Active vs. Interactive by lor_ell |  |
The loving companion, the trusted friend. Be it feline or canine, Kacheek or
Kougra, pets are an integral part of our lives. The advance of technology has
brought forth a wave of improvements and colour to our lifestyles. With the
computer came the world wide wonder of the Internet, and from the Internet derived
the sketches and profiles of the first NeoPet.
We all appear to share a common bond in that we can simply appreciate the
knowledge that something relies on us for its very survival, looks up to us
in awe and respect, and we are the centre of its world. Alternatively, it could
be merely that we enjoy having total authority, bossing something around and
being able to talk as much as we want without it answering back. Sort of like
telling secrets and deep inner thoughts to a best friend without the inevitable
snide comments or having your most embarrassing moment plastered all over the
Internet just because you made the tiny mistake of hinting that they resembled
an Elephante with mumps in their new top.
Yes, there are certainly advantages to enriching our lives the presence of
a pet. However, then there is the big question to ask, the major decision to
make: the real thing or the cyber version? The new pet or the NeoPet? Goldfish
or graphic? Mice or microchip? Your Lupe may not be fluffy and cute, sing, run
on a wheel or constantly bring back that stick you keep trying to throw away,
but let's face it, you can resist that cheeky grin when you finally buy it that
PetPet it's been rather unsubtley hinting about for days?
When taking a closer look and bringing together the ordinary world and the
cyber world together, it is impossible to miss the uncanny similarities between
pets and NeoPets. If you happen to be one of those unfortunate people who live
a gazillion stories above the ground, have a garden--and I use the term loosely--a
foot square in size, or an irritating younger sibling who quite obviously was
born with allergies to anything hairier than a bald eagle just to spite you,
then you are probably the victim of the sad excuse for a pet that patronising
parents foist upon you. Gee, weren't you just SO impressed when you asked for
that pony or puppy, and found that thrilling ant colony, beehive or goldfish
instead. Salvation lay in the discovery of NeoPets. However, sometimes there
doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between the glassy eyes of Goldy as he
makes his fifty-second action-packed and exciting round trip of the bowl, and
the accusing and self-pitying stare of your sulking jetsam because apparently
ALL of the other pets have more toys than it does.
Then there's the initial excitement and enthusiasm for that bouncing puppy
or bright-eyed Lupe The assurances that OF COURSE you're responsible enough
for a pet and you'll look after it every second of every minute of every day.
Nice in theory, but when that NeoHome or brand-new game beckons, well, maybe
you'll just be really generous and treat your Cybunny to a stay at the Hotel
Opera. One look at that pouring rain and fog, one glance from the new shoes
to the muddy puddles and you're running to find your little sister and handing
over Rover's leash and half of your pocket money.
But whether it's a Zafara or a rabbit, a wocky or a cat - pet or NeoPet, active
or interactive, your pet is your family. It argues less than your brother, whines
less than your sister, nags less than your parents, and is the most loving and
loyal friend you'll find.
Any relevance to actual people, places, events or NeoPets is entirely coincidental
and no offence is intended to people who have and enjoy their ant colony, beehive
or goldfish :) |
