JacksonBollock

Well you say that diamond, all we really know for sure is that Bob identified as a Man. As for the disaster of this thread, I do hold my hand up, but at least it's a bit of diversion from what peeves anyone on a particular day, and reading the runes of Linden Lab's last PR communication In my defence though, it started off really innocently as a an idea to circumvent the raison detre for half the other threads on this site.. but you live, you learn and you take your humiliation like a "Man".

The age old conversation repeated through Dorm rooms all over the world... what did Dylan really mean...?

Ok, but this proposal only asks that you select the age you want this account to be identified as within SL...actually never mind. No worries Bubblesort, it's only just dawned on me what these forums are for, and it ain't this. I sort of alluded to a quote by Teddy Roosevelt earlier, but there's an old "hippy" song by a man named Bob Dylan which also serves probably a bit more accessibly.(included here purely for the acid reflux it'll cause in some of the forum participants ) The second last verse goes like this. "Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don't criticize What you can't understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly agin' Please get out of the new one If you can't lend your hand For the times they are a-changin'"

Thanks LittleMe, I've just started to get the flavour of these forums, and yeah - misjudged it completely. I'll stick my proposition in feedback bucket (not where Zal would like me to stick it - but anatomically I'm not sure it'd fit.) I'll leave this thread up though, if nothing else it can be a chew toy for the usual suspects All the best.

Ahh well now Zal, I'm a polite man and I normally do make a point of calling people by whatever name they prefer. However, I've noticed you're not shy in allocating any epithet you like when talking to people, so I'll just reciprocate in kind if that's ok. Kind Regards The Clueless Self-Confessed Interloper. PS.. I'm guessing you're really a bit old to be seriously talking about "enemies", you'll be telling me you have a "nemesis" next. However, if you don't, can I be it?

Mmm.. I'm not sure, I don't think "Zally" really conjures properly the hard won reputation for malevolence that Zal has spent so long nurturing. Either way, I do enjoy our back and forth. You almost feel like you've "made it" in the forums when our "Zal" takes a swing at you

Is that really an "idea" though Zal (I can call you Zal I'm assuming, given the pleasantries we've exchanged recently)? But you know, we each must employ whatever talents we have in the service of our favourite virtual world. Forgive me... and your talent is again...?

Ahh Zalificent, it's been too long. You know, I might upset you less - and you'd spend way less on antacids - if you pitched back with an idea or two of your own. "It's not the critic that counts...." and all that...apparently

Worth a punt, if for no other reason than it's a topic they seem to be very focussed on at the moment. Also, there's that big Thunes windfall happening.... isn't there?

This is the Intentional Circumvention issue, but investigation can be undertaken on a much more substantive basis. The idea with this is to get away from the subjective perception of age based on appearance, which appears to be causing problems.

The issue of adults using child avatars in virtual environments like Second Life is complex and involves balancing the principles of freedom of expression with the need to protect against harmful or illegal content. The following is a proposed strategy to bolster user safety and content appropriateness in this context by implementing immutable age demographics and enhancing the visibility of these demographics on avatar profiles and within the virtual environment. Please use this thread to discuss, trash, or completely ignore - whatever you feel most appropriate. Personally, I can see potential issues around Freedom of Expression, Potential for Stigmatization, Impact on Community Dynamics, Unintended Consequences, and of course intentional Circumvention. However, given the discussion and debate around this area, it might be good to attempt some sort of consensus from the forum around a structured and practical approach. Proposed Approach: 1.Immutable Age Demographic Selection: Initial Setup: During account creation, users will select an age demographic (Child, Teen, Adult) that is permanent and unchangeable to ensure consistency and appropriateness of content and interaction. If a customer wishes to participate in multiple age demographics at different times, then this would be facilitated by use of Alternative Accounts (Alts). 2.Enhanced Demographic Visibility: Profile Visibility: Each avatar’s age category will be prominently displayed on their profile through intuitive icons and color codes, ensuring it is immediately apparent to other users. In-Environment Indicators: Beside each avatar’s floating name, a universally understandable icon indicating their age demographic will be visible, ensuring all interactions are age-appropriate. 3.Zoning and Access Control: Geofenced Zones: Implement strict geofencing based on age demographics, allowing avatars access only to designated zones that match their age group, enhancing both safety and compliance. 4.Content and Community Management: Content Filtering: Systems will adjust content visibility and interaction possibilities based on the immutable age setting. Community Interaction Protocols: Encourage engagement within age-similar groups to foster a safer and more relevant social environment. 5.Policy and Compliance Framework: Clear Communication: Users will be thoroughly informed about the importance and permanence of their age selection during the setup process. Legal and Policy Compliance: Regular reviews and updates will ensure alignment with global legal standards and adapt to evolving user and community needs. Benefits: Safety and Security: Ensures a secure environment by aligning users’ interactions strictly with their age group. Regulatory Compliance: Meets stringent global standards for online safety and child protection. Enhanced User Trust: Builds user confidence through transparent policies and clear, visible age demarcations.

I don't normally respond to this sort of posting, but I will here because it's important to me and has been for the duration of a 30 year career introducing technology to African and South American communities - in what I hope was a sympathetic and culturally appropriate way. Sadly your grasp of the realities around Africa, the developing world, and indeed the issues around unbanked and underbanked communities, is slim to none. Certainly things have moved on for the Maasai and Africa as a continent since the last National Geographic documentary you watched back in the '80s. I suspect there is little point in discussing things with you in a constructive manner, however I might at least point out a little perspective which you might take on board for the future. The presence of a sophisticated banking infrastructure does not help the communities who for whatever reason are not able to access that infrastructure. I'm assuming you'd agree that the US has a relatively modern financial and commercial infrastructures, and yet approximately 4.5% of US households are unbanked (around 6million people) and 14% are underbanked (around 19million people). And yes, hotels all over the US process credit card payments on a daily basis - just not for those of the 19million mentioned above. The correlation between access to technology and access to financial infrastructure is nuanced and complex and as such requires a nuanced and sophisticated approach - just one of which might include facilitating more open access to a digital marketplace like Second Life.

HI Everyone, As I prepare to take a break from the forums, I would like to share a few reflections with you based on my short time here. In reaction to what might only be charitably called my “blue sky” thinking, I was perhaps rightly called out for some naivety and perhaps a smattering of unconstructive technological determinism. To be honest, I hold my hand up as guilty to both charges. I do believe technology has and will continue to change the world for the better, and I am still hopelessly naïve. “Naivety” however, although sometimes used in the pejorative by individuals made weary and cynical in the face of “how the world works”, can actually be one of our greatest assets. It empowers us to dream big, challenge the status quo, and pursue paths that others might dismiss as unrealistic. Consider the incredible journeys of entrepreneurs (good and bad!) who started with nothing but a bold idea. Many of these individuals were told their visions were impractical or foolish. Yet, it was their naivety—their ability to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be—that led them to build empires, reshape industries, and reshape society. Many of you have been citizens of Second Life for decades, for much of your adult lives. What was it that brought you here in the early days of a platform older than Facebook and Twitter? Was it “common sense”, or was it a certain naivety, a vision and belief in something not yet tangible, a dream which many of your “RL” peers would have sneered at as strange and stupid? So why not believe again in the "naïve" ideal that Second Life might still change the world for the better in ways which aren't even possible yet? Forget my ideas, they don’t have to be yours, and shouldn’t be yours. I’m just an interloper here, but I feel a little sad when I read some your posts which communicate a certain fatalism and powerlessness in how the future of SL might be shaped. So, I’ll just leave you with this "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead (I think) All the best, Jackson

Thanks Zalificent for your pointed critique and for highlighting the significant disparities in technological access across different regions. I completely agree that the picture I painted might seem overly optimistic or disconnected from the reality faced by many, particularly in less developed regions. In response to these valid concerns, I want to emphasize that the goal is not to overlook these realities but to actively work towards bridging these gaps. For instance, my reference to the work with Thunes is part of a broader vision to leverage existing infrastructures, no matter how minimal, to extend digital reach and hence opportunity. Thunes, by facilitating transactions in places with limited traditional banking, represents just one of the ways it might adapt to the diverse capabilities of different regions. Moreover, I mentioned the mobile platform development in recognition of the trend towards cheaper and more accessible technology. While this does not solve all problems immediately, it is a step towards reducing hardware limitations that can exclude potential users. While I understand a cynicism in the face of what might appear technological determinism or even what might be called neo-colonialism, it’s also wise to guard against a tendency to stereotyping any one group of people in order to make a point. In terms of the Maasai, to explore your example, the technological realities, as for many indigenous and rural communities, are complex and vary significantly between different groups and locations. However generally speaking connectivity and access to technology is increasing and adoption is accelerating within the Maasai. In fact, they have themselves often been cited as model by which a people may maintain their cultural identity while also adapting to modern technologies where they see benefit. As an example, while they continue their traditional practices such as pastoralism and rites of passage, they also integrate technologies that can help manage their businesses and communicate with the wider world. A mobile banking service called M-Pesa for instance have become a vital part of economic transactions for the Maasai, allowing them to send and receive money without needing access to a traditional bank. This service is particularly valuable for managing finances related to livestock sales and other forms of trade.

Hi Zalificent, Thanks for sharing your concerns, and I appreciate your candid perspective. I understand the skepticism regarding the financial management post-acquisition and the challenges of reaching new markets, especially in underbanked regions. To address your points: First, while the possibility of using funds to manage buyout debt exists, strategic investments in technology can also spur long-term growth, as seen in other tech sectors. Expanding our user base isn't just about finding 'untapped markets'; it's about making our platform more accessible and inclusive, which aligns with broader trends in technology adoption globally. Regarding Thunes, it's important to clarify that their network supports a variety of transaction services that could facilitate easier access to platforms like Second Life even in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is scarce. Finally, the point about hardware limitations is well-taken. However, global trends in cheaper and more accessible technology are rapidly changing this this landscape. I appreciate the hardware requirements for SL can be prohibitive, but perhaps with the advent of the mobile platform we might see the barriers to participation reduced. As an example, one business I'm involved with competed in the Global Learning XPRIZE a few years ago. I appreciate there are some criticisms of the XPRIZE organisation, however several entrants had great success and did facilitate marked improvements in remote communities by a combination of software and inexpensive hardware innovations.