUDs use reduplication for activities (RaynodsnodsShelley,
Pete waveswaveswaves)? We do not know.
Emotes are important as a means of foregrounding the struc-
ture of the activity-dimension of an interaction – providing the
nonlinguistic context for the direct speech. But they add a fur-
ther complication to the task of maintaining discourse coherence
already noted in chapter 5. As with chatgroups, several conversa-
tions can take place at once, timing anomalies are pervasive, and
multiple threading (p. 137) is normal. But in MUDs, along with
the need to follow the threads of direct speech, there is also the
need to relate emotes to their appropriate stimulus. It may not be
immediately clear, in the following example, whether Techo’s laugh
is directed at Prof or Doc. By the end of the sequence, the potential
for ambiguity has grown, making it necessary for Doc to spell out
who his utterance is aimed at.
Langman says, ‘I’ve given the tapes to Prof’
Prof blinks.
Doc waves at Techo.
Prof says, ‘I didn’t get them’
Prof says, ‘where did you put them?’
Techo laughs.
Techo says, ‘sorry I’m late’
Langman says, ‘in the fridge’
Prof looks horrified.
Doc says ‘it’s the best place’
Prof grins.
Doc [to Techo]: don’t do it again.To alleviate turn-taking problems, some MUDs (as with chat-
groups) have evolved discourse stratagems – such as a moderator-
controlledqueue,remindersaboutthetopic,andrecognizedsignals