Do Virtual Gifts Have Value?
It’s always nice to see Dogster and its members in the news. This weekend the Boston Globe had an article about virtual gifts in the online social networking world. You know virtual gifts; they’re the balls, paws and chicken hats we all love to give to each other.
Joni Gleason of Haverhill spends about $100 a year on gifts for her pet-loving friends. But the gifts can’t be held or wrapped. They can’t even be seen unless her friends are online.
As a member of Dogster.com, Gleason, 62, sends fellow dog owners virtual candles and angel wings when their pets get sick or die. When Gleason feels playful, she sends virtual squirrels or, one of Dogster’s newer gift options, a can of Spam.
It’s an interesting read about the trend toward virtual gifts in the online world.
As you can imagine, some people don’t necessarily agree they have any value at all. Ted Rheingold, Dogster’s founder, responded to that argument by stating in the article:
“They may not be something you can hold in your hand, but the sentiment that comes with giving or receiving, is the same sentiment.”
I agree. The point naysayers are missing is that social networks consist of people who are connected by a shared purpose.
In our case, it’s the cute, lovable and nutty creatures that run our lives. Just because the gifts we give online don’t have physical properties, doesn’t change the feelings associated with giving and receiving them. What better way to know someone is thinking of you than receiving a Boo Boo Bandaid when your dog is ill? Isn’t there value in that gesture? I think so.
Now, if you’ll pardon me, I have a few SPAM hats to give away.
We love giving (and receiving) virtual gifts here on Dogster. They are one of the highlights of each day. They keep us in touch with friends, help us celebrate an occasion, and provide support when things aren’t going well. We’ve met some wonderful friends just because of a zealie gift. What could be better? As the old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” and that’s what a virtual gift expresses.
I completely, enthusiastically agree. Giving and receiving virtual gifts is a great way to be a friend and make more friends. Dogster is the best!
We love giving and receiving the virtual gifts here on Dogster. They are a nice way for us to let our pals know how special they are. There are so many uses we use them for.
You know the old saying…..”Its better to give then to receive”
And I agree with that 100 percent. But I also have to add that when you open your dogster account and someone has given you a gift of “Dogster Stud” then you feel a happy little feeling in your heart. Soooooooooooo
Giving one spam hat = 4 zellies
Getting one Scaredy Squirrel= priceless
My mom spends quite a bit on zealies so I can give gifts. I think they have value especially when one of my pals is sick or needs support or having a birthday. Mom says they are in her opinion the same as cards- get well cards, thinking of you cards, birthday cards etc. Every once in awhile I click on my gifts and smile as I reread the messages that someone has sent just for me. : )
How silly,that people would think that the pressies given online have no value!!?? I love giving and receiving rosettes on Dogster!!! I love to be able to tell my furiends and their people that they are in our thoughts and prayers. I love being able to share good times and barkdays,etc. I think that it is great!! Dogster Rocks,WOOF!
Auntie Joni is one of the bestest gift givers on Dogster! I love getting and giving rosettes and stars to all my Dogster pals!! It let’s them know I am thinking about them and that they are in my heart!!ARROOO
Way to go Dogster!
Seamus
I just love giving those silly gifts too!
If I could, every DOTD, DOTW, and Diary of the Day would get a pressie! (And the special cats would too!)
I also like to give rainbow stars to any furangel I happen to come across.
Unfortunately, the way the economy is has finally caught up to my mom and so I can’t give out the pressies the way I use to. I’ve had to cut back and I feel bad for all the doggies and kitties who I would love to give pressies to but can’t.
:((
Joni and her boy are among the sweetest most caring Dogster pals we are blessed to know. The vitual gifts have far more meaning than some physical girfts can. As Bonzie said you can go back and read them over and over. They are each sent with love , care or in fun so I think they are priceless and you don’t have to wait for delivery thanks to Dogster its instant.. As said by others, it is the thought that counts. Ask any Dogster or Catster who has received one especially in a time of crisis . It can really help you through knowing you are not alone and others do care.
Gifts given are gifts given. Virutal or not, the thought is what counts! Mom and I like to give and we always smile big when reciving. I just proosed last night in a rosette, and this morning, I got up to see a rostette was given back to me! Gifts and gestures, weather of value or not, are just PAWSOME!
P.S. Mom has bought zealies, and pays fur Dogster Plus so we have enought to give!
I love giving virtual gift - it give me & Mom pleasure!
I don’t know if Mom did this right = so I’ll post again - MOM & I love giving gifts! Doesn’t matter how many we get - we just love acknowledging pups & making special friends!
Virtual Gifts are about the best thing going,Me and mom love to give gifts they make us feel special and it’s a way to let our friends know how we feel about them. When we lost our brother Buster the over powering of love that came from each of those gifts helped us heal from a difficult time,and when I have a birthday WOO HOO! there all over my page,that’s why I love sending them,cause I want people to feel the same way I do when I see mine
WHAT A GREAT FEELING
thanks Dogster
Tyson
I love virtual gifts.
I invented a board game all about exchanging virtual gifts
It’s called GiftTRAP.
It won best party game of the year from Games Magazine for 2008. It’s lots of fun to find our what your friends and family really think about the virtual gifts you give them in the board game
It’s on sale in Barnes & Noble and independent game store across the US and in 8 languages around the world.
I suspect there will be more connections between the virtual and physical world as time goes by.
Good article in the Boston Globe.
Auntie Joni and Willie are the bestest in the world, as is my wife Sadie, and girly Syd and all my dogster friends, you all ROCK my heart!!