Hidden Worlds

Hidden worlds are everywhere but hidden in plain sight. A "hidden world" is an entire sub-culture that isn't apparent until you go looking for it. After the initial discovery it is shocking how far down the roots go.


Here's an example from my most recent experience to help illustrate: pinball.

I'm assuming everyone knows what a pinball machine is and has most likely played a game before. After a recent visit to a nickel arcade I started wondering what it would cost to own your own fancy pinball machine. I began my search where I usually do for acquiring material goods--ebay. I rely on ebay pretty heavily because it shows what people are actually paying for things. Anyways back to the main point. The type of pinball machines that I was interested in cost $2,000 and on up to $6,000. I made a short list of the machines I thought would be the coolest to own. I took this list to my next important internet knowledge resource--youtube. I soon found videos posted by pinball gurus and collectors. I discovered that some people take pinball very seriously. In these circles pinball is seen as a skill game. It doesn't stop there, there are tournaments and championships on a national level. There are video interviews with professional players. So to re-iterate my findings, even something as obscure as pinball has its own little sub-culture. I was blown away by the depth of the roots beyond the surface.


This example may still leave the waters a little muddy about what I mean by "hidden world." The elements of a "hidden world" include: it's own set of values, base of knowledge, specialized vocabulary, and network of followers or population.

My purpose is not to highlight only pinball but to cast light on what I feel is a recurring phenomenon. This is significant to me because I frequently acquire new hobbies. The diversity of the world as a whole never ceases to amaze me. Think of any sport, game, art, craft, or music genre and I bet you can find a hidden world based on it.