Just looking for some numbers and feedback, and this seemed as good a
place as any to ask.
As some of you know I'm on the Arolos BoD. As with a fair few PBeMs,
Arolos is built for 13's and over. A few years ago, Arolos tried a
list for under 13s. At that time, there weren't so many younger folks
in fandom or on the internet for that matter, and so it fizzled out.
Fast forward to 2004, where there are now a lot more young people with
internet access. We're beginning to get more enquiries from young
people, and the possibilities of an under-13 list has been broached
again.
Let me just be clear on the reasons *why* we want them seperate. We
are well aware that younger players can write on occasion as well, or
better than older players. We're also well aware that in this big
rough world kids under 13 may well be seeing worse on TV and in films
that Arolos could ever provide. And if someone under 13 is prepared to
ask their parents to send us an email/chat to the BoD and give
permission then we're happy to have them on-board. We are however NOT
prepared to face parents who've caught their kids reading stuff online
that they'd never have agreed to let them near. Without the parental
permission we will not knowingly let under 13s onto the main list,
though we do have a couple on the Weyrlings/Candidates list which is
slightly more kid-safe. We're aware ages can be lied about and emails
can be faked, but that's as secure as we can get.
So, getting back to the subject - it's starting to become clear to us
that there MAY be some demand for a list aimed at and completely safe
for under 13's. We are not, however, sure of that and before we go
forward with anything we're looking for some numbers.
So, I'm asking here. Is there anyone under 13 here who might be
interested in such a thing? Anyone with kids/cousins/siblings who
would be interested? We're not looking for firm commitments, we're not
going to steal your soul if you say "possibly" and then don't join if
we did start it up. We just want some idea at present at whether it's
a workable idea, or whether even now, the fandom doesn't have enough
people in that sector to warrant it.
Please don't reply here - instead send any notes of interest to
ArolosOOC-owner@yahoogroups.com Please be assured that your age with
not be shared with anyone outside the ArolosBoD - we are aware of
online safety and wouldn't dream of letting it leak ;-) Any concerned
parents/guardians out there are also welcome to contact us to talk
over any worries they may have, please feel free to email that address
also and we'll be happy to talk to you.
Thanks,
Laura
Arolos BoD
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