PlayStation Underground
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| URL | http://us.playstation.com/ |
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| Commercial? | Yes |
| Type of site | Gaming & Entertainment |
| Registration | Free |
| Owner | SCEI |
| Created by | Lithium Technologies |
PlayStation Underground (PSU) is the name for the online community for video game players, particularly those who prefer the PlayStation brand to others, although many "Undergrounders" (a term for those who frequent PSU) do also enjoy competing brands. The PlayStation Underground includes the information related to the PlayStation franchise on the PlayStation website and the forum. These forums are controlled and monitored by a moderating team much like any other forum.
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[edit] Website
On November 15, 2006 just two days before the launch of the Playstation 3, a new design of the website was launched. A new skin for the forums was also launched to match the new website.
[edit] Gamer Advisory Panel
The Gamer Advisory Panel was created by Sony Computer Entertainment America as a way for the company to get better information on how to serve its customers. Membership is by invitation only. The members of this exclusive group use their knowledge to provide feedback to Sony and help improve their products.
There is one contest called a Gamer Giveaway in the Gamer Advisory Panel about every week or two, in which people are asked which 3 upcoming games they like most for the PSP and PS2, and one of the people that responds gets those three games of their choice.
There is no direct affiliation between the GAP and the Forums. Membership on the forums does not increase odds of being chosen for GAP, and are not prerequisite for being selected for the GAP.
[edit] Purpose
The Gamer Advisory Panel, or GAP for short, is an extension to the PlayStation Underground community. While selection is random, those who do become GAP members get to participate in additional discussions, activities, and contests.
Users can write their own blog entries, to which other users may reply and add their thoughts. Often, while browsing, you might find a few blogs discussing the PlayStation 3, the hottest new gadgets for the PSP, or one of the running contests.
The contests are arguably one of the biggest draws to the Gamer Advisory Panel. There are always a few contests in progress, and prizes range from trivial to substantial. Gamers might win a prize as small as getting their submission posted on the GAP website, or prizes as large as a brand new video game, gaming apparel and accessories, or a trip to a gaming convention.
Although Canadian citizens are eligible to be selected for the GAP, don't expect on getting the same benefits as American members do. Many Canadians report never recieving their "Welcome Kit".
[edit] Forums
Run by Lithium Technologies, the forums are where thousands of PSU members get to share information related to PlayStation. The forums were established in November 1999 and have grown to over 60 public boards, some not even directly related to gaming. The forums are currently running Lithium Version 8.0.x
[edit] Types of Users
The vast majority of the users at the PSU are gamers - people who enjoy playing video games. There are a few notable categories of users.
[edit] The Moderation Team
The moderation team includes the moderators and the administrators who keep the PSU running smoothly. The moderators are selected by current moderators, however they will typically accept nominations from the users via the forums messenger. Only two times in the past they had "open applications", which allowed any member to submit an application to become a moderator.
Moderators go through a thorough evaluation and training process before they are granted moderator permissions.
New Moderators are generally selected on a "as needed" basis.
[edit] MVP Program
The MVP Program, short for "Most Valuable Poster", is a program designed to reward posters for outstanding posts in the community. They are rewarded with benefits such as a custom rank and private forums. The complete guide, program overview, and list of current members, can be found here.
To be an MVP,you must post something interesting and valuable to the reader like information threads. You should also be a helpful person and must not spam and/or flame other members.
[edit] Veterans, and The Veteran List
One of the more prevalent themes in the PSU is the constant comparison of newer members (sometimes referred to as "n00bs" or "newbies") and the veteran members who have more time and experience there. Generally, to be considered a "veteran", one must have had at least one year of membership and at least 5,000 posts. The Veteran List [1]was made by the user Spitfire7 to recognize those who meet the above qualifications.
