The QUESTION posed recently on the (INSERT NAME OF LIST) mailing list was: "Where is everybody?" The ANSWER, in my case, is: Africa, Germany, Australia, Denmark, Cincinnati, Denver, Florida, California, from the east coast to the west coast of Canada, and countless other places. All without leaving my bar stool/computer desk in Toronto. Yes, I've become Globalized. But in a very TRIVIAL way.

I've gotten caught up in the worldwide NetTrivia game. As a veteran of another kind of Trivia game (NTN) that's played mostly in bars, I was curious as to whether a Trivia game could be as much fun on the Net. The answer is: yes. Maybe too much fun. Some of my ambitious Internet projects aren't getting done and I blame NetTrivia for that. :)

I'm not here to hype NetTrivia, just to say that I'm enjoying it. Part of the appeal is the global grasp of the game. You can be chatting (almost as if you were in a bar) with people from anywhere. You can also get to know other regular players. Unlike other chat sites though, there's a focal point -- the never-ending Trivia game itself.

As I see it, NetTrivia is a test of knowledge, logic, reaction, memory, spelling, keyboard accuracy and endurance! Endurance because you've got to put in a lot of hours to get a high score. But they tend to be fun filled hours.

There are lots of different categories to enter -- music, sports, geography, etc. as well as the main category, Potpourri. NetTrivia manages to avoid the problem that plagues other trivia games -- repeated questions. NetTrivia players regularly contribute questions in all categories. The number of questions seems limitless and only rarely will you see one you've seen before.

 There are long term and short term ways to play the game. Long term is by the month. The more you play (and the smarter you are), the higher your overall monthly standing. Beware! Some players have been known to put in several hours a day everyday at the game. In the short term, you can enjoy competitive hourly tournaments, if there are enough players present (three). Tournaments start on the hour and last 45 minutes. Scores earned during tournaments count for monthly standings. Tournament winners get 300 points for monthly standings. 200 for second. 100 for third. Monthly winners are declared and scores are reset to zero at midnight on the last day of the month.

Though I have no personal connection with Internet Direct (my own Internet Service Provider), I'm pleased that they are the creators and hosts of the NetTrivia game. This game that spans the globe originates right here in my home town (Toronto).

If you'd like to download the NetTrivia game, click on the NetTrivia icon below...

Perhaps we'll meet on line in the game. Look for me there under the nickname Hroth.

Jim Semple (a.k.a. Gandie, a.k.a. Hroth)

J.O.S. Written Word Services

E-Mail: semple@idirect.com or joswws@idirect.ca

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