[ZombieSlayer]

Since I was mentioned here I shall pipe up

I did tell David H about these forums and he said he already knew. I don't remember when I told him about them...but it was at least a week or two after I signed up.

I wanted him to come here and read some of the excellent ideas that were brought up. I haven't actually asked him if Mr. Lester knows about these forums...but I don't see how he couldn't.

Now about Second Life.

Wittesea you are correct about when Mr. Lester joined up with Second Life as an employee. It was after he created the Brigadoon island and had been there for awhile.

It is completely free to join. I've been playing in Second Life for at least a year now and haven't spent a dime.

As for why "healthy adults" pay for fake land and whatnot....I don't know.

[Bobbi]

I can't address most of what is posted in this thread. First: I've not read each post thoroughly enough to think I'm okay to do so.

But, an aspect of this thread I can address relates to the creation and participation in Brigadoon and as someone whom has been dx'd with AS (Asperger's Syndrome).

It's sorta like I'm sitting here asking myself: Why can't people understand? But, I get it. It's akin to trying to relay how it feels to have allergies to someone whom has never felt the ill-effects.

I've layed low during so much of the discussions about BT during its downtime. What's been important is that I know how I feel about BT and what it has meant to me.

When it comes to Brigadoon and SL (SecondLife), I'm gonna say: AS is much more than just a social disorder. As an adult I was dx'd. I had ample time to "acclimate" to queues - signals or subtle things people did. Smile when others speak, laugh when I didn't get the "punch lines" of jokes (and mostly ones that seemed to drag on for an eternity), etc. I also learned that people think that if one cannot look another in the eyes, some take that as a sign of "lying." But... did those same people whom suggest folks are lying ever stop to think about how Asperger's adversely affects the people living with it? Non-direct eye contact does not make all liars. It could be that the discomfort level is so unbearable that one just cannot do it. The work-around for people with AS? There are several, but... looking at the bridge of another's nose kinda helps .

What does SL do? How does it help? Why would anyone participate?

It afforded me a level ground: Engaging with people who understand Asperger's and without being ostracized as a result. It is avatars, symbolizing living beings, that interact on a social level. People, and there are real people behind each AV created, are not being judged based on the same superficial things as in RL (real life). Because it is an interactive medium, people feel "heard." There is just so much negativity in life, and, quite frankly, I've not felt nearly the same level while participating in SL. An avatar is skin. And... SL is more than "skin" deep.

As it was/is/remains: So many people fear being "Labelled." I get why. I was dx'd and that was a good day in my life. No longer were doctors trying to medicate away something and take away what has been a staple of my life and my living. Some know Asperger's as a "Geek" syndrome. Whatever anyone wants to call it, fine by me... as long as the stigma is lifted - even gradually.

I posted a plethora of links in the Autism Forum (here) about adult AS. I somehow doubt many have visited the sites. It's clear.

[wannabe]

Thanks for the great explanation and info Bobbi. I really appreciate you educating us about this. I appreciate everyone filling in a little piece of this mysterious virtual world for me.

I haven't read the links in the forum as I didn't know they were there. I will now though. I did think I could understand a bit how this virtual environment could add an important social dimension for those with AS or autism, my questions arose from people who do not suffer from these conditions and why anyone would spend real money on virtual "things" with no stable after market. I can't quite grasp that. And I guess I had a worry that those with social difficulties might be taken advantage of by others trying to sell them virtual things that may not be 'worth' anything and couldn't be sold again. My questions are truly out of ignorance, but sincere interest to learn so I hope if I put my foot in my mouth you understand that it was unintentional. I am sincere and not judging, just not understanding a new concept.

Has anyone at Second Life who is a member of BT been able to discuss this forum issue with JL? Is that a way that people have been able to reach him, in this virtual world?

I think I understand how a virtual world could connect people with AS or autism in a way that the real world was unable to facilitate. I would hope though that a virtual world wouldn't come to REPLACE efforts for those with AS or autism from working to develop as much potential as exists for real world live contact. I just am not sure cyberworlds can be substituted for some of those intangible aspects of human contact that are so important to living. But I'm not an expert, maybe that's not true. I plead my ignorance here but will read more to learn more. Thanks to those who are enlightening me.

[Username]

I think Bobbi and a few others explained it pretty well. I had the sequences of origin switched around, but none the less it still helps many, many people. Like Bobbi said, unless you have Aspergers and use Brigadoon, which is within Second Life, you will more than likely not get it and not want to get it. No matter how we try to explain it to you.

As for the credit cards - Many internet sites require a credit card for identification purposes when you register. It keeps track of the users and also provides a way of finding someone should things get ugly. And sometimes it does, people go out of the game and lines blurr. SL may charge for "upgrades" in the game, I don't know about that. The concept of paying real money for nothing was created with the advancement of technology. A lot of people pay something for nothing. Subscriptions to websites for one. So why is the idea of paying a membership fee for an online "game" so hard to understand? Somebody has to pay for the upkeep and maintenance and possibly make a living while they're doing it. Capitalism at it's finest. But I don't think (again, I don't know for sure) that people are paying huge chunks of real cash for make believe clothing. Think of it as buying more pieces for their Monopoly game or more items for Dungeons and Dragons.

Again, the speed of criticism for something people know nothing about continues to amaze me.

Wittesea, I liked the way you asked your questions without criticizing. That's the way to do it!

Let the crucifiction continue! Did anyone see the sunrise this morning? I didn't, so it must not be there anymore.



Linda

[KTM5665]

Im not so sure that people are crucifiying...just asking questions. that's normal.

what ISNT normal...are feelings of abandonment, being left in a lurch, predujice, favoritism...and all the other negativity shown towards some members from the old Bt. It will take time for peoples feelings of trust to regain themselves, if ever...I dont think the problem stems "directly" from Jl, as it does his modsquad...

[Chemar]

Originally Posted by Username

Let the crucifiction continue! Did anyone see the sunrise this morning? I didn't, so it must not be there anymore.



Linda

Yikes! Arent you bein' a bit harsh there toward people who are simply asking for information and making comments in an open discussion forum (never mind the dog poop comment in your edit message!!!)

as to my comments, I intentionally said NOTHING about Second Life or anything related to it as I know nothing firsthand about it.

However, having been at BT for a loooong time, I made my comments based on what I did know firsthand, and that is that for two months the forums at BT have been down and it surprises me that someone of JLs computer skills has not had at the least more frequent updates, nevermind not gotten those boards or a new one up and running faster.
I also know firsthand that this has caused distress and health deterioration for some people who really depend on BT, and I feel pretty sure that there are countless more like them who have not yet found or been told about this board.
I am also puzzled that "politics" would have stood in the way ( I assume) of the update message that was last on BT (what now...2 weeks ago last?) as it didnt point people here as a temporary refuge.

Crucifying ? Most certainly not.
Confused and disappointed ? You bet!

[Jane]

Confusing? Disappointing?? Let me add discouraging.

On the other hand since I am not a board member of BT., I don't personally know what has been going on since the board was established. With that in mind, I will keep my guesstimations to myself.

Jane

[Username]

People (and without going back I can't say who) by their comments leave an undertone of exactly what they mean with their questions. I suppose I was adding that to all the other comments I've been reading about JL. I know he has disappointed many people, but come on, he's gotten really beat up over BT. He doesn't owe anybody anything. Because he started something he doesn't have to commit to that project the rest of his life. Why so many people feel that he owes them something, is beyond my comprehension. It was great while it lasted (and it may still come back) but it's season may be over. It seems like all good he has done for people, is being shadowed by the fact he's not doing it right now. And I don't feel he deserves that.

[Curious]

i think since he asked and got donations for a new server, he should be held accountable. thaty board was also set up with google ads to generate income.

i agree it's season may be over. but where (not to mention how much) did the money go? don't non-profit organizations have to report p&l statement?

i feel the same as chemar. are the old members of bt getting the support and help they need?

i don't think anyone here has crucifed jl.

[Jane]

Originally Posted by Username

People (and without going back I can't say who) by their comments leave an undertone of exactly what they mean with their questions. I suppose I was adding that to all the other comments I've been reading about JL. I know he has disappointed many people, but come on, he's gotten really beat up over BT. He doesn't owe anybody anything. Because he started something he doesn't have to commit to that project the rest of his life. Why so many people feel that he owes them something, is beyond my comprehension. It was great while it lasted (and it may still come back) but it's season may be over. It seems like all good he has done for people, is being shadowed by the fact he's not doing it right now. And I don't feel he deserves that.

We are in agreement except that we don't really know if this has been a matter of lack of interest or being bound by a board with a differing vision. BT stopped being a one man show when it became a not for profit.

If one checks early posts relative to Brigadoon, it was organized through BT and designated donations could be made to it through BT. As in most not for profits, funds can be designated to specific projects. Perfectly legal and a good thing. This allows those who are interested in a given project to help fund it and reduce the amount needed from the general fund.
Jane