INDIE GAMING QUESTIONNAIRE

Sure, why not! I'd categorize myself as more of a producer.

1. A game developed by a hobbyist in their spare time.
2. To promote what they've been working on and to get advice/help!
3. Lack of activity on the forums, discouragement, moving on to a different activity.
4. I take this to mean benefits of being active in a forum? Benefits: The more active you are in a community the more people will take notice of what you've done / be willing to help. Also I think I lot of people are willing to share knowledge that they have with others.
Limitations: Well, as a new member of the community, you almost have to build a sort of "rep". People will help you, but are less likely if all you do is pose random questions every now and then (that you probably could find the answer to easily).
I probably misinterpreted the question, if I did, I think my answer for #2/#3 are close enough.
5.
Privacy & Anonymity - I do think that some people act differently on the internet than they do in person. In a real scenario, and I'm generalizing here, people are more likely to be concerned with the outcome/how they look in a certain situation. For example, if someone asked you for help on something you consider easy, you probably wouldn't say "You're stupid! Read some more!" because not only would it come across as mean, but it could make you look bad. When it is unlikely that someone will know you, you may put up a persona that doesn't really reflect how you'd be in real life. Now granted, I think plenty of people behave how they would in all aspects of life, me being one of them.
Intellectual Property - I don't think it is probable to expect any forum to police the actions of all members in regard to intellectual property law. In regards to indie game development, I personally don't think it is a big deal as long as you give credit.
People and Machines - I have no opinion on this topic and how it relates to an indie game development forum.
Digital Citizenship - I have no opinion on this topic and how it relates to an indie game development forum.

I know I could have written a more scholarly response to those questions / taken more time to get my thoughts together, but I hope this will suffice.

author=TheLawG14
1. In your own words, what is an “indie” game?

An indie game is a game where the developer and the publisher are the same.

2. Why do you think independent game developers join internet forums?

Most likely to build an audience and answer questions about a game in question. I know a lot of developers have google alerts or whatever they are called to see where a game is mentioned. Since it creates a lot of goodwill when a developer personally answers a question about a game. You are more likely to buy a game when you feel you have a personal connection with a developer.

3. Why do you think independent game developers leave internet forums?

Often I think that developers just pass by forums. Keep track of a thread that involves their game and move on when that thread has died out. The developers that are active within a community outside of their game often were there before they developed a game and just "hang out". I guess they can leave those places when they get succesful and too busy. Occasionally.

4. What are, in your opinion, the key limitations and benefits in regards to forum activity?

I mentioned a bit in #2. But building a personal connection to the consumerbase/fanbase is always a great thing. Of course the downside is if you can't handle criticism and act like an ass the backlash can be severe. Which is probably why developers tend to leave a random forum over picking every available fight (though no doubt there's those that do pick random fights. There's plenty of stories of developers who jump into a thread criticising their games and act like asses)

5. How do you think life in the forums affects the following ethical considerations: privacy and anonymity, intellectual property, people and machines, and digital citizenship? (Check the link below for descriptions on the preceding ethical considerations)

I don't really understand this one. These things are usually only a concern when one is being an ass. Stuff like sock puppets and trolling and developers really shouldn't be partaking in those kinds of activities. (see #4)

1. Indie game means independent game, that's how I see it too.

2. Why not? To get distracted.

3. Cause we are 2 mean

4. Not too much limitations, it benefits more because you can show your game to the world. But it can hit back hard if shown to the wrong audience.

5. I think it's epic

1. In your own words, what is an “indie” game?
Any game made by one or a few individuals not involved in a large or lasting studio or company.

2. Why do you think independent game developers join internet forums?
To network, get feedback and players for their games. If they want others to play their games, they should join some community to get attention.

3. Why do you think independent game developers leave internet forums?
Could be a variety of reasons not related to game development. Since a lot of indie game developers are doing what they do in their spare time (even some without payment), they have to place priorities over their time dedicated to game-making.

4. What are, in your opinion, the key limitations and benefits in regards to forum activity?
As stated before, joining a forum will help you network and surround yourself with people of similar interests. I can't really think of a limitation to it.

5. How do you think life in the forums affects the following ethical considerations: privacy and anonymity, intellectual property, people and machines, and digital citizenship?
The anonymity of the forums will always affect a person's actions, because the consequences are often menial. Regardless, for the case of indie game developers, they really shouldn't give themselves a bad name on the account that the support for their projects will dwindle.

Whether you are a developer or not, one must always be aware that putting any property on the internet exposes it to thieves. There are many ways to prevent property theft, however, and you shouldn't completely skip the TOA of most sites that host your property. They usually contain all the information you need in regards to intellectual property.