ICQ Universe: Caution - Do Not Enter
Clay Shirky provides a quick glance at the FAQ of the soon to be unleashed on the, uh, universe, ICQ Universe. Of all the already surprising features of this new system, there is apparently a gated community that requires high-jumpers to go through great efforts to get their heads high enough over the outer walls to garner the attention, conviction, and acceptance of the Universe's citizens. This sounds more and more like a game by the moment.
The best part is the Roach Motel nature of the ICQ Universe (and this trap actually does hold):
Q. How can I leave the ICQ Universe?
A. You cannot completely remove your card from the ICQ Universe, since this would break the connections between your friends as well as prevent them from navigating via your card in the ICQ Universe. However, you can make yourself unavailable and then your card will turn black. Any information about you will no longer be displayed on your card, as well as it will no longer be possible to send you messages or invitations from within the universe. To make yourself unavailable, click on the text link under the Logout button. To leave the ICQ Universe, click the text link at the bottom of the Lobby page indicating if you wish to remove yourself from the ICQ Universe Lobby. If you wish to rejoin the ICQ Universe, go to the Welcome page and click Join Now. The system will recognize you when you log in and you will once again appear as available in the ICQ Universe.
As Clay puts it, "It’s like an e-mail pyramid scheme: Don’t break the chain! The mind boggles at an SNS that make registering with the service an irreversible act."
I've already expressed my thoughts on why this is particular process doesn't completely offer much by way of value -- this kind of arrangement only seems to amplify those problems.