In the social gaming world, a “whale” is someone who spends a lot of real money to purchase virtual goods. We already know just how quick many people are to hand over their credit cards in the quest for goods on their favorite games. It was interesting to learn just how much people are spending.

Less than ten percent of all social gamers ever spend a single penny while farming their crops or completing tasks for the mob bosses. Whales are the group of users who spend a minimum of $1000 on such frivolities. InsideSocialGames asked social payment platform Social Gold just how much people are spending. The results shocked me.

The top five social spenders are a sight to behold. The top spender comes from Saudi Arabia, and has handed over more than $25,000.00! The second and fourth place spenders hail from here in the United States. Those two people have shelled out just over $33k between them. That is more money than many people in this country even make in an entire year… money that’s literally just being thrown away. What makes these numbers even more shocking is not that they were spent on intangible things in a virtual world. What’s astounding is that these figures were compiled after only six months of tracking. That cash was blown in only half of one year.

“The same features of social games that are designed to nudge non-spenders into shelling out a few dollars will also inevitably encourage people with large bank accounts to pour ever more money into their hobbies, even if social game companies don’t encourage extreme spending.”

Perhaps I just don’t “get it.” Maybe I’m too old-school in my thinking. I just honestly don’t understand the point of spending that kind of money to “buy” the hottest new item for a virtual world or character that I will never actually hold in my hands. I’m sorry… if I’m shelling out that kind of cold, hard cash – there better be something shiny and new sitting in my driveway to show for it.

Whales Spend Money on Social Gaming

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You are seeing the Island of Kona in Hawaii, during our recent cruise. We just finished a whale watching expedition. I thought I’d pass along some tips, in case you ever get the chance to do this. If you do, I definitely recommend it.

• Bring a pair of binoculars. Pack them at home, so you don’t have to waste time and extra money buying them during the trip. Having them is a good idea in Hawaii, anyway.
• Take low-dosage Dramamine. You really may need it, even if you think you’re used to the water.
• Always keep your eyes open, and pay attention. Scan the horizon, etc. You never know when one will “pop up” out of the ocean.
• Take a digital camera or a camcorder. You really won’t be able to get a good picture. You can, however, get amazing digital movies of these beautiful creatures. Bring multiple memory cards and multiple batteries, as well
• Note the time of year. If you’re not going to be going to a place where they’re “in season”, don’t waste your time and money.

If you have any other whale watching tips or sites/experiences to share, please pass them on to me!

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How to Go Whale Watching in Hawaii