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From: SocioTechnical approaches to Information Systems Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of jeremy hunsinger
Sent: 23 June 2011 06:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: cfp: cultures in virtual worlds
distribute as appropriate, apologies for x-posting -jh
Cultures in virtual worlds
A special issue of the New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia
Guest-edited by Jeremy Hunsinger and Adrienne Massanari
Virtual worlds (VW) embody cultures, their artefacts, and their praxes;
these new and old spaces of imagination and transformation allow humans
to interact in spatial dimensions. Within these spaces, culture
manifests with the creation, representation, and circulation of
meaningful experiences. But virtual worlds are not novel in that
regard, nor should we make the mistake to assume that they are novel in
themselves. Virtual experiences have been around in some respect for
hundreds of years, and virtual worlds based in information technology
have existed for at least 40 years. The current generation of virtual
worlds, with roots over four decades old in studies of virtual reality,
computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), sociology, cultural studies,
and related topics, provide for rich and occasionally immersive
environments where people become enculturated within the world sometimes
as richly as the rest of their everyday lives.
We seek research that encounters and investigates cultures in virtual
worlds in its plurality and in its richness. To that end, we invite
papers covering the breadth of the topic of cultures in and of virtual
worlds.
Some possible areas/approaches of inquiry:
1. How culture of virtual worlds affect relationships
2. VW interfaces and culture/s
3. Hidden subcultures/communities in virtual worlds
4. Ages and VW cultures
5. Emic and etic experiences of virtual worlds
6. Producing VW cultures
7. Traditional cultural/critical studies inquiries of VWs
8. Transnational or cosmopolitan cultures in/of VWs
While all forms of scholarship and research are welcome, we prefer
theoretically and empirically grounded studies. We seek a Special Issue
that exemplifies methodological pluralism and scholarly diversity. The
use of visual evidence and representations is also encouraged. We
especially seek pieces that investigate virtual worlds that have
received little scholarly attention.
Submission guidelines
This special issue is Guest-Edited by Jeremy Hunsinger (Virginia Tech)
and Adrienne Massanari (Loyola University Chicago). Queries regarding
the Special Issue should be directed to them at [log in to unmask] and
[log in to unmask] The Guest-Editors welcome contributions from both
new researchers and those who are more well-established. Submitted
manuscripts will be subject to peer review.
Length of papers will vary as per disciplinary expectations, but we
encourage articles of around 7000 words (longer articles may be
possible, if warranted). Short discussion papers of around 3000 words on
relevant subjects are also welcomed as 'Technical Notes'. Detailed
author submission guidelines are available online at
http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/journal.asp?issn=1361-4568&linktype=44.
Papers must be submitted via the journal's online submissions system:
http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tham Please indicate that your
submission is for the Special Issue on Culture in Virtual Worlds.
The special issue will be published in summer 2012.
Important dates:
November 11, 2011 Paper submission deadline
February 10, 2012 Author notification
May 5, 2012 Final copy due
Summer 2012 Publication
Jeremy Hunsinger
Center for Digital Discourse and Culture
Virginia Tech
Words are things; and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a
thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
--Byron
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