It looks like this is a web page, not a feed. I looked for a feed associated with this page, but couldn't find one. Please enter the address of your feed to validate.

Source: https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186

  1. <!doctype html>
  2. <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en" prefix="og: http://ogp.me/ns#">
  3.  
  4.  <head>
  5.    <meta charset="utf-8">
  6.    <meta name="applicable-device" content="pc,mobile">
  7.    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  8.    <title>The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games #212167163088 (2025-02-04)</title>
  9.    <link rel="canonical" href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186">
  10.    <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Poppins:wght@400;700&display=swap">
  11.    <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/css/style.css">
  12.    <script src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/js/lazysizes.min.js" async></script>
  13.    <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico">
  14.    <!-- Open Graph Metadata -->
  15.    <meta property="og:type" content="article" />
  16.    <meta property="og:title" content="The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games" />
  17.    <meta property="og:description" content="The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games #212167163088 (2025-02-04)" />
  18.    <meta property="og:url" content="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" />
  19.    <meta property="og:site_name" content="mit-edu.top" />
  20.    <meta property="og:image" content="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/post/11.jpg" />
  21.    <meta property="og:article:published_time" content="2025-02-03T17:18:51Z" />
  22.    <meta property="og:article:author" content="Dr. Mark Wright" />
  23.    <meta property="og:article:section" content="mit-edu.top" />
  24.    <meta property="og:article:tag" content="Games, Mobile Games, Video Games" />
  25.    <!-- Schema.org -->
  26.    <script type="application/ld+json">{
  27.            "@context": "https://schema.org",
  28.            "@type": "ScholarlyArticle",
  29.            "headline": "The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games #212167163088 (2025-02-04)",
  30.            "author": {
  31.                "@type": "Person",
  32.                "name": "Dr. Mark Wright",
  33.                "affiliation": {
  34.                    "@type": "Organization",
  35.                    "name": "mit-edu.top"
  36.                },
  37.                "url": "https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186"
  38.            },
  39.            "datePublished": "2025-02-03T17:18:51Z",
  40.            "image": "https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/post/11.jpg",
  41.            "journal": {
  42.                "@type": "Periodical",
  43.                "name": "mit-edu.top",
  44.                "issn": "10.1069/212167163088"
  45.            },
  46.            "publisher": {
  47.                "@type": "Organization",
  48.                "name": "mit-edu.top",
  49.                "url": "https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top"
  50.            },
  51.            "doi": "212167163088",
  52.            "abstract": "The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games #212167163088 (2025-02-04)",
  53.            "citation": {
  54.                "@type": "CreativeWork",
  55.                "name": "The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games",
  56.                "author": "Dr. Mark Wright",
  57.                "datePublished": "2025-02-03T17:18:51Z",
  58.                "url": "https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186"
  59.            }
  60.        }
  61.    </script>
  62. </head>
  63.  
  64. <body>
  65.    <div class="site-mobile-menu site-navbar-target">
  66.        <div class="site-mobile-menu-header">
  67.            <div class="site-mobile-menu-close">
  68.                <span class="icofont-close js-menu-toggle"></span>
  69.            </div>
  70.        </div>
  71.        <div class="site-mobile-menu-body"></div>
  72.    </div>
  73.    <nav class="site-nav">
  74.        <div class="container">
  75.            <div class="site-navigation">
  76.                <div class="row">
  77.                    <div class="col-md-6 text-center order-1 order-md-2 mb-3 mb-md-0">
  78.                        <a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top" class="logo m-0 text-uppercase">mit-edu.top</a>
  79.                    </div>
  80.                    <div class="col-md-3 order-3 order-md-1">
  81.                    </div>
  82.                </div>
  83.            </div>
  84.        </div>
  85.    </nav>
  86.    <div class="section post-section pt-5">
  87.        <div class="container">
  88.            <div class="row justify-content-center">
  89.                <div class="col-lg-8">
  90.                    <div class="text-center">
  91.                        <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/user/6.jpg" alt="The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games" title="The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games" class="author-pic img-fluid rounded-circle mx-auto">
  92.                    </div>
  93.                    <span class="d-block text-center">Mark Wright</span>
  94.                    <span class="date d-block text-center small text-uppercase text-black-50 mb-5">2025-02-04</span>
  95.                    <h2 class="heading text-center">The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games</h2>
  96.                    <p class="lead mb-4 text-center">Thanks to Mark Wright for contributing the article "The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games".
  97.                    </p>
  98.                    <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/post/11.jpg" alt="The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games" title="The Influence of Social Leaderboards on Player Retention in Mobile Games" class="img-fluid rounded mb-4 lazyload">
  99.                    <p>This research explores the role of reward systems and progression mechanics in mobile games and their impact on long-term player retention. The study examines how rewards such as achievements, virtual goods, and experience points are designed to keep players engaged over extended periods, addressing the challenges of player churn. Drawing on theories of motivation, reinforcement schedules, and behavioral conditioning, the paper investigates how different reward structures, such as intermittent reinforcement and variable rewards, influence player behavior and retention rates. The research also considers how developers can balance reward-driven engagement with the need for game content variety and novelty to sustain player interest.</p>
  100. <p>This study explores the economic implications of in-game microtransactions within mobile games, focusing on their effects on user behavior and virtual market dynamics. The research investigates how the implementation of microtransactions, including loot boxes, subscriptions, and cosmetic purchases, influences player engagement, game retention, and overall spending patterns. By drawing on theories of consumer behavior, behavioral economics, and market structure, the paper analyzes how mobile game developers create virtual economies that mimic real-world market forces. Additionally, the paper discusses the ethical implications of microtransactions, particularly in terms of player manipulation, gambling-like mechanics, and the impact on younger audiences.</p>
  101. <p>This study examines the psychological effects of mobile game addiction, including its impact on mental health, social relationships, and academic performance. It also explores societal perceptions of gaming addiction and discusses potential interventions and preventive measures.</p>
  102. <p>Game developers are the architects of dreams, weaving intricate codes and visual marvels to craft worlds that inspire awe and ignite passion among players. Behind every pixel and line of code lies a creative vision, a dedication to excellence, and a commitment to delivering memorable experiences. The collaboration between artists, programmers, and storytellers gives rise to masterpieces that captivate the imagination and set new standards for innovation in the gaming industry.</p>
  103. <p>This paper explores the use of mobile games as educational tools, assessing their effectiveness in teaching various subjects and skills. It discusses the advantages and limitations of game-based learning in mobile contexts.</p>
  104.  
  105.                    <p>
  106.                    <a href="/redirect/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">Link</a>
  107.                    </p>
  108.                    <p><a href="https://www.linegames.org/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  109. <a href="https://www.iliiili.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  110. <a href="https://www.digwow.net/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  111. <a href="https://www.free-giftcodes.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  112. <a href="https://www.gifthub.com.ru/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  113. <a href="https://608250417256-edu.iliiili.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  114. <a href="https://424975831312-edu.digwow.net/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  115. <a href="https://588611672507-edu.free-giftcodes.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  116. <a href="https://558373926413-edu.gifthub.com.ru/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  117. <a href="https://006147406267-gov.iliiili.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  118. <a href="https://435685340278-gov.digwow.net/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  119. <a href="https://670222523147-gov.free-giftcodes.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  120. <a href="https://987614457916-gov.gifthub.com.ru/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  121. <a href="https://551679446569-gov-edu.iliiili.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  122. <a href="https://821136935706-gov-edu.digwow.net/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  123. <a href="https://241033799857-gov-edu.free-giftcodes.com/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  124. <a href="https://701467359573-gov-edu.gifthub.com.ru/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  125. <a href="https://167647371475-edu.iliiili.com/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  126. <a href="https://845730411558-edu.digwow.net/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  127. <a href="https://393340667431-edu.free-giftcodes.com/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  128. <a href="https://169316891374-edu.gifthub.com.ru/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  129. <a href="https://415671410745-gov.iliiili.com/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  130. <a href="https://711464670602-gov.digwow.net/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  131. <a href="https://291438970438-gov.free-giftcodes.com/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  132. <a href="https://680654136382-gov.gifthub.com.ru/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  133. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?750811030283&amp;url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  134. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?171225083059&amp;url=https://naver171225083059-edu.digwow.net" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  135. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?562200475466&amp;url=https://naver562200475466-edu.iliiili.com" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  136. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?670698015237&amp;url=https://naver670698015237-edu.1717173.xyz" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  137. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?736141198318&amp;url=https://naver736141198318-edu.gifthub.com.ru" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  138. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?466013670740&amp;url=https://naver466013670740-gov.digwow.net" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  139. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?641264048662&amp;url=https://naver641264048662-gov.iliiili.com" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  140. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?772514460062&amp;url=https://naver772514460062-gov.1717173.xyz" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  141. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?339403478695&amp;url=https://naver339403478695-gov.gifthub.com.ru" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  142. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?199966243405&amp;url=https://naver199966243405-gov-edu.digwow.net" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  143. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?941057291232&amp;url=https://naver941057291232-gov-edu.iliiili.com" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  144. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?689449958955&amp;url=https://naver689449958955-gov-edu.1717173.xyz" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  145. <a href="https://link.naver.com/bridge?579929414619&amp;url=https://naver579929414619-gov-edu.gifthub.com.ru" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  146. <a href="https://blog-438561729664.gifthub.news/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  147. <a href="https://blog-569454002904.jp-edu.sbs/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  148. <a href="https://blog-955317251017.kr-edu.sbs/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  149. <a href="https://blog-289155602557.krlinkedin.sbs/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  150. <a href="https://blog-058258643275.mit-edu.sbs/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  151. <a href="https://blog-990001720745.mit-edu.buzz/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  152. <a href="https://blog-206462267093.mit-edu.tech/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  153. <a href="https://blog-967384884995.mit-edu.site/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  154. <a href="https://blog-177142773329.mit-edu.top/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  155. <a href="https://blog-646355751480.usa-gov.top/" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  156. <a href="https://research-979468985709.mit-edu.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  157. <a href="https://research-976218273818.harvard-edu.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  158. <a href="https://research-483631628665.stanford-edu.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  159. <a href="https://research-463934931663.cambridge-edu.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  160. <a href="https://research-480772610973.berkeley-edu.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  161. <a href="https://research-146003650054.oxford-edu.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  162. <a href="https://research-447504953920-edu.wwv.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  163. <a href="https://research-291289604305-edu.sean.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  164. <a href="https://research-770775110970-edu.line.pp.ua/?url=https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5394270186" target="_blank" class="custom-link">External link</a>
  165. </p>
  166.                    <div class="row mt-5 pt-5 border-top">
  167.                    </div>
  168.                </div>
  169.            </div>
  170.        </div>
  171.    </div>
  172.    <div class="section pb-0">
  173.        <div class="container">
  174.            <div class="row">
  175.                <div class="col-lg-12">
  176.                    <h2 class="heading">Related</h2>
  177.                </div>
  178.            </div>
  179.            <div class="row justify-content-center">
  180.                <div class="col-lg-12">
  181.                    <div class="post-entry d-md-flex small-horizontal mb-5">
  182.                        <div class="me-md-5 thumbnail mb-3 mb-md-0">
  183.                            <a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/8104652937">
  184.                            <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/post/11.jpg" alt="Dynamic Pricing Strategies for NFTs in Blockchain-Enabled Games" title="Dynamic Pricing Strategies for NFTs in Blockchain-Enabled Games" class="img-fluid lazyload">
  185.                            </a>
  186.                        </div>
  187.                        <div class="content">
  188.                            <div class="post-meta mb-3">
  189.                                <a href="https://blog-8104652937.mit-edu.top/post/8104652937/" target="_blank">
  190.                                <span class="date">2025-02-04</span>
  191.                                </a>
  192.                            </div>
  193.                            <h2 class="heading"><a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/8104652937">Dynamic Pricing Strategies for NFTs in Blockchain-Enabled Games</a></h2>
  194.                            <p class="info">This study investigates the privacy and data security issues associated with mobile gaming, focusing on data collection practices, user consent, and potential vulnerabilities. It proposes strategies for enhancing data protection and ensuring user privacy.</p>
  195.                            <a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/8104652937" class="post-author d-flex align-items-center">
  196.                                <div class="author-pic">
  197.                                    <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/user/6.jpg" alt="Dynamic Pricing Strategies for NFTs in Blockchain-Enabled Games" title="Dynamic Pricing Strategies for NFTs in Blockchain-Enabled Games" class="lazyload">
  198.                                </div>
  199.                                <div class="text">
  200.                                    <strong>Kenneth Nelson</strong>
  201.                                    <span>2025-02-04 published post</span>
  202.                                </div>
  203.                            </a>
  204.                        </div>
  205.                    </div>
  206.                </div>
  207.                <div class="col-lg-12">
  208.                    <div class="post-entry d-md-flex small-horizontal mb-5">
  209.                        <div class="me-md-5 thumbnail mb-3 mb-md-0">
  210.                            <a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/8613052497">
  211.                            <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/post/19.jpg" alt="Predicting Player Turnover in Mobile Multiplayer Games Using Survival Models" title="Predicting Player Turnover in Mobile Multiplayer Games Using Survival Models" class="img-fluid lazyload">
  212.                            </a>
  213.                        </div>
  214.                        <div class="content">
  215.                            <div class="post-meta mb-3">
  216.                                <a href="https://blog-8613052497.mit-edu.top/post/8613052497/" target="_blank">
  217.                                <span class="date">2025-02-04</span>
  218.                                </a>
  219.                            </div>
  220.                            <h2 class="heading"><a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/8613052497">Predicting Player Turnover in Mobile Multiplayer Games Using Survival Models</a></h2>
  221.                            <p class="info">This research critically examines the ethical considerations of marketing practices in the mobile game industry, focusing on how developers target players through personalized ads, in-app purchases, and player data analysis. The study investigates the ethical implications of targeting vulnerable populations, such as minors, by using persuasive techniques like loot boxes, microtransactions, and time-limited offers. Drawing on ethical frameworks in marketing and consumer protection law, the paper explores the balance between business interests and player welfare, emphasizing the importance of transparency, consent, and social responsibility in game marketing. The research also offers recommendations for ethical advertising practices that avoid manipulation and promote fair treatment of players.</p>
  222.                            <a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/8613052497" class="post-author d-flex align-items-center">
  223.                                <div class="author-pic">
  224.                                    <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/user/8.jpg" alt="Predicting Player Turnover in Mobile Multiplayer Games Using Survival Models" title="Predicting Player Turnover in Mobile Multiplayer Games Using Survival Models" class="lazyload">
  225.                                </div>
  226.                                <div class="text">
  227.                                    <strong>Emma Price</strong>
  228.                                    <span>2025-02-04 published post</span>
  229.                                </div>
  230.                            </a>
  231.                        </div>
  232.                    </div>
  233.                </div>
  234.                <div class="col-lg-12">
  235.                    <div class="post-entry d-md-flex small-horizontal mb-5">
  236.                        <div class="me-md-5 thumbnail mb-3 mb-md-0">
  237.                            <a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5986374210">
  238.                            <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/post/5.jpg" alt="Mobile Games as Persuasive Technology: Ethical Concerns and Frameworks for Regulation" title="Mobile Games as Persuasive Technology: Ethical Concerns and Frameworks for Regulation" class="img-fluid lazyload">
  239.                            </a>
  240.                        </div>
  241.                        <div class="content">
  242.                            <div class="post-meta mb-3">
  243.                                <a href="https://blog-5986374210.mit-edu.top/post/5986374210/" target="_blank">
  244.                                <span class="date">2025-02-04</span>
  245.                                </a>
  246.                            </div>
  247.                            <h2 class="heading"><a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5986374210">Mobile Games as Persuasive Technology: Ethical Concerns and Frameworks for Regulation</a></h2>
  248.                            <p class="info">This study investigates the impact of mobile gaming on neuroplasticity and brain development, focusing on how playing games affects cognitive functions such as memory, attention, spatial navigation, and problem-solving. By integrating theories from neuroscience and psychology, the research explores the mechanisms through which mobile games might enhance neural connections, especially in younger players or those with cognitive impairments. The paper reviews existing evidence on brain training games and their efficacy, proposing a framework for designing mobile games that can facilitate cognitive improvement while considering potential risks, such as overstimulation or addiction, in certain populations.</p>
  249.                            <a href="https://blog-638208003894.mit-edu.top/post/5986374210" class="post-author d-flex align-items-center">
  250.                                <div class="author-pic">
  251.                                    <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/user/8.jpg" alt="Mobile Games as Persuasive Technology: Ethical Concerns and Frameworks for Regulation" title="Mobile Games as Persuasive Technology: Ethical Concerns and Frameworks for Regulation" class="lazyload">
  252.                                </div>
  253.                                <div class="text">
  254.                                    <strong>Kathleen Simmons</strong>
  255.                                    <span>2025-02-04 published post</span>
  256.                                </div>
  257.                            </a>
  258.                        </div>
  259.                    </div>
  260.                </div>
  261.            </div>
  262.        </div>
  263.    </div>
  264.    <div class="py-5 bg-light mx-md-3 sec-subscribe">
  265.        <div class="container">
  266.            <div class="row">
  267.                <div class="col-lg-12">
  268.                    <h2 class="h4 fw-bold">Subscribe to newsletter</h2>
  269.                </div>
  270.            </div>
  271.            <form class="row">
  272.                <div class="col-md-8">
  273.                    <div class="mb-3 mb-md-0">
  274.                        <input type="email" class="form-control" placeholder="Enter your email">
  275.                    </div>
  276.                </div>
  277.                <div class="col-md-4 d-grid">
  278.                    <input type="submit" class="btn btn-primary" value="Subscribe">
  279.                </div>
  280.            </form>
  281.        </div>
  282.    </div>
  283.    <div class="site-footer">
  284.        <div class="container">
  285.            <div class="row justify-content-center copyright">
  286.                <div class="col-lg-7 text-center">
  287.                    <div class="widget">
  288.                        <p>Copyright &copy;
  289.                            <script>document.write(new Date().getFullYear());</script> All rights reserved.
  290.                        </p>
  291. <p>
  292.    < Top VPS Hosting Choice ><br>
  293.    <a href="https://evolution-host.com?ref=DQgZ6P" target="_blank">
  294.        <img src="https://x.mit-edu.top/static/images/evolution-host.png" alt="Evolution Host" title="Evolution Host" class="evhost lazyload">
  295.    </a>
  296. </p>
  297.                    </div>
  298.                </div>
  299.            </div>
  300.        </div>
  301.    </div>
  302. </body>
  303.  
  304. </html>
Copyright © 2002-9 Sam Ruby, Mark Pilgrim, Joseph Walton, and Phil Ringnalda