Yesterday was the dance that opened Thorvaldshavn to the public.



There were not many there, but it was convivial and friendly. DJ Crim spun some amazing songs from a mix of Nordic and Celtic bands, tilting towards the ancient sounds, the heavy drums, the chants, the deep throat humming.



This sim still feels a lot like...home, in a sense. It feels living, it feels like it's going to grow as a land should.

I hope it lasts.

So someone working at Reddit saved one of the actual cancerous subreddits on the site, and I do not understand why. The owner of the subreddit wanted it dead. Let it die. It's past time that it just goes away.

And this is only a two-day chart at any given time, which makes me wish I'd captured it a week ago when I opened that link, because while the drop is significant now, it was scary a week ago. There will be an impact from the rise in Lindex fees, no hyperbole needed--it already has had an impact.

And the new She-Ra remake from Netflix has already drawn ire from some fans who should know better. (The two main complaints seem to be "We can't see her tits in that outfit", to which the overwhelming response online has been "She's supposed to be twelve in this, so sit down you sick sick man", and "Armor has to be built with the breasts, to which nearly everyone has been responding with pictures of Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones, whose armor--made to fit the actress, Gwendoline Christie--was historically accurate for English armor of the approximate time period.)

In other news, some randomness that amused from a profile:

him: hi
me: Hey
him: hru
me: I am good, how are you?
him: im ok i guess
him: are u a sub
me: sorry?

*Pause*

me: To be honest, the last time I checked I was not a foot-long sandwich.
me: 8D
him: lol
him: have u ever been collard
me: No, I am not a cabbage.
me: What is it with you and food?

and:

him: You are very sexy
me: ok...
him: sex
me: Not with you
him: ?
me: Is "No" less confusing?

and

him: Hello Sexy💋
him: how u doin? today sexy
me: I'm doing fine, thanks. How about yourself?
him: doin good ty
him: I can not take my eyes off you
him: Mmm ur avie lookin so hot
him: caressin ur sexy ass
him: ^^
[Kxxxxxxx Rxxxx] slaps the stupid out of you.

and

him: splendid ass
him: but the real question is
him: does it have an owner?
me: No. My ass is a free spirit.
him: nice
him: do i have to get a ticket to get close?
me: A ticket?
him: just kidng
him: i mean what do i need to taste your beautiful ass tonight?
me A miracle.

I'm too invested in being polite, obviously.

Started off simple enough, I thought:

[11:51] miamilu Resident: Hello Ladies New Release Complete outfits 2 New Gifts Summer 49l$ promo limited time only
TAXI
Corsica Island (123,130,2501)
JOIN Le'La Store
MIA♥

So, that was the announcement that started everything. I'm deliberately leaving her name in, because she is the store owner, and because she messaged me after this brief interchange.

[11:55] txxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: that says 99 not 49
[12:00] Emilly Orr: Well, that's false advertising, then.
[12:00] miamilu Resident: Ladies summer sale is at Landing point is a wall where it sais summer sale and there everything is 49 :)
[12:04] Emilly Orr: So what was [Hxxx] seeing then? Maybe walked past the sale wall into the store?
[12:04] miamilu Resident: probably
[12:04] miamilu Resident: and i didnt see you on land either, why you say is false ?
[12:05] Emilly Orr: I was responding to [Hxxx]'s comment. I didn't go, I have exactly one Linden this week, unless something happens.
[12:06] Sxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: 1 linden? might aswell give that away to somebody who needs it.
[12:07] Emilly Orr grins
[12:07] Emilly Orr: Noooo, because sometimes, group gifts are pay 1, get it refunded.
[12:08] Sxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oh yea you are right because i got screwed over last night at the adam and eve sim, it said free but kept my linden.

It's a good point, sometimes the payback scripts don't work, or, they were just charging one Linden for the demo and Miss S didn't read the fine print.

But then Miss Mia IMed me:

[12:03] miamilu Resident: Hi Emilly summer sale is at Landing point is a wall where it sais summer sale and there everything is 49 :), there is no false advertise

All right, to be fair, it was a flippant comment on my part, I hadn't checked out whether Miss H was correct or not. I was simply assuming Miss H had it in the right.

[12:06] Emilly Orr: I understand. I am answering in group chat because I'm trying to make the point. If what I said is wrong, I'm happy to admit it.
[12:06] miamilu Resident: your comment is missleading other buyers also, and unjustified, all i advertised is there

And if she's right, I am misleading potential buyers. It's an important point.

[12:07] miamilu Resident: ai am a serios person
[12:07] Emilly Orr: Right, which is why I'm trying to figure out what went wrong.
[12:08] miamilu Resident: ok but i think , first you should check and see whats false or true before assuming and type in chat what is true or false
[12:09] miamilu Resident: have to go to RL now , have a wonderful time , bye bye
[12:09] Emilly Orr: Thanks, you too!

So, I went to the store and looked around. RIGHT to the left of the main entrance, I mean, so close you'd have to be blind not to see it, is this:



That's her L$49 weekend promo board. Apparently she does this once a week, and it's not at all hidden. So no, it's not false advertising. So why did Miss H say it was?

The grid may never know, as Miss H never replied back.

(Editrix insert: Miss H is her display name, txxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx is the avatar to which I'm referring. Sometimes this does get confusing.)

Now, this one's just odd. This comes from a freebie/dollarbie group with very specific rules: namely, no clubs, no Adult sims without mod approval, no linking to MMs or free gifts that involve vehicles. They aren't hard rules, they just have a lot of them. I've posted about this group before.

But today is the first time I'm going to criticize a mod.

[11:10] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: theyve been told repeatedly by mods
[11:12] Rxxxxxxxx Rxxxx: I even filed ARs about the club...nothing happened
[11:13] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: well theres nothing can AR them about is there

So, Miss R is the mod in question. And...she's wrong here. You can't file ARs against the club for someone who works at the club posting about it in your group, that is not harassment. That's a resident issue, LL won't get involved.

[11:15] sxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: must be one hell of a crap club if they have to keep bugging people with spam
[11:16] Dxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: o.O
[11:16] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: probably is .. annoying against group rules but they arent breaking any LL TOS by doing it
[11:16] kxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: everything.
[11:16] Rxxxxxxxx Rxxxx: yes there is [Axxxxxxx], They repeatedly spam the group with posts that are not allowed. LL can see the IP and see they come form the same source

No...they can't, and they won't. Legally it's not a violation of ToS.

Say I make a group for members named Jake. I'm the only non-Jake in the group because I run it. But my rules say only Jakes can join, only Jakes can post. A Bradley joins, I boot him. He complains to the Lindens and tries to AR my account for booting him out of the group of Jakes.

The Lindens will do nothing, because the group does not violate ToS in any way. My actions were consistent with my group rules, and they will support that. See the difference? Miss R can AR all she wants, but the Lindens will not lift one finger in her defense, because it is not harassment, damaging spam or fraud.

[11:17] sxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: sorry for language but dont make me inclined to go vist them in the least
[11:17] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: repeated spam means they have to be actually done withint few secs ofeach other
[11:17] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just posting once a day .. is not considering spamming by LL
[11:17] Vxxxxx Cxxxxxxxxxx: and still they get away with it?
[11:18] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: unless they overload chat to spamming lvl of grieving like every few mins etc repeatedly .. it is considered a user issue to handle

Exactly. The Lindens are concerned about people harassing other users, about people griefing or spamming other users with screaming objects or prims that text-spam, about people committing fraud against their users. Almost everything else, outside of the definitions for General, Mature and Adult, is left in residents' hands.

[11:21] Rxxxxxxxx Rxxxx: they post against the group rules. Clubs are not allowed. But I am sure you know way better :) thanks for sharing

Again, usually I support the mods in this group, but Miss R...you're wrong. 100% wrong. Yes, according to the group rules of this group, clubs are not allowed and cannot post. If it is a problem, you as a moderator can ban that person from being in the group. But you CANNOT AR that person, because THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING against ToS. The charges for which a user can AR another user are specific--harassment (provable), spam (that leads to Altervista and other scam sites, or that comes from text-spamming objects dumped into sims), or fraud. That's it.

[11:22] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: against the group rules .. does not break TOS ... I have dealt with this before owning a store ... again .. hence ... they are not doing anything to your AR
[11:22] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: but im totally sure cos you say so must be right even though TOS states differently
[11:23] Txxxxx Zxxxxx: [Axx] just read it, rules are same for all of us

The group rules, yes. The ToS, well, the rules also are the same for all of us, but they are legal rules, not resident rules. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.

[11:25] Sxxx Sxxxxx: LL will do nothing for a group issue, if someone is breaking the group rules all the mods/owner can do is just ban the offender .. LL classes it as a resident issue

They do, and they always will.

This is a snippet of chat from two different groups, but for once, the group is less important than the first message. These scammers are everywhere right now. There's a lot of sudden hacked accounts. And considering it's not even changed from the last iteration of this--'gacha' added for 'new dress', essentially--one has to wonder how they're getting access. I mean, you'd think everyone would know that by now.

[10:48] Lxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: *** NEW STORE GACHA ***

Marketplace: [altervista address redacted]
FREE GIFT
*** TMP - MAITREYA - CATWA ***

[10:48] Txxxxx Lxxx: affs
[10:48] Nxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxx: FOR NEWBIES DO NOT TOUCH LINK
[10:48] oxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: DONT CLICK HACK!!!

I always wonder, too--this instant hyperbolic reaction, the ALL CAPS hysteric responses--I mean, really, who's actually falling for this? Only people nearly too stupid to breathe, right?

Turns out I was wrong, as the rest of the conversation makes plain.

[10:49] Gxxxxxxxx Pxxx: altervista is the dead give away

It always is.

[10:49] Hxxxxx Dxxxx: dumb question but what does it do after you click it

This one's stupidly simple. Again, as shown below, that link leads the user to a mock-up of the Second Life login screen. If you're stupid enough to type in your SL user name and your password at that point, then congratulations: you have enabled these scammers in stealing everything they can from you. It's your own damn fault.

[10:50] Nxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxx: hacks ure acct usually and takes ure linden

But only because you've let them, by typing in your password to an unsafe site.

[10:50] lxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Hack yo account and drain your money.
[10:50] Kxxx Sxxxxxxxx: nothing .. you get a website that you need to register your account name and password .. THERE is where your lose your account

Basically. There is no, I REPEAT, NO hack or access scam existing in SL where you're given an object and spontaneously lose all your Lindens, or have your inventory emptied, or get logged out and blocked from your account. That's purely urban legend. The same with this--none of these sites on their own can do much, without your help.

[10:50] Hxxxxx Dxxxx: wow sounds scary. I dont usually click on random links myself but never quite knew what it did
[10:50] Pxxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: for instance, [Lxxxxxx] was probably an innocent person that clicked the link, now her account belongs to them

Yep. And it's not at all hard to tell the difference between an actual Second Life link and one of the altervista links. For one, "altervista" is in the name.

[10:52] Exxxx Mxxxxxxxxx: But they should put name and password there? If not, nothing happens
[10:52] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/
[10:53] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: this will always be the MP link, note the HTTPS
[10:53] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: that means its the actual secure link to log on MP
[10:54] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: clicking the link does nothing in itself, you log into their site and they get your info and can log into your account and steal your lindens
[10:54] Hxxxxx Dxxxx: Yea but its a pretty typical thing to pull on someone because inexperience makes them be easier targets
[10:54] Nxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxx: exactly which is why i responded fast as i did

Right, but I still had no clue why anyone would blithely click a link so clearly a scam.

[10:54] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: well yeah ppl see "free gift" and dont pay attention
[10:55] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I never log into any site that does not have https

I do, but only because some (say, maybe three to five of the sites I log into these days) are still coded in HTTP protocol, and Chrome always warns me if I want to proceed to the 'insecure' page.

[10:56] Hxxxxx Dxxxx: Had an older lady at my work have a warning pop up on her computer that she clicked and said she had been infected and to call this number and they had her up to giving her ip address and other personal information before she started realizing something wasnt quite right, especially when they asked for her banking information so she could "pay for their services"

Yeah, a lot of the RL scammers target the elderly, it's vile.

[10:56] Kxxx Sxxxxxxxx: nonsense ..http// is just an older version hyperlink .. https// is the newer hyperlink version
[10:56] Exxxx Mxxxxxxxxx: So, if someone gave you but did not put a password, do not worry: o)
[10:56] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: https means it is a secure link
[10:57] Kxxx Sxxxxxxxx: pls don't spread panic if you know nothing about it... the mainrule is still the best rule .. don't click links from unknown people! -- feel free to file an AR for Linden Lab about this Lnk poster ..
[10:58] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Im not spreading panic, I am warning people not to log into fake links

Which I guess is valid, it just seems a lot of hyperbolic freaking out with little reason.

[10:58] Kxxx Sxxxxxxxx: and i didn't type your name ;)
[10:59] Hxxxxx Dxxxx: I was just explaining how inexperience can make one an easy target
[10:59] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: and called my info nonsense .....
[11:00] Hxxxxx Dxxxx: I think what she meant by the usage of nonsense, was that if something isnt HTTPS it isnt technically immediately called into question

Pretty much.

[11:01] kxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Instead of HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), this website uses HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). Using HTTPS, the computers agree on a "code" between them, and then they scramble the messages using that "code" so that no one in between can read them. This keeps your information safe from hackers.

Mostly. There are ways to get around that, but it's on the hacker's side--they have to deliberately target the site and their stored info, which is one of the ways we hear about data breaches; it's nearly always accessing the stored data, it's nothing we do as end users.

Then, only about half an hour later, came this from a separate group:

[14:20] nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: NEW STORE GACHA

Marketplace: [again, link redacted because it was the same damned link, they're not even bothering to change it up]
FREE GIFT
TMP - MAITREYA - CATWA

[14:21] rxxxx Txxx: wow they are hitting every store

They really were. And it's been happening for a couple days now. Another thing of note: this isn't a legacy account. She doesn't have a last name, so this is someone new to SL who definitely should know better.

[14:21] lxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no ,, trap
[14:21] Sxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: again,lol

And an obvious one, yes.

[14:21] Axxxx Axxxxxxxx: PHISH PHISH PHISH
[14:21] Sxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: idiot
[14:21] Sxxxxx Gxxxxxxx: no ma'am
[14:21] Cxxxxxxxxxx Axxxx: SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM SPAM
[14:21] Rxxxxx Dxxxxxxxx: sure is....and they still have the nerved.

Obviously, the scam is still working, so as long as it's working, there's no incentive to stop. Somewhat like gold spammers in MMOs.

[14:21] Zxx Bxxxxxx: no abran!
[14:21] Rxxxxx Rxxxxxx: don't click
[14:21] Sxxxxx Nxxxxxxxx: I blocked her and please everyone report her

The blocking is better just for us not having to see these posts, the reporting is to send the Lindens enough evidence for them to consider banning the account--about all they can do on their end.

[14:21] rxxxx Txxx: dont click that
[14:21] Sxxxxx Nxxxxxxxx: the more people who report her, the better chance they will do something about it
[14:21] Emilly Orr: Blocked.
[14:21] Cxxxxxxxxxx Axxxx: Same SPAM was hitting all the groups all day yestersay
[14:22] Pxxxxxxx Pxxxxxx: different avi this time

It's usually a different avi, but there are apparently still people falling for this stupidity, so they've always got more to cycle through.

[14:22] rxxxx Txxx: it was a different avi 10 minurtes ago in other stores
[14:22] Lxxxxxxx Bxxxxxx: quite a lot of new scammers to block and report ...
[14:25] Cxxxxxxxxxx Axxxx: It's a hacked account

Obviously. They all are.

[14:41] Cxxxxxxxxxx Axxxx: mute
[14:41] Sxxxxx Hxxxxxxxxxx: No https, don't click.
[14:42] Axxxxxxx Mxxxx: Whats with these spammers today.... DON'T OPEN the link pls.
[14:43] Sxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I already opened it...

And here we have proof that people are still falling for these things. I was seriously thinking it had to be some kind of inactivity tracker, since most of the accounts are old enough to know better, but now here's Miss S proving me wrong. People should know this by now. Obviously, not everyone does.

[14:43] Sxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: will it damage my new computer?
[14:43] Emilly Orr: Not if you close it and don't fill out any information.
[14:44] Emilly Orr: Also, for future reference: "altervista" does not exist. Anywhere. So it's an obvious scam.
[14:44] Sxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i closed

Good, good.

[14:44] Sxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: it just opened up the log in place for SL
[14:44] Emilly Orr: No, it didn't.
[14:45] Emilly Orr: It opened a mock-up of the login page. It's not the login page for SL.
[14:45] Emilly Orr: Once they get your username and password, they can hack your account easily.

And again, it's still baffling to me that anyone does fall for this.

[14:45] Mxxxxxxx Mxxxx: Never click on links unless you know an owner or manager posted it. Never ever! :)

Yeah, pretty much. Never, ever click on links unless you're absolutely sure where they lead. Good rule for the net at large, actually.

Heard tale this morning of some active controversy surrounding the Chapter Four event:

[11:43] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: Ive heard rumours of a Chapter 4 social media ruckus, can anybody point me in the direction to read what has really happened?
[11:50] fxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: Not sure [Kxx], maybe [Kxxx] would know. Like her though, TC4 is on my boycott list when they started charging for the event
[11:51] Emilly Orr: Oh, they charge now? I didn't know that.

Tells you how long it's been since I've been to a Chapter Four event, though to be fair, their layout was always too huge, too sprawling, too uncoordinated for me.

[11:51] sxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: I've never been charged for anything from the group
[11:51] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: Was several months ago, they charged for the group with which to pick up gifts. People were quite angry as I recall, also the creators.
[11:52] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: Right now its at 10L but Im pretty sure at that time it was a bit more.
[11:52] fxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: yep, started in 2017. Emilly you may have already been in the group

Maybe. I hate to say it, but seven months ago is kind of a blur for remembering specific events.

[11:53] sxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: the group is 10L but I didn't know about that
[11:54] Kxxxxxx Sxxxxxx: In 2017, geez how times passes, to me it seems just like a couple months ago.
[11:54] sxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: only 7
[11:55] fxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: ya it was 50L at one point..creators were upset that they were not told was the gist of it. When they put out free gifts for customers..they expect them to be actually free. The 50L was going into event pocket *you get the picture* I imagine I would be pretty upset as well.

So this turned up talking with Ms. [Kxxxxxx] after, and fifteen minutes past that, she found another entry from the same blog that's more recent--but interestingly, only tangentially connected to the Chapter Four. Mostly, that post lambastes the designers behind *ionic*, enough so that based on their responses, I have no interest in acquiring anything from *ionic* ever again, whether it's a gacha item or made by them for an event. I have no interest in visiting them, or supporting them in any way.

But I truly don't think that incident relates to Chapter Four, the event itself. So what is the current drama? I'm still trying to find out.

Well, won't this be fun. A little background for this one: this is a coin hunting/fishing group. There's a lot of these about--some make you stand by little traffic cones, some make you collect gems, shells, spinning stars, clovers..the concept's the same behind all of them. Join the group, flip on the HUD, collect things. When you have a sufficient number of collected things, go to the main sim and cash out.

They're generally tiny amounts of Lindens, but seriously, sometimes that's been the difference between paying rent or not on a parcel, so...I play when I'm low. And this group, at least, rarely has drama.

Until today.

[14:53] Dxxx Sxxxxx: Group Notice Sent by: Dxxx Sxxxxx
HUNTERS
Let us be clear. Requiring a group be joined before allowing hunters to hunt our coins is a breach of our TOS. Putting coins on a land restricted to group members only is a breach of our TOS. THEREFORE =hunting the coins that are placed on a land that requires a group join to hunt them is also a breach of our TOS. It is called CHEATING and may be subject to the penalties of cheating REGARDLESS OF WHO YOU ARE. I am intentionally leaving no room for doubt. There is none.

So let's explain what's happening. While I've only seen this a couple of times, as I mention below, it's been a while since I've read the full terms of service for this particular game. And one of their terms is--if you own the sim, and you put out coins or a fishing buoy for hunters to hunt, you cannot then require a separate group to hunt items in the first place, and you most especially cannot lock the parcel--or entire sim--so that only members of that group can get in to find coins or fish.

This doesn't seem too arcane for anyone, right? If you're going to invite people seeking to bump up their Lindens by a few, you can't do anything other than control how often the coins pop back up. You must keep your lands and holdings open. (Though of course it is permissible to secure a home spot on that sim--as long as there are no coins on that parcel.

Makes sense to me. And if it's really that awful to individuals to have all the dirty plebs crawling over their pristine lands, they can set up their own game, or have a weekly raffle board, or something. That's not hard either.

[14:55] Nxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thank you, [Dxxx].
[14:55] Dxxx Sxxxxx: you're welcome =)
[14:56] Emilly Orr: Wow. Although I have run into this once or twice, but I never thought to register a complaint.
[14:56] Nxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Thanking you twice apparently, so as not to leave room for doubt that I'm thankful. There is none.
[14:56] Dxxx Sxxxxx: blushes
[14:57] Nxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Emily, it didn't occur to me either or I would've said something.
[14:57] Nxxxxxx Hxxxxx: ?
[14:57] Nxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Re: "Wow. Although I have run into this once or twice, but I never thought to register a complaint."
[14:57] Rxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: its as usual, those who respect TOS are the stupid ones

And wow, this came out of nowhere. Way to disrespect not only the owners of the game she's playing, but their stated rules.

This is from the first section of their Terms of Service:

1.0 - Land Owner Rules

1.1 - Coins, gems, and buoys must be placed where the are accessible to all hunters. Violations of this rule include but are not limited to:

1.1.1 - Coins, gems, and buoys in secret skyboxes that do not have a freely accessible teleport system from ground level.1.1.2 - Coins and gems buried under the terrain level so as to make them impractical.1.1.3 - Coins and gems buried inside objects or clusters of objects so as to make them impractical.

1.2 - Security systems must not be used in the vicinity of coins or gems.

1.3 - Land with coins and/or gems must be set to allow for general access. Hunters must not be selectively banned to give others a game advantage. Note that maturity ratings are fine and hunters with unverified accounts should expect to be unable to access adult hunting locations and skill gaming regions.

1.3.1 - Land restrictions based on avatar type or a specific type of attire is not permitted with the exception of a restriction against child avatars on adult sims and nude avatars on any sims.
1.3.2 - We disallow any restrictions or land bans based on a hunter's experience, tenure, rank,skill. However you may have a land restriction based on avatar age.

All of that seems to make perfect sense to me, but based on later revelations, not to all of the existing players.

[14:58] Dxxx Sxxxxx: Gold Hunt is to be accessable to all players..excepting of course of age restrictions and gambling rules. requiring a group be joined to either hunt our coins or get advanced notification of coins rezzing or being available is a very big no-no
[14:59] Dxxx Sxxxxx: [Rxxx] I respect you and have given you no cause to disrespect me., save the drama for soemwhere other than this room thank you
[14:59] Nxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx:
[14:59] Rxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: those who break TOS get the money and the xp

And banned. The banning seems like a big down side.

[14:59] Emilly Orr: [Rxxx], calling people who respect the ToS of the group they're in 'stupid' is not going to win you points here.
[14:59] Rxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: those are 2 facts, no offense
[15:00] Mxxxxx Dxxxxxxx: is [wxxx] here?
[15:00] Rxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: you should read what i wrote lady
[15:00] Rxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: and i dont need brownie points

Obviously not. Or manners.

[15:00] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ENOUGH !!!
[15:01] Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: can I ask a question about this?
[15:01] Rxxxxxx Zxxxxxx: tell that those ppl who went there hunting , not me, thank you

But you were the one griping about a game TO the makers and mods OF that game, so...they're telling YOU.

[15:01] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes of course
[15:01] Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: If one cannot hav coins set to group, what's the difference with fishing buoys?
[15:02] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [The fishing game] is one game and [the coin collection game] is another game
[15:02] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just liek the rules for pinochle and pojker are differwentr

I should insert something. I generally leave replies unedited. With Miss D...I think English isn't her first language. So there are issues. I'm leaving this one mostly untouched to show those issues--my edits were "andpojker" being one word, it's now two. But it does hurt sometimes, wanting to correct her spelling in the group.

[15:02] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: two entirely completely different games
[15:02] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the way coins ar ecollected is very different than the way fishes are collected
[15:02] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: oen persaon can get a coin .. many peopel can sit at the same single buoy
[15:03] Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: understood thank you

Yeah, I actually didn't catch that was the difference. Interesting. Is there a max upper limit of 'fishers' on any given buoy? I don't know that, either.

[15:03] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: private buoys are allowed however private coin lands are not and in the past private groups were used as a nasty tool for revenge or to rank up in [the coin collection game].
[15:03] Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: but the money is in the same pot, correct?
[15:03] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i hope that helps
[15:03] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: there is one atm for all of the games inclusing the exchanges

Right. Everything pays into the same account, is paid out from the same account, but there are two actual games.

[15:03] Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: thanks MVC, I thought it was the same game
[15:03] Dxxx Sxxxxx: yesh its in the same account for your conveniance
[15:04] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no they are seperate games under one company
[15:04] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the various games ar elisted on the website
[15:04] Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Got it, thank you
[15:04] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: np :)

So, I thought the drama was over, and closed the window. Half an hour later, though, there was another notice, and I opened the chat group again:

[16:00] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Group Notice Sent by: Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx
ATTENTION HUNTERS
Let us be clear. Requiring a group be joined before allowing hunters to hunt our coins is a breach of our TOS. Putting coins on a land restricted to group members only is a breach of our TOS. THEREFORE =hunting the coins that are placed on a land that requires a group join to hunt them is also a breach of our TOS. It is called CHEATING and may be subject to the penalties of cheating REGARDLESS OF WHO YOU ARE. I am intentionally leaving no room for doubt. There is none. The estate bans will begin now
[16:00] Emilly Orr: More drama?
[16:01] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: excuse me Emily ?
[16:01] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no.. clarification of rules.
[16:01] Dxxx Sxxxxx: it came from me before..now it comes from [Txxxx] - a much higher level of authority =)
[16:02] Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: just estate banned 17 very high level hunters who have chosen to NOT read notices and forget the rules regarding restricted lands

Then someone won a fishing thing, and the chatter was all about fish rankings, so I tuned out and went on with shopping at various events, until this:

[16:29] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: who banded me and why

Well, hello Mr. "I Don't Listen to Rules, I Don't Have To, and It's My Land, I Can Cheat On It". Welcome to your ban.

[16:29] Dxxxxxxxxx Lxxxx: talk to [Txxxxxxxxxx]
[16:29] Dxxx Sxxxxx: [Fxxxxx] we don't discuss bans in this room

They don't. They'll message you privately if you ask, but they shut down any talk of bans of specific individuals in the group chat.

[16:30] Dxxx Sxxxxx: if you have an issue with a land you can mnessage a staff to help sort it =)
[16:30] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: but why i asking the reason
[16:30] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: yes i have issue
[16:30] Dxxx Sxxxxx: not in here you're not
[16:30] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: who did this and why i wanna know this thats all

That's the simple part. Mr. F, you were banned for cheating, by a mod who works directly under the owner of the game (an owner who gives Miss T, said mod, the authority to deal with issues in precisely this way). Consider it the same as if the owner himself banned you, because...if you protest it, the owner will weigh in, and agree. Got it?

[16:30] Dxxx Sxxxxx: you can message me. you can not discuss it in here =)
[16:31] Nxxxxxx Hxxxxx: ?
[16:31] Nxxxxxx Hxxxxx: [16:02] [Txxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx]: just estate banned 17 very high level hunters who have chosen to NOT read notices and forget the rules regarding restricted lands
[16:31] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no i will here coz this is not right thing band
[16:31] Dxxx Sxxxxx: no
[16:31] Dxxx Sxxxxx: you will not

Pretty much in this group, if someone ignores a mod--and Miss D is one--things do not go well for them.

[16:31] Dxxx Sxxxxx: [Nxxxx] please allow me to do my job
[16:31] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: this is not right thing and not justice i know it
[16:32] Nxxxxxx Hxxxxx: sorry ill be qiuet
[16:32] Dxxx Sxxxxx: I said yu can message me to discuss it. I asked you to do so and said not to dioscuss it in here., I have muted you until I am satisfied you understand room rules and follow directions given by staff
[16:34] Dxxx Sxxxxx: im will initiate IM to you [Fxxxxx]

And that seemed to be that. No one brought anything up past this point...at least, until I logged off, anyway. This group is pretty good about quelling drama anyway, in a very direct way: first, a warning, then a chat ban, then they bounce the person causing the issue.

For my part, I'm just a player, not a sim owner. And considering anyone who got banned was likely sent notecards prior to this with copies of the TOS to read through, it's not the fault of the game owners that the sim owners either didn't bother, or didn't think it applied to them. Too bad, so sad, basically. Life goes on.

And off we go again! We're picking up from the last one, and remember, this all happened on the same night. I didn't even go back to the night previous, when, as Mm. J points out, he came in flying off some obtained substance, and drew the ire of several people then:

[8:36 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: Theres a concern i have [Rxxxxxx]. You were high as a kite last night, now plenty of people enjoy a little weed, but you were toasted. If we offered sensitive information i want to know you were taking it seriously.
[8:36 PM] Rxxxxxx: No that is really understandable.
[8:37 PM] Rxxxxxx: Its your place. Noobs be mean.

Wow. He's really coming off as a top-level 4chan troll. Or a complete idiot. Or both.

[8:37 PM] Cxxxxxxx: [Rxxxxxx]. A point I want to stress and this is speaking from my own perspective... I'm just a regular everyday guy with a odd condition. I have a job, a life, I love chipotle, I have a dog and a wife. If I had a say I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing. In fact I have ditched self care but after a certain time everything degrades and we're back to cluster migraines, weakness, lethargic, pain. I'm not really fond on being found neat or unique based on my medical needs. It makes one feel like a circus side show for someone's amusement rather than being respected as a individual.
[8:38 PM] Rxxxxxx: See that shit be badass! Like you tottaly have that right. As each person has basic rights

That's been his thing all along. "Y'all are totally cool freaks! And of course I support you as people with rights, like the rest of us." It comes off as massively disingenuous.

[8:39 PM] Rxxxxxx: And that's what we all are. People.
[8:39 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: I guess if you expect to find an supernatural, fanged immortal, it isn’t happening. If you think you will talk to someone with a fridge with a 540 ml worth of vaccutainers of human blood, you might
[8:40 PM] Rxxxxxx: As person. Sentient being. Like me but different. Its hard to belive. But i am nothing. No one official. I am just really curious.

"Believe". And what's so hard to believe? No one's a cookie-cutter exact copy of another, not even twins. So why the 'like me but different' line?

[8:40 PM] IXX: Only 540? [Jxxxx] you're slackin
[8:40 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: Lol, you are right, i need to place some calls
[8:40 PM] dxxx: [Rxxxxxx] you're curious, but we're not here to satisfy your curiosity
[8:41 PM] Rxxxxxx: Exactly how it should be. I have been very rude. I apologize.
[8:42 PM] Rxxxxxx: This is cool to me im sorry.

This is still sounding more like a defense. Like, he's apologizing, but then he tells us why he shouldn't be held accountable. That's BS, plain and simple.

[8:43 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: You don’t speak like a person serious about a medical condition. The language you use is too impertinent

Very much so.

[8:44 PM] Cxxxxxxx: But the media and individuals often don't treat us with dignity or respect so you can see why some are apprehensive. Most treat us as the brunt or affront of a comedic joke. Either that or mental. They take our logs and run off with them to post on a website and go hehe look at me , I'm nothing like this guy, he drives a Prius and thinks he's some Lestat-esque character. I bet he's got fangs and a cape.
[8:46 PM] Cxxxxxxx: Also I don't drive a Prius but a compact car lol
[8:46 PM] Rxxxxxx: Dude. Ive been racking my brain like crazy. And i think i have a good guess as to your condition. I could start using big words. But
You know emotions are special. They are caused by belief and those are caused by repeated action. Im sorry for those who suffer just being themselves

What the hell does that even mean?! He could start using 'big words' but we're not worth it? He could sound educated, and not like a complete troll, but he wants to be 'one of the gang'? What the hell is he after, here??

[8:48 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: Are you selling a “book” that is nothing, on Amazon in order to raise money?

Yep. Three of them. They're not even hard to find.

[8:48 PM] Rxxxxxx: Some people do magick stuff. Others simply jeer and sneer at what they dont know. I just think its cool. I apologize again for stepping on any toes. And anything offensive.
[8:49 PM] Rxxxxxx: Not anytime soon. But. This is mostly for the life experience.
[8:49 PM] Rxxxxxx: About the book.

As said, he's self-published three books on Amazon. I didn't bother looking into them further, because "Stupid" was part of the title of each one.

[8:49 PM] Cxxxxxxx: Magick stuff? I'm not out here summoning baphomet for tea parties or sacrificing virgins to moloch lol
[8:49 PM] Hxxxx Gxx: Given that no one has 'cured' us since the dawn of mankind, to which vampires can be traced back to in mythology, I doubt you have any new information that's going to 'help' us.

It's not that we don't want help. We're happy with help. Many of us have participated in medical studies, in serious, peer-published medical review papers. However, that doesn't mean we're going to slavishly listen to every yahoo who comes trolling in from 4chan looking for salacious nuggets to share with his fellow trolls. No. This is now how we work.

[8:50 PM] Rxxxxxx: No I Do magick stuff. Personally. Real deal. No bs.

I want to say, I very much doubt this, but it could very well mean he's a chaos mage, just...not a very bright one. It's possible.

[8:50 PM] Hxxxx Gxx: Plus a metaphysical solution won't sell very well to the med-sangs :wink:
[8:50 PM] Hxxxx Gxx: Yes, a lot of us do too. 11 years here.
[8:50 PM] dxxx: you're actually being rather insulting, thinking you've got a clue after a few hours...
[8:51 PM] Rxxxxxx: Well. I can be all arrogant.
[8:51 PM] Rxxxxxx: But that won't prove anything.

Hasn't so far.

[8:51 PM] Cxxxxxxx: I do magick stuff. Getting out of bed and going to work every morning is magick to me :joy:
[8:51 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: Thats not a admirable trait
[8:51 PM] Nxxxxxxx: And you're not the first to suggest it's just in our heads. So far I haven't seen you ask any questions, just say you practice magic and want to blow the lid on occult practices.

And that he prefers to talk on voice when intoxicated, don't forget that.

[8:51 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: Arrogance
[8:51 PM] Rxxxxxx: Seriously dude THAT IS magick maaan

Arrogance is magick? No, arrogance is just disappointing, 'dude'. Arrogance just means he can be easily dismissed as a know-nothing blowhard, which is largely the conclusion we're starting to draw.

[8:52 PM] Rxx: is it just me or is rev kinda rude

"Kinda" rude? I'd say he's a full-on revolting jerk. But maybe that's just me.

[8:52 PM] Rxx: at times
[8:52 PM] dxx: [Rxxxxxx] is hella rude
[8:52 PM] Rxxxxxx: No i could be. Bragging. But. I wont. I already said i waa an [***hole] silly
[8:52 PM] dxxx: very condescending

"Was", and yep. Condescending. Arrogant. Drunk. Not really giving us any answers on what he's trying to learn. So complete waste of time, basically.

[8:52 PM] dxxx: not listening
[8:52 PM] Cxxxxxxx: That weed tho lol
[8:52 PM] Rxxxxxx: Yeah. Thats the point.
[8:52 PM] Nxxxxxxx: This is pinging as a troll or someone very young. Think that's all I need to know
[8:52 PM] Rxxxxxx: Im 22.

So, 'very young' applies, then, considering the median age of users of this chat group runs 35+.

[8:53 PM] Rxxxxxx: Feeling all giddy. Im learning so much. Like im sorry.
[8:53 PM] Nxxxxxxx: 22 and master of the occult and can cure vampirism. I'm so very, very impressed.
[8:53 PM] Cxxxxxxx: What "magick" are you into [Rxxxxxx]?
[8:53 PM] Rxxxxxx: Nah. Its like having schizophrenia or diabetes.
[8:53 PM] Rxxxxxx: Which i may or may not be.
[8:54 PM] Rxxxxxx: I am schizo. Though.
[8:54 PM] Nxxxxxxx: And have you taken your meds lately?

Personal question, but...considering his behavior so far, I'm thinking it's kind of valid.

[8:54 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: [Rxxxxxx] without a high induced ramble, what is your reasoning for being here?
[8:54 PM] Rxxxxxx: And i like "chaos Magick" and im messing with the ideas in my meme-pool

More proof of 4chan influence.

[8:55 PM] Rxx: why are you here
[8:55 PM] Rxx: you sound like you don't take anything you're studying seriously
[8:56 PM] Cxxxxxxx: Chaote path. Spears and so forth. Correct?
[8:56 PM] Rxxxxxx: Well. I could write a novel. But someone invited me because. i thought i had a thoughtform. I was not sure. And i just hung out.

So...who did invite him, anyway?

[8:56 PM] Rxx: I'm open to investing my time into someone but why would i answer questions if you aren't gonna take things serriously
[8:56 PM] Rxxxxxx: Nope. Chaoist and a badass sigil yet to be crafted.

"Badass sigil", right. Okay, I'm beginning to understand the 'neckbeard' self-reference.

[8:56 PM] Rxxxxxx: Well. Its not gonna happen over night.
[8:57 PM] Nxxxxxxx: Chaos magician with no real understanding of sigil magic or how memetics might actually be employed. I mean... kek might be pleased with that but not in the way you think.
[8:57 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: You’ve asked questions, and given careless responses
[8:58 PM] Nxxxxxxx: I think this is just a kid stoned out of his mind and/or off their meds. Gonna wash my hands of it and go back to my coffee

Probably the wisest reaction.

[8:58 PM] Rxx: how do actual memetics work?
[8:58 PM] Rxxxxxx: Hmmm.... I think im mostly looking to get kicked or something. You are what you are and if not then so be it.

This is the aspect of trollthink I get the least. Why, why go anyplace with the goal of being kicked out? I've seen it on SL, I've seen it in real life, and I just don't get it, at all. What's the joy in being in a place, and being such a jerk that they refuse access to that place, based entirely on his behavior? Is it a bit of self-reinforcement, that whole "I'm trash and everyone knows it, and everyone's going to treat me like trash, so I'll treat everyone like trash first" line of thought? Because I don't understand it otherwise.

[8:59 PM] Rxx: i don't dislike you i just wish you took things more seriously
[8:59 PM] Rxxxxxx: But like. I came out of like nowhere yall need some better securities.

Seriously? That's your best answer? "I got in, so obviously your invite system is flawed"? That's so high up in the stupidsphere I'm losing brain cells just being at that altitude.

[8:59 PM] dxxx: well, if he wants to get kicked, anybody going to do him the favour?
[8:59 PM] Nxxxxxxx: The power of collective thought and entropy, basically.
[8:59 PM] Rxxxxxx: Please. Make it all badass!
[8:59 PM] Rxxxxxx: We can make a day of it?!

No. Don't be more stupid than you have been.

[9:00 PM] Cxxxxxx: You said someone invited you so like A, that's not nowhere. And b, whoever did speak up and claim this guy

Yeah, really. I'd like to know.

[9:00 PM] Cxxxxxxx: Chaote is the original term for what you're describing. Chaote individuals generally come trying to find psychic vampires. This isn't surprising or new. Just a fyi to everyone.
[9:00 PM] Hxxxx Gx: Who invited you, per chance :)?
[9:00 PM] Rxxxxxx: Humor is how cope. And im not usually funny.

You're not, and you haven't been, and the phrase should be "how I cope", but I guess you're too intoxicated to care right now.

[9:00 PM] Cxxxxxxx: You'll get someone like [Rxxxxxx] from time to time.
[9:00 PM] Rxxxxxx: Im not sure. This is odd hmm?
[9:01 PM] Rxxxxxx: THIS IS SOO COOL!!!!
[9:01 PM] Cxxxxxx: Am chaote
I mean he acts similar to the chaos magic group I'm in but that group is all memes and rarely real Magick talk
Bc.... Chaotes b crazy
[9:01 PM] dxxx: mostly you're boring
[9:01 PM] Rxxxxxx: I am crazy.

Here's the thing, and I say this having a couple RL, actual, medical diagnoses: "Crazy" is never an excuse. Mental illness is not a crutch we need to lean on, it's not a get-out-of-dissension free card anyone can whip out when things get rough. No one's going to buy that. No one's going to care.

[9:01 PM] Hxxxx Gx: Well, [using his real name, which doesn't take even ten seconds to track down], we're quite curious.
[9:01 PM] Rxxxxxx: I think.
[9:01 PM] Rxxxxxx: Oooooohhhhhh. Someone knows something!

Considering that less than a minute of Googling turns up his Twitter, his web page, his Reddit (yes, this idiot has a subReddit), and the three books on Amazon? It's not that hard, dude, you're not an arcane enigma.

[9:01 PM] Nxxxxxxx: As far as I know this isn't a closed server, all you need is the link so this so it's whatever. Always gonna get a few trolls here and there.
[9:02 PM] Cxxxxxxx: [Rxxxxxx] I don't think is trolling you
[9:02 PM] Cxxxxxxx: I just think he's dumb about his approach

I wouldn't be so sure. Any mention of 4chan-style behavior puts me on the alert, so 'troll' and 'dumb' are not mutually exclusive, here.

[9:02 PM] Rxxxxxx: Ok. Well. I have been studying...something. Since i was 17. I read a really awesome book. I blame 4chan for a lot but i saw /x/ as my online home. I learned and got my start there.

Called it. He is a 4chan troll.

[9:03 PM] Rxxxxxx: I stole a bunch of books from the web. Played with fire. And got burnt.
[9:03 PM] Nxxxxxxx: I think you're being a little too optimistic in this case, [Cxxx].
[9:03 PM] Rxx: maybe [Rxxxxxx] isn't a troll
[9:03 PM] Rxx: and is just really weird and stoned out of his mind
[9:03 PM] Hxxxx Gxx: So, [uses real name again], how'd you end up here?
[9:04 PM] Rxxxxxx: Im SUPER WEIRD.

That you may be, but that doesn't answer the question. How did super weird you end up in relatively banal here?

[9:04 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: Agrees with [Hxxxx Gx]
[9:04 PM] dxxx: on my server he'd be banned already
[9:04 PM] Nxxxxxxx: That's hardly an excuse to be an ill mannered [tw*t].
[9:04 PM] Hxxxx Gx: Alrighty folks, no need to be jittery back yeah?
[9:04 PM] dxxx: doesn't matter if he's a troll or just stupid
[9:04 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: [Rxxxxxx] [continues with real name], who invited you exactly?
[9:04 PM] Rxxxxxx: No i get a devious tickle from being an [***hole].

So, definition of troll, right there.

[9:04 PM] Nxxxxxxx: I'm sure you have many friends.
[9:05 PM] Rxxxxxx: None whatso ever
[9:05 PM] Rxxxxxx: Alive that is.

So, troll, self-identifed neckbeard, 4channer, states he's crazy, and now he's being weirdly threatening. This is not someone we want to hang around with.

[9:05 PM] Rxx: what
[9:05 PM] Rxxxxxx: I dont know who invited me. It might have been a server ad. Im not sure. But i got some ideas. And i am hella smart.

And that's what finally broke Ms. L:

[9:06 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: You are disrespectful, to members of this server. Id like to ask you to leave
[9:07 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: You have 1 min to exit on your own accord
[9:07 PM] Nxxxxxxx: This is why I drink lol
[9:07 PM] Rxxxxxx: Ok. Thats what i was looking for.
[9:07 PM] Rxxxxxx: Cyall. Thank you for your time.
[9:07 PM] Rxxxxxx: Stay blessed.
[9:08 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: He left
[9:08 PM] dxxx: thanks [Jxxxx]
[9:08 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: I'd still ban him. Is not convinced he won't be back
[9:09 PM] Nxxxxxxx: He has a twitter. Not gonna post it, [Nxxx]. But that's just special.

I'm not going to link it here, but part of his username there is "buddha jesus chaoist". So...egotistical, on top of everything else.

Ultimately, it's going to give all of us a slight complex for a while, watching for any other 4chan-inclined trolls to wander in and try to freak us out with how 'chaotic' and 'cooool' they are, but beyond that...Jerk arrived, jerk was plainly a jerk, jerk was bounced. End of jerk.

Picking up where we left off...And I'm still pondering last entry's question: what on earth does he think 'charitable feeding' would prove?? I don't even have a place in my brain for that.

[8:20 PM] Rxx: Hopefully whatever he's publishing doesn't bring mass attention to vampires
[8:21 PM] Rxx: Lol

I tend to agree, but on the other hand, it's far easier to write lurid, sensational pieces that magnify how bats or surreal or just generally dangerous we are as a group. And, let's also be logical about things: collectors of Hummel figurines aren't known for murdering people. While no one I know in the real vamp community has, as far as I know, there are a great many "vampire murderers" out there. It doesn't go with the territory, but it feeds into the fear and disgust that many have when thinking of people who drink blood. Because obviously they can't also own a minivan and have kids and go to PTA meetings, by default they must be baby-eating Satanists who dress in black, cover their faces in white makeup, and sleep in coffins, right?

[8:22 PM] Rxxxxxx: [Axxxx Axxxxx] it might turn into a voice for the "occult" histories in modern day technology. Like magick has not died. Yall be vampires. And i think i understand chaos. The point is the furtherment of tolarance and support of metaphysical systems. Systems that help people FOR REAL real.

"Tolerance". And...maybe it's just me, but the best way to further tolerance and understanding of metaphysics is to present it rationally--not ask a bunch of strangers on the internet "So tell me, do you really, really, REALLY drink blood? Like for REAL real? Like, REALLY REALLY for real?" Because that just made him come off a complete lunatic.

[8:22 PM] Rxxxxxx: Like i have ideas for a occult universty. Or wellness centers. Not too sure
[8:23 PM] Rxx: What

I agree. What? I don't understand any of that.

[8:23 PM] Rxxxxxx: At least general education of the "out there" like how to live life and all that.
[8:23 PM] Rxxxxxx: Real important skills.
[8:23 PM] Nxxxxxxx: I'm not a sang so no, I don't, but there are many who do. Occult and vampires aren't always synonymous. Also many occultists aren't as open to sharing their studies and information, that's why grimoires are often coded and intentionally left incomplete

I tend to agree. Even old alchemy texts are written in code. Their writers expected a certain facility with the information, they weren't writing for everyone who just happened upon a tome.

[8:24 PM] dxxx: ehh, vamps are far less magical than you might expect

That too. Remember the minivans and the kids and the helping out with homework? Lot of real vamps do that on the daily.

[8:24 PM] Rxxxxxx: Well. Sharing is caring and i thinknit all should be written at least once.

I bet. Sarcasm fully intended.

[8:25 PM] Rxx: Id consider myself a magician
[8:25 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: Unless people know where the info is going, I don't know if you'd be able to get good interviews [Rxxxxxx]
[8:25 PM] Rxx: I'm not the greatest though
[8:25 PM] Rxxxxxx: Not just vamps. But like the "whole" spectrum.
[8:25 PM] Rxx: Does rev think we're mentally ill?

Maybe. Sounds like it, anyway.

[8:25 PM] Rxxxxxx: This interaction has been more than enough. I apreciate all the input i have gotten.
[8:26 PM] Nxxxxxxx: Vamps aren't always involved in the occult, so there's also that. I think you might have some misconceptions about what vampires are, including the types that exist.
[8:26 PM] diss: i get the impression that he thinks we're vampires and about to start sparkling
[8:26 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: [Rxxxxxx] this group is for support, if you have any questions about support that you'd like to get answered for yourself, please feel free to ask those questions instead.

Now there's a thought. He could have asked any number of questions about vampirism in general, how one 'knows' one is a vampire, where the current research is at...but no, he leapt directly into "am drunk wana voice" territory. Pitiful.

[8:27 PM] Hxxxx Gx: The association with vampires and occult magics is generally misinformation given people's opinions that they form through popculture nonsense. Many psi vampires like myself are long time practitioners but we're not vampires because of it and generally our energy work has very little to do with our natures as vampires.
[8:27 PM] Rxxxxxx: I bet i do!
[8:27 PM] Rxxxxxx: Not know much.

Now that I fervently believe.

[8:27 PM] Rxx: I'm open to most questions Aswell
[8:27 PM] Rxxxxxx: Cool
[8:28 PM] Nxxxxxxx: [B*tch] I might, gimme a lush bathbomb. I'll sparkle like you wouldn't believe. The beacons of gondor have been lit. shrug getting a weird vibe here so I think I'll let someone else handle that can of worms.

Totally not alone there. I think a lot of us were getting that vibe. (And the reason you're not seeing my name in these comments is because this entire drama mostly took place while I was off having dinner with family. Else I likely would have interjected.)

[8:28 PM] Hxxxx Gx: Also, I'm going to second [Axxxx Axxxxx]. We're a support group. We're not going to be the place to gather 'information' for a paper, a thesis, or anything. We're not lab rats to be studied. We have a desire to help those who are genuinely interested in the lives and natures of vampires and non-humans, donors and so on, but we're also going to maintain the safety of our community :). Which I'm sure you understand. Knowing this, I would like to request that you do not use any names or any information acquired here for any purpose outside of this discord, and if you would like to collect information for academic pursuit please DM [CX], the owner.

**THIS,** so VERY much this.

[8:28 PM] Rxxxxxx: Itl be like histories. Things that you would share with other people in your situation. In anything odd like this. Support is crucial.

We have a few books like that already. And we have more than a handful of people dedicated to finding out both the medical why behind this urge/need, as well as the psychological and mental issues surrounding it. Mr. R, he's not going to get very far figuring anything he writes will be new in its field.

[8:28 PM] dxxx: you sound rather excited to be here... maybe it'd be good to go read up a bit more on the publicly available sites (e.g. https://sphynxcatvp.nocturna.org/ ) and then return with questions?
[8:29 PM] Rxxxxxx: Cool. And yes. There would be identity protections and what not.
[8:30 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: [Rxxxxxx], yes [CX] would be the person to contact about anything academic for your uses. Just message her.
[8:30 PM] Hxxxx Gx: At this time we do not submit, accept, or wish to indulge in any form of study from this point on until official acceptance of such an idea is given by the discord's owner.

Which is a very good, very clear way to say no. I approve.

[8:31 PM] dxxx: [Rxxxxxx] you are way ahead of yourself. before anybody will agree to participate in any study you will have to show that you at least know what you are talking about. otherwise we're not interested

And to this point, he hasn't shown that he understands one single thing.

[8:31 PM] Jxxxx Lxxxxx: [Rxxxxxx] what is the intended purpose of your study?

As usual, bolding the name means they're a mod for the group, just like [CX] is the group owner.

[8:31 PM] Rxxxxxx: I Thank you for being as you are! And i am sorry that it came of but i am sort of having an uber neckbeard nerd moment. Im just happy to have been able to get this experience really.

And great, now we're an "experience" for him. Way to go right back to making us feel like sideshow freaks. Also, how is he defining "uber neckbeard nerd"? Because for me, that sounds really negative.

[8:32 PM] dxxx: [Rxxxxxx] you are also intruding into what is usually a rather private space
[8:33 PM] Rxxxxxx: Its mostly my personal occult practice. The more data the better. But there has been great disrespect felt, and i am not anyone really known. So it would be weird any other way than it is.
[8:33 PM] Rxxxxxx: So thank you.
[8:34 PM] Hxxxx Gx: Well given that vampires are not inherently anything related to the occult there's not much you can find there :smiley:

That's true enough. He's still coming off more akin to a donkey's rear section than to a thoughtful human entity, though.

Part three to come.

While this is not a chat capture from an SL group, due to the nature of the group I'm following my personal ethics and anonymizing user names. Especially as this deals with a section of chat that deals with sensitive topics.

[7:58 PM] Rxxxxxx: Could i like. Interview one of you? Im drinking and want to voice chat with someone here. any takers?

Meet our protagonist, Mr. R, who at this point simply sounds drunk and tactlessly invasive. Here we go.

[7:58 PM] Rxxxxxx: So who here is a vampire?

Well, that's bald enough. Want to follow that up with cutting one of us and rubbing salt in the wound? Seriously, dude.

[7:59 PM] Rxxxxxx: Oh [sh*t]. Did not think that would go through.
[8:00 PM] Cxxxxxxx: Didn't think what would go through?
[8:00 PM] Rxxxxxx: Those msg i sent.

Then...why did he send them? I blame the alcohol, or the general stupid he's radiating.

[8:01 PM] Cxxxxxxx: Why didn't you think they would? Poor reception?
[8:01 PM] Rxxxxxx: Yup
[8:01 PM] Rxxxxxx: My signal is weak where i am until nighttime.

Still seems odd. Like, why even type something if you don't want people to read it...

[8:03 PM] Rxxxxxx: But yeah im really curious. Like with this whole phenomenon.

Um...what? We're a "phenomenon" now? How culturally insensitive, you boorish...I mean, how did he even get in here?

[8:03 PM] Cxxxxxxx: I unfortunately can't do a voice interview currently. My wife is sleeping. We're always happy to answer your questions within reason :slight_smile:
[8:04 PM] Rxxxxxx: Oh of course!
[8:04 PM] Nxxxxxxx: Can't now because I'm at work. No rest for the wicked, I guess. I usually don't do voice, I don't particularly like being recorded but I, too, can answer questions via text
[8:07 PM] Rxxxxxx: I total get that. respect. I do not mind corresponding in text or whatever really.
[8:09 PM] Rxxxxxx: Thank you for your words.

Yet...Mr. R started all this nonsense by asking people to voice with him.

[8:11 PM] Rxxxxxx: My connection will be in and out. So i apologize for any disturbance double msg may cause.
[8:13 PM] Cxxxxxxx: It's understandable :)
[8:13 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: I don't do interviews personally, but good luck with your ventures :blush:

So, the general reaction seems to be, thanks, but...no.

[8:13 PM] Rxxxxxx: Firstly. I am an [***hole] of the nth degree. But i hate dicks who [f*ck] with people who think differently. I truly feel that you believe that you are what you are. And that's interesting to me.

And yet, he approaches people in this way. "Hey im drunk lets chat". Yeah, no. Not gonna happen. And he's not making it any easier by making us feel like we're specimens to examine.

[8:14 PM] Rxxxxxx: But my main question. Is do any of you like LEGIT. No bs. Real talk. Consume blood into your stomach like food?
[8:15 PM] Rxxxxxx: Also do you treat it like a special treat. Or is it along the lines of "hmmm.... Some blood would taste good right about now"

Seriously? Google real vampirism, you'll learn more from that. Who is this loon?

[8:16 PM] Rxxxxxx: And then ultimately. Whos blood do you eat. Because that [sh*t] be dangerously risky.

Oh, great, he's one of those. There's a huge number of mistaken rumors about drinking blood--my own cousin, when I told her several years ago, immediately searched out several articles and earnestly wanted me to know that drinking human blood would not only give me cancer (false) and parasitically invasive worms (false unless I'm feeding on a known infected person, and then, usually not transmissible just by blood consumption) but would make me a schizophrenic (REALLY false, and seriously, where do people come up with these things??).

[8:17 PM] Rxxxxxx: I get that a lot of it is stereotypes. Myth. Rumors. Really big misunderstandings.

You say that, but you're still asking.

[8:18 PM] dxxx: well, one person's blood they drink is mine
[8:18 PM] Rxxxxxx: But. This shizzle is for SCIENCE. That is crazy [dxxx]
[8:18 PM] dxxx: nah, i just enjoy doing it
[8:18 PM] Rxxxxxx: I bet.

Is it just me? I'm hearing contempt oozing from those two words. Maybe I'm misinterpreting, but especially based on the earlier statements...he's just coming across as a major jerk.

[8:19 PM] Axxxx Axxxxx: [Rxxxxxx] so what is your project about? Where are you publishing it? I'd love to read it when you are finished.

Based on some research I did after this chat tied up (which took all of five minutes, by the way, just by searching the name I've redacted), he's written three books, they're all self-published electronically on Amazon, and they all have "Stupid" in the title. So based on that, I'd say his project is about nothing of interest, he's publishing on Amazon, and no, Ms. A would not like to read it at all.

[8:19 PM] Cxxxxxxx: Cultures have consumed blood for as long as recorded human history. We're all still here :)
[8:19 PM] Rxxxxxx: Like do you feel like charitable? Or is it like ? Its just weird. But like if its true. Then it proves SO MUCH.

"Charitable"? What the hell does that mean in this context? And believe me, we all get by now that Mr. R thinks it's weird and freakish and we're all weird freaks. Thanks for that. And also...what the hell does he think that proves? I don't understand that at all.

Part two when it arrives.

Today I received a message about a very old entry (clear back in 2012), with a very simple request: could I link the mention of mesothelioma to mesothelioma.net as a site? And yes, as evidenced by this entry and the correction on the 2012 entry, I can.

Pursuant to the levels of suspicion writ plain in that 2012 entry, I did read through the site fairly completely. It's not a charity site, it's more a clearinghouse for medical and treatment information, personal stories (like Virgil's, the fellow who wrote me), and links to charities and foundations. It seems pretty above-board, and has already taught me something--I thought the disease was restricted to asbestos miners and contractors, but Virgil worked in the car industry, where apparently asbestos fibers are used. So while it's still rare, there are more means of delivery, which are pretty dire.

In more local news, it seems Mondragon coffee grown in the high fields is not reaching Babbage. Piracy is suspected, but nothing seems to be proven yet. (Though I'd tend to suspect Mr. Callidus Waydelich, the current leader of the new Mondrago, but he swears he's given up his piratical ways.) For me, as a non-Babbage resident, I'm mostly reporting from afar, but if the situation worsens, I will let you know. In the meantime, traveling to Jadida Mondrago seems safe, and it is known that coffee is plentiful there; not sure what's going to happen in Babbage.

Me being me, I'd source out coffee elsewhere, but riot in the streets if the Caledonian catnip brandy supplies drop. But...that's me.

In other, other news...this one's weird.

So, New World Notes covered Kim Kardashian's branding exploits in Second Life, which is strange to begin with. First, it's all to advertise a perfume in SL, and...pardon me, I know the entire grid functions on imagination, but what's the point of perfume in a grid without the sense of smell? Maybe I'm limited. But, that's what she's doing, and she's been uploading images taken in SL to her Instagram feed (said feed largely being "Hi, I'm pretty and I post lots of pictures of me being pretty", with occasion side excursions into "Hi, I'm pretty, buy this thing" and "Hi, I'm pretty, my husband's famous". I'd say that's pretty typical of Instagram, but the few accounts on Instagram I follow feature cats, so what do I know?).

But it gets weirder. Her SL avatar, which looks less like her and more like a digitized Cher, wasn't even developed on SL originally. It's a recreation of an avatar first seen in IMVU, where she's had a much longer relationship pimping out consumer goods. And...maybe I'm wrong, but isn't IMVU somewhat antagonistic to SL in the first place? I know they've been accused of imitating SL's advertising, back when SL decided ripping off Avatar's look was the way to go, so that's sort of copyright infringement cubed on all sides. But to me, it still seems like IMVU's more Tinder and SL's more Tumblr--still the same amount of hookups and drama, but also the ability to explore other things, whereas IMVU still seems "log in, dress up, get shagged". If I'm wrong, please, someone tell me. I've never had an IMVU account, I've just seen videos of things that happen there.

Out shopping. Out of the blue, got this:

[13:19] exxxx Rxxxxxxx: hi
[13:21] Emilly Orr: Hello there
[13:25] Emilly Orr: Did you...have a question?

I think I'm entitled to ask, with just a 'hi' as opener.

[13:25] exxxx Rxxxxxxx: hi
[13:26] Emilly Orr: Right, you said that

I pulled the profile. Of course. Two weeks old. No profile pick. No picks. No FL pick.

Interestingly, three groups--"STEAMWORKZ", an all-male resort catering to gay and bi men only, the "Black [C*ck] Motel" (no group description listed, none really necessary), and the "I am Here" group--which, based on their group description, caters to anonymous sex and humiliation with an emphasis on LGBT. So...going to go out on this limb and say...he's gay?

[13:26] Emilly Orr: Okay, let's take it from another angle--do you know any other words?
[13:28] exxxx Rxxxxxxx: how are you

Hey, it's more than "hi".

[13:28] Emilly Orr: Okay, good, that's more than hi. I'm doing okay.
[13:28] exxxx Rxxxxxxx: boaa m77
[13:29] Emilly Orr: What?

Seriously. I even Googled this one, nothing came up. I have no idea what he means.

[13:29] exxxx Rxxxxxxx: shu the [f*ck] up
[13:30] Emilly Orr: From hi to rude in...ten minutes. New record. Remember, YOU started this conversation.
[13:30] Emilly Orr: Did you want anything?
[13:32] Emilly Orr: Apparently not. Enjoy the rest of your day then.

And that was it. Maybe he just wanted to be hostile to a girl in a pink dress. I have no clue.



It's not an androgynous look, after all. So I have no idea why.

Because sometimes, we need harsh advice with a great beat.

I don't know whether this fits with the first or not, but...here. The main points seem to be that people will no longer be able to bid on land auctions if they don't have the money in their accounts to pay for the whole purchase right then (and, to be honest, why would you bid on something if you didn't have the money to buy it in case you win?), and incredibly fast land transfers (that 'within the hour' line). At least the latter could be good; I've participated in exactly two land auctions in my eleven years on the grid, to be fair, but for both of those I had the land transferred after the better part of 48 hours had passed. Thus, speedy transfer so I can start building? That sounds like a selling point to me.

And now, today's edition of Wrong Group, Wrong Message (with the help of Google Translate).

[11:46] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: e 9 u 1
[11:47] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: Vanilla Bae (46,133,22)
[11:48] exxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ty [Nxxx]!!
[11:49] cxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: the wrong group

Yes. It very much is the wrong group. There's another group for that.

[11:49] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: все уже (all already)
[11:49] cxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: .Vanilla Bae. Lucky Letters and Gifts.
[11:49] cxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: thats the group

That's the one, yep.

[11:53] axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I 9 U 1
[11:59] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: wrong group
[11:59] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: .Vanilla Bae. Lucky Letters and Gifts.
[11:59] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: is wat u need which was just pasted
[12:00] axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: щл (ok) ...sorry
[12:00] bxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: its ok some ppl still not aware i guess
[12:01] axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: да всё поняла...переводите (Yes, I understood everything ... translate)
[12:02] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: ахахххаа (ahahhhaa)
[12:02] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: нет у людей возможности вступить в две группы от одного магазина. места нет... (there is no possibility for people to enter into two groups from one store. there is no place ...

There is, actually, and it's so simple, even you should be able to grasp this, Miss N. First, join the group to call letters. Open a chat window for that group. Flip on your Vanilla Bae group tag and go to the store. Call the letters while wearing the store group tag. It's. That. Simple.

[12:03] axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: сейчас такие..пишите на английском ахахахахах (now such .. write in english ahahahahah)
[12:03] Nxxxxx Lxxxxxxxx: да да (Yes Yes)

And that seemed to be that. Did Miss N get it? Probably not. And please note, before anyone chimes in in comments, I'm not calling her stupid because she's not a native English speaker. I'm calling her stupid because she's not getting how simple this is.

There is a difference, after all. The language she speaks has nothing to do with her failure to get the point (after mass repetition, on the daily, in this group).

A bit more on the pricing structure from yesterday, because a friend made an excellent point. Here's that pricing table:



And here's that comment:

[16:15 PM] Fxxxxxx Uxxxxxx: That is not a significant enough change. It would need to change by enough so that people in very different price brackets would now be able to afford land. As it is, that will just make it so people that are already affording land will be able to do it a little bit easier, but it won't change who can have land and who won't for the most part.
[16:19 PM] Nxx Uxxxxxx: There will probably be some people who were on the fence before and now feel like they can afford it. But it's not much of a difference for most people I imagine.
[16:23 PM] Fxxxxx Axxxx: And the set up is the huge difference more than anything.
[16:26 PM] Fxxxxxx Uxxxxxx: It helps, but is still hecka pricy.

That. Yes. That was my point.

Also, for no earthly reason I can think of, buying Lindens went up from .99 as a surcharge fee, to $1.49 per %^&$@!# transaction, and I cannot figure out why, and it's massively irritating.

That, plus other factors, made me perhaps a wee bit snarky:

[13:29] Axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: baby monkey board no group MM 81/100 Keraxic (47,187,25)
[13:30] Axxxxx Jxxxxx: baby monkey?
[13:30] Axxxxx Jxxxxx: like a stuffed animal type thing?
[13:30] Axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: shoes, famous shoes
[13:30] rxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Really great shoes, and clothes that don't make you look like a hooker
[13:30] Axxxxx Jxxxxx: o__O monkey shoes? those sound amazing
[13:31] Emilly Orr: Baby Monkey does shoes, but it'd help if you said what kind, if they're slink only or for other bodies, et cetera
[13:31] rxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: slink mainly I think
[13:32] Emilly Orr: MM says--clearly--Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, Magda platforms, spiked with chains, ten colors
[13:32] Axxxxx Jxxxxx: v.v oh...nvm for me then
[13:32] Emilly Orr: How hard was that, seriously?
[13:32] Axxxxx Jxxxxx: oh nvm then!
[13:32] Axxxxx Jxxxxx: ty!
[13:32] Emilly Orr: welcome
[13:32] Axxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: try this then: WellMade, no group 13/50 leather strapless top, maitreya hourglass pbhysique ebody and fitmesh sizes Hutter (71,117,28)
[13:32] staci1992: i need reasonably priced shoes badly
[13:33] Emilly Orr: That's all we ask. If there's a ton of body fits, can even say 'many mesh sizes'. We'd just like to know more than 'store mm board'

That's not overly onerous, I think.

I was pretty excited, hearing the rumors on fee reductions for land in Second Life, until I read through the actual post. The discount's only on full regions? And only 15%? Shame on you, LL. That won't help retention or new sales.

In the meantime, let's talk about Thad.



Thad isn't his name, of course. But this was the originator of the joke, and the character of Lord Master Sir Dominant Thaddeus the Obliviator, owner of ALL the belt buckles, with straps over the straps over the black leather everything that comprise's Thad's attire.

I mean, we've all met this guy, haven't we? Linebacker shoulders, long black hair--always long, and always black--deeply tanned skin, black leather jacket, black leather boots, black leather pants. Belts, gloves and boots studded within an inch of their lives. And the attitude is also familiar, isn't it? The type of man, the type of wannabe dom, who expects every female to kneel before his majesty, who will, in fact, open conversations with "Kneel, slut" before even saying hello.

Yeah, there's too many of this archetype on SL. Thankfully, there are good dominants out there, male, female and other, but far too often, most of them...are Thad.

This next one's really odd. Some peoples' children...



Ran into this...avatar...at an Equal 10 event. Didn't say anything. I didn't ask. But the profile said "I am a toilet."

Ooookay. You do you, I guess. It takes...all kinds?

[12:02] axxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ok time to shut down one laptop and start up another, so I'm going to go and eat and will be back in 30 minutes give or take. If there is anything you should need, please IM myself or [Exxxx] (she should be back in world any time now) and we will get back to you asap
[12:03] sxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: enjoy your food [Axxxx]!
[12:03] fxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: eating steak atm
[12:04] Sxxxx Gxxxxxx: Delightful. :o
[12:04] Cxxxxx Fxxxxxxxxx: what you having for dinner?
[12:10] txxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: dick
[12:10] Mxxxx Sxxxxxxxxx: um not ok
[12:12] Vxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxx: Dick?
[12:14] txxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: OMFG
[12:14] txxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: I MEANT DUCK
[12:14] txxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: LOL

Suuuure.

In the meantime, another pair of shots from random places, random times. These next ones feature a demon.



Soooo many poky bits. Wings, armor, horns...self. Soooo very many.



I might make allowances for a split tongue, however...

More Scenes from a few chats.

[11:09] axxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Is there a manger here?

I was so tempted to say "Not until December", but...I didn't. Go me.

In the meantime, a freebie group I'm in EXPLODED:

[10:46] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ok guys that are new check this out. 5 linden and you have a good start to not look like a noob. david male full avatar 5 linden
[name of the store which I'm omitting, because I'm not playing this game today]

Sold by: ling Serenity on marketplace

Now, this wasn't exactly a Marketplace link post, but as they explain later, they don't want even a mention of designers on MP, which is a further refinement of an existing policy.

The existing policy is still spelled out in their group bio:

NOT ALLOWED in chat:
Store ads/spam/self-promotion
3 lines MAX posts
MP & most outside links
Drama/rudeness
Criticizing stores/gifts
Malls-Franchises
Disco/Club/DJ ads
Breedables
Land rental/sale
Most Adult sims/items
Gambling
Car/motor-AO/Anims-Pay MM/LBs
RP: OOC only
Pls don't link your blog in chat

And these have been the rules since I've joined, and I've been in this group for a few years now.

[10:48] Rxxxxxxxx Rxxxx: please do not post MP here?
[10:49] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: [dxxx] this is not the first time you have posted a store not allowed
[10:54] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: im confused why is this store not allowed and i dont see a mp link
[10:55] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: no link but still promoting it

This has to be a fairly recent change, but again, as they explain below, there's a reason for it. There's a reason for all of their rules, and none are exceptionally hard to follow.

[10:55] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: people say .. check MP in this ground alll day long lol
[10:55] axxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: even you mods lol
[10:55] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: wait hold on
[10:55] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hang on on phone
[10:55] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: what you talk about
[10:56] Rxxxxxxxx Rxxxx: You can say : did you check MP but not name a store or designer. Why not? Because there is a lot of stolen and copybotted stuff on MP

And there it is. There is a lot of copyright-infringing product on the Marketplace, and I'm thinking this is the group trying to police that, to a certain extent, by not allowing mentions pointing to a specific designer on MP, as well as no MP links.

[10:57] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: seriously [[rxxxx] come on do i look like a noob and does it need to be a kids garden here. you always are picking on the same people and not cause they all make the same mistakes all over

Seriously? That is such a weak complaint. None of the mods "pick on" people; they identify mistakes, they try to explain why they're against the rules, and then everyone moves on. Like you should.

[10:58] Cxxxxx Wxxxx: I can see that, seems every designer has some version of a wet dress now

Well, it's less that, which isn't direct copyright infringement, and more the actual digital acquisition of one designer's product by another designer for the express purpose of reselling as if it were their original product.

[10:58] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: you think i dont check stuff? lol check her blog

[blog omitted, because I'm not going to play this game]
[10:59] Rxxxxxxxx Rxxxx: sorry? I just said please do not post MP here? and I am picking on you [Dxxx]? [10:59] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: wtf [10:59] Rxxxxxxxx Rxxxx: NO outside links either [11:00] dxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: wow. [f*ck] this group. mods are picking on people. learn to moderate you [f*cks]

Way to escalate past the initial stupid into outright rude. You're not helping.

[11:00] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: please leave if you wish
[11:01] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: i wish for ... ..... .... .. ....... .

You can just spell it out, and not be a passive-aggressive baby about things.

[11:01] Kxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: yes,they can learn to moderate: you know like what they're doing when they tell people over and over not to do something that's actually listed in the rules you shouldn't do.
[11:02] rxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: The mods aren't picking on anyone, the rules have always been no outside links, including mp links
[11:02] Kxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: what more do you want them to do? kick you out of the group when you break a rule?
[11:02] Kxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: then you'll whine about how harsh they are over innocent mistakes
[11:02] cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Er... I just logged in. Good morning?
[11:02] Kxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: hello!

Yeah, what a time to log into group.

[11:03] rxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Its listed in the group description, easily found

REAL easy, it's RIGHT THERE.

[11:03] zxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ~sits and watches while drinking some chai~
[11:03] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: actually no there is a line between what woman post and guys post and who posts what cause not everybody gets the same treatment and some get vip treatment and some can do about everything. thats how things go

Actually, no, there is no line, everyone does get the same treatment, and the mods do all they can to keep things fair.

[11:03] Qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hands [Cxxxxxx] a ring-side seating ticket..Good Morning..please have a seat and enjoy the fight. Today: scammers versus Mods. Hope you brought some popcorn
[11:03] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ok if you wish to leave just leave
[11:04] Kxxx Lxxxxxxxxxxx: passes popcorn
[11:04] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: we had a peaceful group and we have rules
[11:04] dxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: does porncorn work too joker?

Well, now you're just being stupid.

[11:04] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: hey joker thats my popcorn
[11:04] zxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: corncorn?
[11:05] Kxxx Lxxxxxxxxxxx: smirks it tastes good especially when its someone elses
[11:05] Rxxx Bxxx: I volunteer to do the distasteful things that mods cant get their hands dirty doing

Nah, the mods are capable, they'll do it themselves.

[11:05] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: mutters
[11:05] Qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: making coffee for everyone?
[11:05] Rxxx Bxxx: oh i can do that too!
[11:05] rxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: thats just complete nonsense, we have one of the best groups on the grid, and the mods are very fair

They are. There are a lot of rules in this group. In other groups, there's only one or two. And most of the time, the mods manage enforcement without controversy. That's some skill, there.

[11:05] Rxxx Bxxx: trots off to the kitchen
[11:05] Qxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: holds out her mug
[11:05] cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: LucyBody as a free group MM board with a mesh body here:

[again, not giving the links, not playing today]
[11:06] Kxxxxx Cxxxxx: raises hand I would like coffee but give me a shot or two of booze
[11:06] zxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: ty [Rxxx]! i'll have a shot in my coffee too
[11:06] Rxxx Bxxx: gets the hypodermic ready

Oh, dear. I don't think that's what she meant.

[11:06] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: laughs
[11:06] Rxxx Bxxx: oh in the coffee
[11:06] Rxxx Bxxx: ok i can do that too
[11:07] Sxxxxx Sxxxxxxxx: the ban against MP web links is because there's been a spate of *fake* MP links in the past - where it actually steals your login credentials and takes all your lindens - hence the wholesale ban on MP links
[11:07] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: also we say look on mp, but [dxxx] post was one not allowed

Because it pointed to a specific designer and named the product on MP, I think.

[11:08] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: we dont like to ban but we only do it as last resort
[11:08] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: many groups i am in ban mp links and outside links
[11:08] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: so is not jusat this group
[11:08] Cxxxxx Wxxxx: very true
[11:08] Sxxxxx Sxxxxxxxx: ^^^ safety reasons :)
[11:08] Cxxxxx Wxxxx: one of the adult groups i am in doesn't allow outside links
[11:09] zxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: many groups im in, not just clothing, hair...etc. do not allow outside links

It's becoming pretty common, because of the spate of fake links in the past.

[11:10] cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: Free Dove is having a mini hunt that includes 10 hair (m/w) and nails among other things. No group: [link omitted again]
[11:11] Kxxx Lxxxxxxxxxxx: is understandable as it is easy to accidentally click on suck a link
[11:11] Kxxx Lxxxxxxxxxxx: such even
[11:11] Sxxxxx Sxxxxxxxx: I wonder if LL are filtering the fake links now - since it's been at least 2 months since i've seen one
[11:11] kxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: lol no comment [jxxxx]
[11:11] Sxxxxx Sxxxxxxxx doesn't test it
[11:15] Kxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: there's always a low activity time
[11:15] Kxxxxxx Mxxxxxxx: maybe they made enough money for a while

Maybe. Or maybe they're just thinking up new scams.

There was some chatter about computers dying, and then this:

[11:23] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: btw last time we had a riot in group and not the member chat was closed
[11:23] nxxxxx Rxxxxxxx: so please keep that in mind as its not nice

It wasn't. I was there for the last time. And it's the absolute last resort when things get badly out of hand. Considering this group pretty much solely exists to share links to Midnight Mania boards, lucky chairs and boards, free and dollarbie gifts, and store sales...being unable to chat within the group is harsh indeed.

Let's hope the rest of us stay civil enough that it doesn't happen again.