Equinox: Interactive Twilight RPG (http://www.equinoxrpg.com/)

common sense media says

Twilight lives on in shared creative writing site.


parents & educators say
  • 100% say there are positive messages
  • 100% say it's educational

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this site calls itself an RPG (role-playing game), it's not really a game. It's a place for fans of the bestselling Twilight series to share their own creative writing based on the books -- sort of like an English class assignment that calls for writing alternative endings or scenes for a book. Although most of the content is tame, there are flirtatious and intense moments created by members writing out imaginary scenes from the storylines. The writing level is probably also more appropriate for older kids who will have the patience and understanding of literature to follow complex plots and write in-depth fiction. For that reason, this is a site that will allow teens an outlet to flex their creative muscle while immersing themselves in one of their favorite stories.

Educational value: Creative writing and plot development are highly valued on this site. Posts need to be at least a paragraph long and users are rewarded with special powers and privileges for posting detailed stories. One of the site's goals is to "encourage the development of literacy and analytical skills in a fun and original way."
Positive messages: The site promotes an extremely structured format and expects its members to maintain the highest level of authenticity and decorum. The administrators expect members to practice good manners and respect to fellow role players and will remove posts that don't follow these rules.
Violence: Although there is implied vampiric acts of violence against humans and animals, similar to the Meyer novels, the actual "hunting" is not really a focus of member's posts.
Sex: Characters flirt with each other and the plotlines of Bella and Edward's romance are strictly adhered to. Member character avatars generally use alluring photos, many based on the movies.
Language: In the extremely detailed member guidelines there are rules about language. The guidelines clearly state: "No swearing other than the couple of mild words used in the books will be allowed, and then must not be used to excess."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Guidelines state that users are not allowed to share personal information and posts will be removed or not post if they contain such content. The site clearly states that it is for the PG-13 audience, in the age range of 13-18. Because a few plot developments cover material that might be for a more mature audience, there are special posts that include a PG-15 warning. These posts are only allowed to be created by users 15 and older and read by members of that age.

More on Equinox: Interactive Twilight RPG

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about Internet safety. Since this site is designed for teen users, the youngest members should know the ropes when it comes to being responsible on interactive Web sites. Be sure to read Internet Safety Tips for Middle School Kids.

  • Do you think fans can become too involved in a fictional story? Or, do you think it makes the reading experience more fun when you become totally wrapped up in the lives of non-existant characters? Check out How do You Manage Your Kids' Pop Culture Obession for tips on balancing things out. 

  • Can you think of other novels that sparked such a fan frenzy? What do these books have in common? Can you think of a stand-alone novel that you would like to see become a series?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

When was the last time you heard of teens competing for the most well-written story or the most paragraphs written? If the Twilight book series has inspired young readers to rack up more page time than screen time, then EQUINOX: THE INTERACTIVE TWILIGHT ROLE PLAYING GAME can be credited with getting young visitors to log in lots of creative writing time. With a dedicated administration that takes safety and Twilight authenticity very seriously, this site exists as a labor of love that has blossomed with the help of some very dedicated members. Some of the best features include the ability to jump from one "realistic" Twilight setting to another, an out-of-character chat feature and plenty of space to take a stab at fiction writing in a safe and supportive environment. The site has expertly moved the Twilight story into cyberspace, allowing members to float through Forks and mingle with the Volturi while adding new characters to the mix.

Online interaction: The site is highly interactive and users can do both role playing and "out of character" chatting on the site.

Website themes & details


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 4 parent & educator reviews:
  • 100% say there are positive messages
  • 100% say it's educational

Most useful reviews by all members

daddy_cool
parent of 16 and 18 year old
 
A fun educational site!
This is a great site, loved both by my kids and I. My daughter's writing has improved a lot since she joined, and my son's even more so. His English exam result was two whole grades above his last which was from an exam taken only a few months ago. This means that he now has a place at his preferred college whereas he might not have been able to get one before. I love my kids but their writing really wasn't great before. It sure is now though! I really can't say enough good things about Equinox. They've all been wonderful and the staff are so helpful and to be applauded for all the effort they go to to help their members.

Rhoswen
parent of 15 year old
 
Great for teens!
I was vry impressed with this site. It's educational and beautifully made, and rather than promoting products, or just the movies, or celebrity rumors, it promotes the development of creative writing in a very safe enviroment. The staff are always willing to help members out, as are many of the members. There is a page to explain the site to parents, and a way to contact the staff directly if you have any concerns. They also run a campaign along with another couple of sites which is aimed at promoting responsible journalism, as opposed to many other sites that I have seen my daughter visit which are covered what can only be described as trashy tabloid rumors. I have taken a look around the site myself and have found absolutely nothing innapropriate for my own daughter, who is currently thirteen.

ballerinawriter
teen, 17 years old
 
A Great Opportunity for Twilight Loving Teens
I've been on Nox for a year and it's a wonderful site. My writing has improved a lot, both from writing and reading other people's writing. Character development is really stressed, and I've really learned about the process of watching a character develop and grow. I've also learned about graphic design from making graphics for the members. Nox has also given me so many wonderful opportunities. I've had the chance to help out with their encyclopedia project and participate in podcast with other Nox members from around the world. The site is a wonderful environment and the staff members are very helpful and considerate. It's a great place to be a part of.

panda_marie
teen, 17 years old
 
i dont really like the movie twilight i dont see why people freak out over the movie. i loved the book it was amazing i felt like i could relate to them and i felt as if i were there but the movie was a t-total let down i expected so much better. and im hoping new moon will meet my expectations

4every cool 21
teen, 15 years old
 
That twiliight movie alsome

danetta
kid, 11 years old
 
danetta
i think its awsome..

rodney miller
kid, 8 years old
 
i love this website it is so fun i wish all websites was like this one all of the kids that im fin to say this i hope all of you like this website.0

twixrpg
adult
 
PERFECT!
This site is amazing! My writing has improved, I understand the books better, and the layout is -gorgeous-! Like BallerinaWriter I have also learned how to make my own graphics through this site as well as learning how to write better. Kids reveiwing here should remember that this is for the site, not for the Twilight movie (which I agree could have been better in places). But this site.. wow there's absolutely nothing wrong with it at all!

icemage
adult
 
Helped me improve my English grade!
I discovered this site a few months ago and when I did, I thought my writing was decent enough. But in the time that I've spent there, not only am I now easily writing eight or nine paragraph posts instead of the one or two I started out with, I've also gone from getting Ds in English to getting As and Bs! And on top of that everyone is really friendly and fair and helpful and it's set in a world that I love. What could be better?

toriluvsgym0618
teen, 14 years old
 
I luv it!! I read all the books and i am under 13. my little sister even saw it and shes 9. there is nothing wrong with it!!

LilyBing
teen, 17 years old
 
Truly Amazing!!
I've been on NOX since April and I have to say my writing has really improved. Equinox has given me the chance to meet people I have much in common with and to finally feel like I belong. The staff are truly amazing and dedicated to improving the site and keeping the rules from being broken.

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