FAQ for interested tourists

From The Nethernet Wiki

Contents 1 What is PMOG? 2 How does it work? 3 How safe is this? 4 Will PMOG slow down Firefox? 5 How can I join? 6 How many members does PMOG presently have?

[edit] What is PMOG?

PMOG is an experimental new online game being created by a small company called Gamelayers. The acronym stands for Passively Multiplayer Online Game. Players install an add-on (an “MMO”) to the Firefox Web browser and also create a log in name and profile on the PMOG server. When the add-on is enabled, they can encounter and create various messages and artifacts which appear as a pop-up overlay on web pages. Players compete (and cooperate) to accumulate datapoints by browsing, annotating web pages, and using tools like “mines” to remove others datapoints and “armor” to defend against attacks. There are also "missions" designed by other players to take you on a tour of websites of interest, during which you can accumulate additional datapoints. The design theme is steampunk: Think high-tech Victoriana.

PMOG has changed its name to The Nethernet.

[edit] How does it work?

The PMOG add-on to Firefox allows software on the PMOG servers to keep track of your browsing history and immediate location on the web. Each URL may be associated with messages or artifacts; users can add their own content using the PMOG toolbar.

[edit] How safe is this?

Well, PMOG has a strong privacy policy, and the PMOG add-on self-deactivates at secure sites ("https"). You can also manually disable the add-on. On the other hand, PMOG does track and store your browsing history. Advertisers would be very glad to get their hands on this information. Should the parent company be bought for a large sum by some larger entity (perhaps beginning with the letter “G”), it’s anybody’s guess what will happen to your data. Be sensible. Sensible users disable the plug in or use a different Web browser when they visit their bank.

If you are concerned, you can also delete your history with PMOG. Visit your full profile. e.g. http://pmog.com/users/username click: Edit Your Profile just under your profile (avatar) image click: Adjust your Privacy Settings at the bottom of that page Delete My PMOG History - Deletes your browsing history from our database. You would still keep your tools, badges, acquaintances, forum posts and mission history (missions both taken, and created). Enter your password to delete your PMOG history: and click the delete button.

[edit] Will PMOG slow down Firefox?

Can Firefox be any slower than it already is?  But seriously, because the add-on communicates constantly with the PMOG server, it will conceivably slow down your browsing. If you access the Internet through a satellite service the delay may be more noticeable. However, all of these technical reasons pale besides the kind of slow-down you’ll experience from simply enjoying the game. PMOG may be “passive” in nature, but it is strangely addictive and it will fundamentally change  the way you use the Web.  Among other things, PMOG is probably the best way for anyone to learn the breadth and depth of the Web.

[edit] How can I join?

The Nethernet no longer in Beta! Just sign up on the site. TNN also maintains a presence on various social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace for the purpose of advertising for and gaining new players.

[edit] How many members does PMOG presently have?

There were between four and five thousand beta testers. A guesstimate of current players could be between 25-40,000.