Get to Know Your Neighbors!

We think it would be great if everyone got a chance to get to know some of the volunteers in the community, and to find out why they love AW so much.

This month we meet color and HawkeyePierce, who were recently recognized as July and August's GK of the Month.

Color - July GK of the Month

I first discovered AW from a friend from a 2D text based chat forum that we used. She and other friends showed me Activeworlds and we were all soon involved in the fun of building in AW. Learning how much easier it would be to find my friends as a citizen and at such a reasonable rate, I quickly joined. Its been about 3 years now. At first I was never in AWGate. I had bypassed the entrance by setting my Home in other locations. Eventually, my friends and I drifted to the AWGate on occasion and I was impressed how I could get answers to questions about the program that I had wanted to know. Observing the Gatekeepers greeting and helping newcomers, I wanted to join in and help out too. What I enjoy most about being a Gatekeeper is also what caused me to join, a love of helping others. I am a teacher in my non virtual life, working mainly with the Primary grades, teaching Art etc. My nickname came from my drawing coloring pages for the kids at work.

HawkeyePierce - August GK of the Month

I first visited Active Worlds out of boredom one night while I was looking for cool programs to download off the internet. Little did I know that I would get hooked on such a great community! Being located in a generally rural area, it’s hard to get out and talk to people as it is permeated by mostly farmers and high school kids. I’m almost 25 years old, so I’m stuck right in the middle of the conversational gap. Active Worlds provides me with a way to talk to people all over the world of varying ages, mentalities, nationalities, and beliefs. It is this diversity that keeps AW in the top things I do while I’m on my computer.

I always like being able to make a difference, no matter where I’m at. The Gatekeeper program allows me the opportunity to help out with something that I’ve enjoyed for almost 2 ½ years now. Plus, it gives me a chance to refine my communication skills, especially around strangers. Since I have an interest in radio and talk-show broadcasting, I’ve tried to implement a talk show of sorts into my GK styling. I realize it’s not the same as a verbal broadcast, but I feel I get the effect I’m aiming for when I conclude each shift. Before I applied to be a Gatekeeper, I had such positive experiences with the existing ones that I thought to my self "you know, what they’re doing really looks like fun!"

The first thing I thought when I received the e-mail notifying me that I had been chosen as the GK of the month was surprise. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything outstanding during my time as a GK to merit such an honor! Especially after such a short time in the corps! There is something fun about being able to come in, help out the newbie, and yuck it up with all the regulars we have. Active Worlds has been such a positive experience for me that I will continue to support it until the day either I or it ceases to exist. Hopefully, with the right circumstances, I will be allowed to go first.