The ''Ultimate'' Simulation Game Right In Your Own Hometown

Hi Mike,

> Here is the adrenaline part...
> Watch a certain table or booth for awhile...
> Then walk over and introduce yourself and
> begin a conversation about a different topic
> within their group. See how they respond and
> act. Do they follow your lead? Are you
> petrified? Can you hear your heart pounding
> in your ears? IS your breath becoming short?
> Do they blow you off and you walk back to
> where you were?

Mike, that would be an interesting experiment....

I tend to first try to establish rapport (even without thinking about it).... So rather than leading straight off the bat, I'd do some pacing first.... I'd see if I could notice anything similar between me and them before I even approached the table....

I actually find it *harder* online, because you're going on much less information.... I find it much easier to talk on the phone than I do to write an email. On the phone, at least I can hear the tone in the other person's voice.... And in person, it's even easier, because I can see their reaction in addition to all that....

But online? Part of it is guesswork.... It's a much harder row to hoe....

You can't see their expression. You can't hear the tone in their voice. You don't see any gestures. You have to fill that all in by guesswork....

> Walking up to strangers, introducing
> yourself and begining a conversation will
> cost you nothing!!! Nothing but your
> pride, ego, adrenaline dumps, and a long
> walk back to your seat.

I know what you mean....

It's a bit like asking a woman/girl for a date (from a male perspective)....

When I was in high school, I had no idea how to do it! My reaction was like you said.... My heart beat faster, my palms got sweaty, I'd start to think -- "what if she laughs in my face! I'll be humiliated"....

But, after you've asked a couple of girls out -- and they didn't laugh at you -- it becomes easier.... You learn how to be subtle (at least that approach fits my personality). yet still clear enough so that she understands what you mean, which is that you're interested in spending some time getting to know her.... You both get pretty excited.... :)

> Marketing online is a safe place as well.
> Until someone questions you or your product
> on a forum and then all logic ceases and
> people start flaming one another.

Yes, such a thing can be a problem....

It's actually a lot tougher, in my experience online, because a significant chunk of communication disappears.... I've read that around 93% or so of emotional communication is usually non-verbal - the tone of the voice, the facial expressions, posture, gestures, and so on....

All that is lost online which makes it tough....

You can read more about this at http://www2.pstcc.cc.tn.us/~dking/nvcom.htm ....

Good comments, though.... Good food for thought....

Cheers,

Dien