Columbia Home & Lifestyle - January/February 2009 - (Page 29) She acknowledged that other female friends have faced inappropriate questioning, mostly from people “too young to be asking about such things.” “I guess some people attract more inappropriate commentary than others,” she said. Players can easily solve the commentary problem by not subscribing to the online services—but that often cuts the player of from a significant portion of the game. Donahoe had a different suggestion. “If you are delicate or at all concerned about the type of people you'll encounter, don't have a headset,” she said. If a headset is a must, keep the volume down. At least some basic gaming knowledge is becoming increasingly necessary for children to relate to peers, she said. “I think it’s an important thing to know, even just on the level of relating to other people,” she said. And, like with any situation where minors are interacting with adults, some caution, particularly with personal information, is advisable. “Learn the ratings system,” she cautioned parents, and try and be informed and supportive without smothering your children. “Don't be afraid to play kid games; don't be afraid to explore different things you think might be silly,” Sharp said. “It's all about trying it out, seeing what your good at, seeing what you like.” Working in a game environment still betrays a stereotype, as gamers tend to ask a male worker before asking a female. For new players shy about picking up a controller for fear of not excelling, Donahoe suggested starting out with something non-competitive, such as the quirky hit “Katamari Damacy,” or a game can be played co-operatively. “Learn as much as you can before you try something, and have a good footing on which to start,” she said. Ask questions, either from a gamer in their lives or from video game store employees. “Embrace your stance as not knowing anything, and just go and ask questions.” jusT geT ouT There ANd plAy Donahoe said she’s seen a lot of changes over the past 14 years. “More people are involved,” she said, adding there's no longer as much of a stigma attached to being a gamer. Older generations are more wiling to give games a fair hearing. Sharp advised those curious about video games to just to get out there and play. http://www.columbiaallergyasthmaspecialists.com
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