Noob?
Last night I was working in a virtual world in which I feel very comfortable, and I was joined by someone whom I envy because of their skill, knowledge and familiarity in a different virtual environment. When this person characterised themselves as a n00b, it started me thinking.
Getting started with new online presences has underlined to me how easy it is to move out of my carefully nurtured and protected comfort zone. It only takes a few steps in a new direction to enter the unknown. I have found this to produce a range of feelings, from timidity to challenge.
I have also found that having a background in other online applications and places has provided a bit of an air bag. I know what I can do, and am finding that some of those skills and understandings are supporting the new experiences. I also have the confidence to follow my nose and work things out. This does not mean, however, that I will be able to reliably replicate what I have done. I am a n00b all over again, with a slightly different entry point.
For me n00b therefore should not be a term that is looked down on or that should be discounted. It is a crucial element of the learning cycle. If I avoid being a n00b, I avoid initiating learning, and miss out on the challenges and the thrill of achievement. For me n00b is now a badge I will wear proudly (but I hope only temporarily) as it tells me I have started something new and am learning.
I hope that this new found understanding is also reflected in how I work with and support those who could be tagged as n00bs in all situations and environments.
3 comments June 11th, 2008
