Study of Koobecaf
By: Laura Carlson

Upon observation, it can be said that in reality, the Nacerima live in a multi-layered world. As if the very complex and detailed every-day life of an average Nacerima isn’t enough to occupy the mind, they have created a virtual world that mirrors reality. This virtual world, called Koobecaf, began in order to provide connection between friends and relatives, demonstrating the Nacerima’s undying quest for relationship. Although the quest is often hindered by a society that champions food that can be prepared quickly, education that can be internalized quickly, and information that can be reached quickly, the Nacerima have found a new venue to continue their quest: communication that can be done quickly. The Nacerima believe that by speeding up the process of communication between two people, they can accomplish even more in a relationship without having to adjust their fast-paced lives.
The world of Koobecaf has become a familiar idea with the Nacerima. In fact, especially among the younger generation, it is considered strange and even unsocial to not participate in the Koobecaf community. When someone joins into this world, they create a representation of themselves that displays personal information in an organized manner so that others in this virtual world can compare and contrast information from one person to the next. Often times this personal information will include a summary of the owner’s personality, what they enjoy doing, what music they prefer, and even what they desire or possess in terms of relationships. This summary attempts to condense and mirror the Nacerima’s real life so that it can be compartmentalized and analyzed by anyone who wishes to know more about the owner.
Just like real-life, Koobecaf is very detailed and it is expanding to present opportunities for expression in as many forms as possible. One such expression is pledging to a spourg. This is a very common practice in which one declares interest in a subject and finds a spuorg that relates to that subject. Two similar expressions, repmub srekcits and rialf, are designed with phrases, pictures, or words that draw attention to a particular theme. Many times these expressions articulate irony or sarcasm, both of which many Nacerima find very funny.
One of the most common functions of Koobecaf is to spread pictures to other members. Picture spreading is practiced by creating folders, called mublas, in which the pictures are stored. Often times the owner will include a description of the picture in order to explain or even recreate with words what was happening at the time it was taken. As other members take time to browse through the mublas, it is customary to write their reactions to and impressions of the picture below it. Trends have emerged with the styles of pictures that owners like to display. A very popular style is to take a picture of your face, or the faces of yourself and a friend. This style springs from the importance that the Nacerima place on self-image and appearance. Most owners attempt to place in the mublas only flattering pictures or pictures that portray any excitement they have experienced in their real life.
The overlying theme of Koobecaf is communication and this is demonstrated in the institutions built into the virtual world in order to facilitate interaction. Each member owns a llaw on which others are able to write short messages to the owner. In turn, the owner is able to respond in a short message on the llaw of the other person and thus carry on a sort of conversation. If the two communicating members wish to write a longer message or a private message, they can send liames to each other. Communication on Koobecaf is designed to be fast and easy to maintain. Although this creates a wonderful opportunity for connecting the Nacerima, personal contact is lost and it is not uncommon to go without seeing the other person at all when you correspond.
The virtual world of Koobecaf has become another layer to the society of the Nacerima. It seeks to create a level playing field for all people who wish to participate, however from this field emerge those who find power in popularity and fulfillment in being known or observed by others. The Nacerima’s quest for relationship reaches new heights with the opportunity to communicate quickly and easily. It is yet to be seen if Koobecaf actually helps or harms interaction between the Nacerima.