Celestiall Nightfire

LaskyaClaren wrote: And, what I was discussing -- feminist perspectives on Linden Lab's early public discussions about a new content rating system -- was controversial and, to a great many forum regulars, threatening....annoying! The issue of "intent" seems so important to me because it can be so difficult to discern from the outside. Intent isn't relevant. Results are.

Derek Torvalar wrote: HarrisonMcKenzie wrote: Being a Japanese cultural scholar, LOT of people who are into Japanese culture are giant, horrible nerds (myself included), stiupid weeaboo, Use emotes and gestures. "scholar"? Really? Apparently a weeaboo, who doesn't want to be known as "the stupid" one. ; )

Ethnic or cultural names that are different from my RL one doesn't matter. I'm from the US, and we have every kind of name here, so it's all good. But, even if there was a name that appeared very different from what I'm used to, it wouldn't matter, as I like meeting people from other countries. Now, if the name is using a weird looking cutesy font that's nearly unreadable, that would make me think twice about communicating with the person.

Coby Foden wrote: Celestiall Nightfire wrote: Sassy Romano wrote: You expect to pay taxes on game tokens? Prizes are L$ so it wouldn't be income until cashed out. Sassy, the IRS expects people to report prizes (even if it's not "money"), bartering, and other material "gains". I have always thought that when the money (L$), earned in way Second Life, stays inside Second Life it is not taxable anywhere. Only when the money is cashed out then it becomes real world income and thus will be taxable. Just like Sassy says. LL is giving a "prize". The IRS has rules that apply to prizes. LL is obligated under law to report the "fair market value" of the prize and the information of the person winning it. That is what the IRS will see. It doesn't matter if the money's not cashed out.

Sassy Romano wrote: Yes, value of a cash prize. L$ have no value unless cashed out, Unfortunately, that's not the way it works for prizes. The IRS uses "fair market value" to determine if someone has a capital gain or earned income. So, whatever the USD exchange rate is, that's what would need to be declared. It doesn't matter if the person doesn't cash it out. Since LL will report the "fair market value" of the prizes to the proper taxing authorities, it would be up to the winner to declare it on their taxes. That's why the prize rules mention the winner being liable for the taxes. LL lists the prize values as such: 5. PRIZES. A. Description of Prizes. • Grand Prize – 10,000 Linden Dollars (estimated value at US$40.00). • First Prize – 5,000 Linden Dollars (estimated value at US$20.00). • Second Prize – 3,000 Linden Dollars (estimated value at $12.00). • Third Prize- 1,000 Linden Dollars (estimated value at $4.00). Which is why they say in the prize eligibility: E. All federal, state, local and or other applicable taxes, licenses, title and/or registration fees or others costs, associated with winning a prize are the sole responsibility of the Winner(s). The Sponsor and its affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies, and each of their directors, officers, employees, agents and assigns, shall not be responsible for any such taxes, fees and costs. ,

Sassy Romano wrote: You expect to pay taxes on game tokens? Prizes are L$ so it wouldn't be income until cashed out. Sassy, the IRS expects people to report prizes (even if it's not "money"), bartering, and other material "gains". See the link I posted in my eariler comment. From that IRS link: "Prizes and awards Subject to certain exceptions, the cash value of prizes or awards won in a drawing, quiz show program, beauty contest, or other event, must be included on the tax return as taxable income. Taxpayers must also report the fair market value of merchandise or products won as a prize or award, as taxable income. For example, both a $500 cash prize and the fair market value of a new range won in a baking contest must be reported as other income on Form 1040, Line 21."

Carl Thibodeaux wrote: I am curious, but do you have to pay taxes on whatever they reward you? Possibly. From the contest rules: E. All federal, state, local and or other applicable taxes, licenses, title and/or registration fees or others costs, associated with winning a prize are the sole responsibility of the Winner(s). The Sponsor and its affiliates, subsidiaries and advertising and promotion agencies, and each of their directors, officers, employees, agents and assigns, shall not be responsible for any such taxes, fees and costs. You should check the tax, and contest laws, in your area if you're concerned. If in the US this may be helpful: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Reporting-Miscellaneous-Income Also, check your state website if in the US. Other countries probably have similar information type websites.

Venus Petrov wrote: Slides so easy Pants Must be leather (I couldn't resist) Resistance is futile for you ; )

Alwin Alcott wrote: As soon you'r Out Of Character nobody can demand actions of you or put restrictions on your choices. Sure they can. People can make demands anytime. The key is knowing when to listen, and when to "LOL!", when the demands are heard.

The level of freedom to decide one's own SL, is exactly what the group owners are doing. If someone owns a group, they can boot and bann for any reason they wish. Your solution might not be what others choose. There are options: 1) Join a group that has rules you find objectionable, and either quit, or get booted. 2) Hide your groups on your profile, so there's no issue. 3) Start your own RP group, and run it how you like. (Usually those running a RP are also paying for land, builds, and RP stuff, and if putting out money, they can run their group how they like) 4) Capitulate, and drop a group due to pressure.

Your hand slides *pant* heat from my loins

lotusmortality wrote: ...thus forcing interaction so there is always a reason to meet and greet. ...Experienced player will have to spend at least 2 hrs New player will have to be around the sim at least twice a week....and will have to be willing to learn about SL and explore. ... they will have to do team exercises where it will be mandatory to explore and learn about SL with a partner If you have to force people to interact, learn, and explore, there's something seriously wrong with your vision of SL. Sounds like a gulag. I suggest you reverse your idea. Instead of having rules, and forced social meddling...just provide a nice place for people to crash. Provide a central giver box with notecards that have landmarks for cool places to explore. Have a group where you do weekly notices that share learning and exploration ideas. Let newbies, and oldbies, learn and explore at their own pace, and interest level.

I took your survey yesterday, and popping back in to comment. I never run with advanced lighitng. It freezes me, and then I crash. When trying it, I see things looking different for a few seconds, then *bam* instant freeze, and sometimes so frozen I have to do a hard restart on my computer, as the viewer is unworkable. Your builds look lovely either way though. :matte-motes-inlove:

Hoshi Kenin wrote: Oh, the hypocrisy of 'right on' people who - naturally - could have 'handled' SL with maturity beyond their years if they had been under the TOS age, and, indeed, would have done so because, hey, they are/were fantastic enough to do it, unlike the vast majority who would not be mature enough at that age. What an odd reaction you're having? There's no hypocrisy in my post, or the OP's. (perhaps you should look up the meaning of that word ; ) You're projecting some bitter feelings you have. What a shame. Hoshi Kenin wrote: Wow, they even went to 'adult' places in RL, again, because they are sophisticates from a higher realm lol. Yet, these buffoons still pour scorn on adults playing - as they are permitted under the TOS - child/younger avs. Yup. I went to adult places a lot, starting at about age 12. Got served in bars at age 16, at a xxx theater at 17, and so on. That was my experience. (quite a different time and place : ) I've no idea who, or what, you're referring to about people playing as a child/younger avs? Not relevant. Again, it appears that you're projecting emotion from some bitter personal experience. Maybe you're one of the people who aren't mature enough to handle SL. Emotional maturity isn't age dependent. Hoshi Kenin wrote: I really have no words for you, frankly. Hand me the in-flight sick bag. For the OP, sound sentiments re. your father. But. You were a TOS breaker. I am afraid to draw this to your attention, but rules are there - in virtual worlds, and, indeed RL - for EVERYONE. *laughing* You don't seem to handle life very well. Or, diversity. Or, other people. (Don't forget to look up the definition of: hypocrisy! ; )

Syo Emerald wrote: Celestiall Nightfire wrote: Jack Skallagrimson wrote: Anyway, I will be holding a memorial service for my dear father on his birthday March 23rd, at 7PM SLT at his place in Kissling. I have an activity planned where we can knock down his building, it's a nice relic from an old time in second life, but admittedly even by him, a bit obtuse. I would like to build a small temple in its place, and maybe hold weekly discussions on Vedanta philosophy there. Donations are welcome, they will go towards my college. He would have been 64. Hello Jack! I'm always happy to help knock down a building! So may show for that. *smiles* Oh, and you do have an old name, cool to see that. Sorry, about your family member,....it's interesting that you started in SL as an actual child. (as opposed to the adults that play as children!) I don't donate to causes in SL. (I do buy goods and services though.) Good luck with your philosophy discussion venture. I recommend you place a "donation" box in the temple after you build it. People may wish to give to help with the upkeep. Whats interesting about a child creating an account with a fake birthdate in order to enter a place thats not meant for 12 year olds? That he's still in SL, and it appears he handled it better, than some of the actual adults. I find that not only interesting, but amusing. Plus, I'd have done it if SL was around when I was 12. Would have totally joined with a fake birthday. Hell, I was going to adult places in RL when I was a teenager. Would have been all over SL like a duck on water. Now mind you, I don't allow minors in my sims, and will boot and bann someone, if I even suspect they're under 18. But, that's more to protect the adults, as I have no personal issue with minors traipsing around adult material.

Errr...what's a "toddleedoos"?! Never heard of that.....

Jack Skallagrimson wrote: Anyway, I will be holding a memorial service for my dear father on his birthday March 23rd, at 7PM SLT at his place in Kissling. I have an activity planned where we can knock down his building, it's a nice relic from an old time in second life, but admittedly even by him, a bit obtuse. I would like to build a small temple in its place, and maybe hold weekly discussions on Vedanta philosophy there. Donations are welcome, they will go towards my college. He would have been 64. Hello Jack! I'm always happy to help knock down a building! So may show for that. *smiles* Oh, and you do have an old name, cool to see that. Sorry, about your family member,....it's interesting that you started in SL as an actual child. (as opposed to the adults that play as children!) I don't donate to causes in SL. (I do buy goods and services though.) Good luck with your philosophy discussion venture. I recommend you place a "donation" box in the temple after you build it. People may wish to give to help with the upkeep.

CheriColette wrote: Im not sure. I will of course check it out and as someone said, if my friends go over then I might be persuaded to too. When I started sl I spent very little, now I buy something every week....its additive and I tell myself its so little really compared to what some people spend rl on sports and hobbies, drinks and eating out. Hi Cheri! If you're referring to Open Sim, then yes, you should check it out. : )

LlazarusLlong wrote: Lustey wrote: it's better to sell 100 of something at 10 dollars than only 10 at 100 dollars...that's just simple math. It's not a math I recognise. Oy! That first version of "just simple math!" *chuckling* No wonder they don't understand business.

Lustey wrote: i see alot of mixed emotions on this post, but bottom line is, Linden Labs has failed....they have failed in the current world as problems just keep repeating themselves over and over as they lack the knowledge and know how to fix the issues or more likely they just don't care enough as long as their private sims are working fine. If they would trace the problems and fix the issues instead of using 10 year old laughable methods on a cutting edge game, we might be ahead of the curve instead of sitting in the middle of the curve....The fact they are making another world, tells me they have no intention on repairing nor even attempting to fix a failing world. They care more about money, evident by the astronomical sim pricing, note LL, it's better to sell 1000 of something at 10 dollars than only 10 at 100 dollars...that's just simple math...point being, if you really gave a **bleep** about the world that your resident created, you would give those that desire to be in the world a broader opputunity in making the world a better place. Instead you charge 300 for a sim, which let's face it, performs subpar at best, even when only half full and regardless of script time. You are simply robbing peter to pay paul right now and that my ignorant Linden friends is going to cost you dearly. The fact you state that you will keep both worlds up and running is extremely laughable as you can't even keep one running smmoothly....My advice to you is very simple, fix what is already in place by any mean necessary, replace servers, downtime is fine if we know things are being repaired and righted....If you fail to allow the resident to transfer at least their newer items to the "new world" you will lose more residents than you will gain simply by bad mouthing your horrid business senses. Designers, clubs as well as educational institutions have pulled out of second life because of this talk and the ones who make the world what it is are suffering because your heads are firmly up your incompetent ceos ass....good luck and I urge your choice to be in favor of the people instead of your pocket. Gah! Paragraph breaks! Learn them. For you ----> Open Sim. Go! (See? I'm here to help ; ) Also, why do so many people fail to understand that a business, exists....to make money?!

NatashaSvetsky wrote: So here's my question: what's the best way to make it clear to people you're a guy in real life.... Write it on your profile. NatashaSvetsky wrote: ...or is it even necessary to do so in the first place?... No. Some people can successfully pull-off running an avatar that's very different from their RL self. Others, not so much. Be prepared for people to wonder, if you fall into that latter category.

LlazarusLlong wrote: Madelaine McMasters wrote: And from the looks of it, possibly not where you live either (if I recall correctly), at least not eventually... Notice that my Mac's spellchecker doesn't like your spelling, but the forum spellchecker doesn't mind either spelling. I don't think there's any worry that practised will be thought wrong in your lifetime, so rest easy. Thank you Madelaine! This information is exactly that which I need for my research on "Americans are getting more stupid quicker than the British". Now I have to investigate the reasons, several of which suggest themselves: Americans are congenitally more stupid than the British The American education system encourages stupidity More stupid people write books in America than Britain America has increasing numbers of ESLers who don't know any better American communications media businesses employ more stupid people as sub-editors More Americans are seduced by the argument that language is a living thing so errors are OK Greater alcohol and drug use (and daytime tv programming) in America degrades the brain functioning (Latterly)Proportionately greater use of Apple equipment by Americans encourages a lack of discernment and discrimination I also expect that a large proportion of the errors made by the British shown in the graph are quotations by British authors of the errors made by American authors. It's also heartwarming to note that the trend in Americans in the 21st century is towards correctness, which coincides with my own extensive internet campaign to educate non-British writers. If the improvement continues then Americans will be using English properly well before the end of the century. If you have any further contributions to my work I would be delighted to receive them here. [ By the way, I didn't realise that the Mac had a spellchecker.] [Like 99% of Mac users seem to be ignorant of its existence.] Well, it could be worse. You guys in the UK could be speaking German. ; )

SweetLadyMell wrote: To all...that wander...alone... In awe... touching everything... hoping to be... touched... A haiku-like note... Ever seen those "new" people? Running around, clumsy bumping everyone, touching anything, no real AO. Ever wondered...are they alone? If you ever see one like that...at least right-click and select "send IM" and welcome them..."touch" them...make sure they do not feel alone....at least not on the "SL side" of the screen... Mell (I had an emotional day, sorry...) Ack! No, no....when I was a newbie exploring the grid, clicking on everything (I still click on everything!) the last thing I wanted was an IM popping in disturbing me. I loved gadding about, learning on my own, and strangers trying to interact with me, spooked my fun.

KarenMichelle Lane wrote: Here I found several posts that went missing months ago. What is frustrating is that no one at LL [Live Chat or JIRA] could tell me to look here. I only found it because I actually looked and saw that the Waiting for Approval message rather than my norm to move on to another question. The problem goes deep. New LL employees don't understand how the product works, as nobody explained it to them. Perhaps even the people that trained them didn't know...and so on..and back it goes. The Linden that posted to the forums a few days ago was under the impression that we could file a support ticket for forum issues! (But, the support team doesn't handle forum issues, and can't help here) I suspect that the forum staff don't actually know how it works. As for us, the customer finding out how the product works....well....we're doing it now. Same way as always. *laughing*

Penny Patton wrote: Celestiall Nightfire wrote: Oh, that's right, because you didn't address the rest of my comment. lol Plus, no one "shouted down" the OP! Just nonsense. You were making a hyperbolic statement to lead into your hammering point that you always go on, and on, about. (Sheesh, do you know how many times I've seen you post your avatar pics? Good grief woman, like a broken record) The posts are right there for anyone to see. Half of them dismissing and mocking the OP's post. Calling them a slow learner and impatient, claimingthat SL's difficult learning curve is necessary. Not to mention, but if you read a little more thoroughly you'd see people were continuing to do so after my post as well. Just saying. And yeah, there's a lot of people complaining LL needs to fix SL, but more often than not the complaints are confused and misdirected, with a lot of people, such as yourself, complaining that the people who actually do understand the technical issues causing their problems are "like a broken record". Which is funny, because I'll go like six months to a year without touching these forums, come back for a week or two, then wander off again, and yet somehow I'm still posting about these issues too much for your liking. But yeah, you're right, I'm totally the problem here. You sure told me! :matte-motes-whistle: Penny, you read others as dismissing and mocking...but I didn't see them that way. I saw them as agreeing with the poster. Also, you have some odd idea that only *you* understand the technical issues? That other's don't see it, understand it, or try to communicate with LL. Well, you're wrong. The broken record, is an apt description. You constantly harp on things that we all know, and so does LL. Geez, you're not some harbinger of enlightenment. Then to end it up, you trot out the sarcasm (which before you thought it was bad to be dismissing and mocking?! As for the scale and body proportions....I first saw Ishtara Rothschild post about these *years* ago in the forums. She did a complete break down of the issue, with a detailed drawing similar to The Vitruvian Man. Only, after she posted all her excellent pics, detail, and suggestions did I ever see anyone else approach the subject the same way. Then others started. You're not some idea originator, nor the bearer of light here. I get it that you think you're right, and anyone questioning you, is wrong. But, have you considered that other people might know things too? That other people also have communicated to LL? That others are doing as much as more than you are to try and remedy things? Also, have you considered that the issues you harp on about just aren't that big a deal to the other SL residents? I could go on, but I doubt you'll care, as you're dismissive of anyone who challenges your broken record- thread highjacking here in the forums.