TECH CORNER
Throop Church is one of many Pasadena Pokestops (Photo – Graphic Dept., ©ColoradoBlvd.net).
In the short time since its release, Pokemon Go has become a phenomenon. In many ways it is a wild success. Fans cite the great things the game is doing: encouraging people to get out and engage with each other and their environment. On the Gold Line, players celebrate when they catch one. At work, people share stories about how many eggs they’ve found.
Pokemon is very popular in the Pasadena area (click to see CBS2 at Throop Garden). Over at the Star-News a map of “gyms” in the area is being compiled. These include the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Lake Ave. Metro Station, The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, the popular PokeStop Throop UU Church, and more.
What to find at local PokeStops
Pidgey, Rattata, Spearow, and Zubatwere were spotted at Throop and other locations. Charmanders and Growlithe have also been spotted.
Safety
However, it’s not all positive. There are some really safety concerns. Two players stepped off a cliff while searching for Pokemon in Encinitas. Police and emergency services have reminded players not to play and drive, and that 911 is for real-life, not augmented reality, emergencies. The issue of data collection and users’ privacy is controversial. This is especially true because so many children are playing the game.
Polemon GO craze hitting campuses all over the U.S. – Caltech (Photo – Staff).
Respect, respect, respect!
Here’s what to do if you want to play the game and remain a better member of society.
- Be a good sport and a good neighbor
Respect boundaries. Many landmarks are private properties. - Watch where you step
This is true at community gardens (especially Throop Garden) where plants and herbs are vulnerable if stepped on. - Look up
Don’t run into the streets without looking. Your safety, and the safety of others, must always remain top priority. - Don’t loiter at places with children
You will creep out parents, teachers and everyone who’s with a child. - Be respectful
People living in the neighborhood don’t want to see strangers lurking in their backyard, especially at night. - Don’t shame others
– If you don’t play the game, do not shame others who do. Most players are respectful.
– Be friendly, but stern, with players who are absent minded and totally consumed with the game and overstep their boundaries. - Support local stops
Support the places you visit. Tip more if you stay longer at a restaurant. Buy something if you roam a retail store. - Have fun
Learn more about the landmarks you visit, and most places have literature outside. Learn about the city and have fun.
Is the game announcing the arrival of a new era of augmented reality? Or it just a fad? Only time will tell.
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