Take Me Higher

Random Advices

Well, you are loved

You must be strong for him. Be the teacher he needs, not the one that you need to be.

even the fool sooner or later will slip up. the wise man will be calm.

Even a fool, when he remains silent appears wise

I hope you have a wonderful evening

I may cry.

If that is the case, then do whatever you need to do.

Peopel vote with their feet

so this is a temper tantrum?

wise man uses words only when he must: the more you say, the more they can attack.

I think the more concise and factual it can be with the least emotion except a closing appeal would be the most powerful

Have I hurt you too much?

I am humbled to help you in any way

how funny

I am so ashamed by what is happening...

it will come down to forgiveness

wield your power as a king, not as a servant.

Who do you think cares?

Be in the moment with your actions

It doesn't matter who caused it - it's your situation.

Listening Herald

I was incredulous, mystified and dumbfounded.

I was told that a Second Life Resident of excellent credentials said he discovered "listening devices" of mine in one area I had visited often. Further, the owner of the area said the Resident told him to delete them, and he did, so "Arth couldn't spy on him anymore". When another, more reliable contact told me he had confirmed this claim directly with the finder, I was plunged into confusion.

First, yes, I know how to make remote listening devices - they are not that hard to script - but I don't make them because they are against Second Life Community Standards:

Remotely monitoring conversations, posting conversation logs, or sharing conversation logs without consent are all prohibited in Second Life and on the Second Life Forums.

Second, I had been getting no reports of any activity in the area in discussion, not by e-mail nor Instant Message nor by chat. That's what remote listening scripts do: they listen to what is said and send some communication somewhere. Even if I'd inadvertantly put one somewhere (did I drag a wrong script into some thing I had built there?) I'd be getting a remote report from Second Life. Such reports are easily monitored and traced by Linden Labs.

Third, after wracking my brain, what, really, had this Resident found? I had permission from the area owner to build and leave objects there, but I had left nothing unusual in that area. I'd left a common pose ball pair (they go invisible when you type "/8 hide"). I'd built a very low prim bridge witha common script that emitted glowing "fireflies" you could change their color by command (when you type "/1 bridge yellow", the colored floating lights change to yellow) as a gift to the area owner, who had angrily destroyed a similar object, he said. But I knew those scripts had no relay command in them. Curiouser and curiouser.

Anyhow, I was told that my listening devices in that area were found and deleted without any notice to me. The area owner banned me from the area and prohibited me from building there. Then, later, some trouble occurred with his objects and landscaping going missing in the area. The owner accused me of causing this, an utter impossibility. A report was filed, and the researching Linden said they found and took more listening devices to see if they broke the rules. That's when the owner of the area told me about all this.

Fourth, how could anyone show that the scripted contents of an object that no longer exists did not contain the ability to remotely monitor chat?

Fifth, well, I'd hear from the Lindens if they were mine, and that would resolve the mystery, but it's been three weeks, and I've heard nothing. Linden Labs does follow up on Abuse Reports, too: I've filed three of them in the meantime that have already been adressed and resolved by the Linden Liaison office. And the Lindens can easily crack a script and see if it has the ability to remotely montior a conversation and see where the conversation is being sent. Unless the scripter cooperates, Residents can't crack scripts.

Suddenly, it dawned on me: no-one said they'd found "remote listening devices", they had found "listening devices". And I knew what they'd found and how they found it.

Any prim that responds to chat has "listen" built into the script: the "/8 show/hide" pose balls (like the ones I'd left on the sim), huggers ( "/hug Arth"), dialog controllers (the blue panel that shows up with options), magic devices ("Flame on!"), Valimar title makers (some you can change by chatting), and (aha!) my chat controlled, color changing bridge. These devices do listen, but they don't need or have the second ingredient necessary for a remote monitor: a portion of the script that sends data somehwere. My posers and bridge certainly had listen but no send script.

It is fairly easy to locate scripted objects. According to the SL Knowledge Base, : Click View > Beacons > Scripted Objects on your menu bar, then click View > Beacons > Render Beacons. That doesn't tell you WHAT the script does, exactly, though. For that, the easily available and very useful MystiTool and at least six other devices have a bug scanner that locates scripts that use listen. I had even recommend MystiTool to the Resident who found my listening devices. But even Mystitool does not differentiate between listening scripts that send data elsewhere and scripts that do not. Maybe there are other tools that detect remote listening scripts, but I've not found one. Someone should script one!

I'm satisfied that the mystery of the reported listening devices is explained in this irony: no one but Lindens can tell the difference between a creepy "remote monitor" and a useful chat controlled object. I need to tell this to those who are still wondering why the area owner is so mad at me. I will direct them to this blog post - those that should know can fill in the names easily.

Love, Arth

P.S.: Three Ironies:

1) Mystitool is capable of generating objects that report who is where in an allowed area. Next, they self delete. Usually. If they lag out, another's Mystitool can detect them as very suspicious invisible listeners.

2) I had been working on and finally scripted "pose balls" that do not use listen scripts. The sit scripts in my furniture seats now counter the prim rotations with an animation rotation, so I don't need the extra ball prim. Even my furniture has nothing to hide.

3) Those pose balls I left out had been given to me by the Resident who found them.

O {:-{D}

Stalking Herald

There has been some discussion and confusion about stalking in my circles of Second Life. When does seeking someone become stalking? More specifically, when does seeking someone who does not wish to be found become stalking?

---------- Begin debate. First, establish authority and scope:-------

Excerpt: Second Life Terms of Service

4.1 You agree to abide by certain rules of conduct, including the Community Standards and other rules prohibiting illegal and other practices that Linden Lab deems harmful. ...
In addition to abiding at all times by the Community Standards, you agree that you shall not: ... (x) "stalk", abuse or attempt to abuse, or otherwise harass another user

7.1 Governing Law. This Agreement and the relationship between you and Linden Lab shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of California without regard to conflict of law principles or the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods.

-------Next, define terms-------

Excerpt: CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE , SECTION 646.9. (a)

Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or willfully and maliciously harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family is guilty of the crime of stalking

Excerpts: Encarta Online Dictionary

~~seek: (v) 1. search for something: to try to find a person, thing, or place. 2. strive for or attempt something: to try to achieve or obtain or do something. 3. ask for something: to consult somebody in order to obtain something such as help or advice. 4. head for something: to go to or toward a place or thing

~~ stalk: (n) 1. stealthy pursuit: the act or process of stealthily following or trying to approach somebody or something. 2. act of steady harassment: the crime of harassing somebody with persistent, inappropriate, and unwanted attention.

~~ha·rass: (v) 1. keep bothering or attacking: to persistently annoy, attack, or bother. 2. exhaust enemy with repeated attacks: to exhaust an enemy by attacking
repeatedly.

~~stealth: (n) 1. action to avoid detection: the action of doing something slowly, quietly, and covertly, in order to avoid detection. 2. furtiveness: secretive, dishonest, or cunning behavior or actions

~~malice: (n) 1. wish to do harm: the intention or desire to cause harm or pain to somebody 2. (law) intent to do harm: the intention to commit an unlawful and unjustifiable act that will result in harm to another.

Excerpt: Second Life Community Standards

... Harassment: Given the myriad capabilities of Second Life, harassment can take many forms. Communicating or behaving in a manner which is offensively coarse, intimidating or threatening, constitutes unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, or is otherwise likely to cause annoyance or alarm is Harassment.

------------Argument:-------------

"Stalk" implies malicious, stealthy intention to harm, with threats and repetition. "Seek" does not. Therefore, where malice, secrecy, harmful intent, and threats are missing, stalking did not occur. When there is any evidence of stalking, prudent targets would make reports to legal authorities for the protection of everyone.

------------ Corroboration----------

Excerpt: Second Life Knowledge Base

Whenever you see one of these rules being broken, and you believe it to be intentional or malicious, then everyone present at the incident should file an abuse report. The abuse reporting system exists to make the Second Lives of Residents more pleasant and satisfying.

---------End presentation--------

I yield the podium to other arguments.

Defaming Herald

Politicians lie. It's even written into law!

I'll start with the translation, then the legalese:

~Lie: I say something, knowing it is false. This is generally not a crime.

~Defamation: I say something that hurts your reputation. This is generally not a crime.

~Slander: I say something false that hurts your reputation. This is a crime.

~Libel: I print something false that hurts your reputation. This is a crime.

~Privilege: I am a government officer doing my job properly, my falsehoods are not libel or slander.

(So - you want to hurt someone? Hurt them with truth. Untruths come back to get you, even if you thought them true at the time. Love, Arth)

CALIFORNIA CODE SECTION 43-53

45. Libel is a false and unprivileged publication by writing, printing, picture, effigy, or other fixed representation to the eye,which exposes any person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy,or which causes him to be shunned or avoided, or which has a tendency to injure him in his occupation.

45a. A libel which is defamatory of the plaintiff without the necessity of explanatory matter, such as an inducement, innuendo or other extrinsic fact, is said to be a libel on its face. Defamatory language not libelous on its face is not actionable unless the plaintiff alleges and proves that he has suffered special damage as approximate result thereof. Special damage is defined in Section 48a of this code.

46. Slander is a false and unprivileged publication, orally uttered, and also communications by radio or any mechanical or other means which:

1. Charges any person with crime, or with having been indicted,convicted, or punished for crime;
2. Imputes in him the present existence of an infectious,contagious, or loathsome disease;
3. Tends directly to injure him in respect to his office,profession, trade or business, either by imputing to him general disqualification in those respects which the office or other occupation peculiarly requires, or by imputing something with reference to his office, profession, trade, or business that has a natural tendency to lessen its profits;
4. Imputes to him impotence or a want of chastity; or
5. Which, by natural consequence, causes actual damage.

47. A privileged publication or broadcast is one made:

• (a) In the proper discharge of an official duty.
• (b) In any (1) legislative proceeding, (2) judicial proceeding,
• (3) in any other official proceeding authorized by law, or
• (4) in the initiation or course of any other proceeding authorized by law...
• [exceptions omitted]

(See? in California, it's legal for politicians to lie. Arth)

Herald in Song

Years ago, in a fit of whimsy, I selected Though The Looking Glass as a "theme book" for life: some underlying logic, and some semblance of some goal, some interesting characters and dialogue, but some events along the way are unfathomable.

Lately, some friends, caught up in drama, conflict, misunderstanding, or outright lies cut me off. And most of them privately weep for me and offer support and give gifts. Of course I messed up, but not to the degree my accusers claim. Anyhow, I have to do the work to regain trust, regardless of the underlying faults. What can I say? I WANT to regain the trust I've lost. Yet friendship still seems underlying, even fully renewable. But, right now, all is sad.

`You are sad,' the Knight said in an anxious tone: `let me sing you a song to comfort you.'
`Is it very long?' Alice asked, for she had heard a good deal of poetry that day.
`It's long,' said the Knight, `but very, VERY beautiful. Everybody that hears me sing it--either it brings the TEARS into their eyes, or else--'
`Or else what?' said Alice, for the Knight had made a sudden pause.
`Or else it doesn't, you know.'

"This Love Song" is my voice, guitar, words and music. I'll put more on the website there as I record it.

Love, Arth

Herald of Valarin

Subject: Introduction
----------------------------
on 2007-11-17, I wrote to Tolkien fan criticizing use of the fragmented, obscure and complex JRR Tolkien "Language of the Ainur (Holy Ones)" called Valarin in the overhead titles the players were displaying in Second Life's Valimar Sim.

Subject: Please do not use Valarin in Valimar Titles.
-------------------------
First, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valarin and many other sources say this: Valarin was extremely alien to the ears of the Elves, sometimes to the point of genuine displeasure, and very few of them ever learned the language, only adopting some of the Valarin words into their own Quenya. The Valar knew Quenya, and used that to converse with the Elves, or with each other if Elves were present.
Second: Poor communication: you can't tell which name to call anyone now.
Third: (Ahulez) Aulë looks terrible. so do all those other parentheses. And you still don't know what to call the player.
Fourth: Educationally, we're already throwing formal English and Quenya at everyone. Valarin, too, is too much, IMHO.
Fifth: there are more reasons, but I've made my point.

Subject: The Resident's polite but unconvinced reply, excerpts:
--------------------------------
~~Valimar is the capital of Valinor and only city of the Ainur. If ever there was a place where one might encounter Valarin, it would certainly be the Valar/Ainur city of the bells.
~~I do agree with you the words are not pleasing on the eye, however Tolkien created them.
~~We are not asking people to memorize a book, less then 10 words.
~~please share your other reasons.


Subject: My reply (maybe more fun in character!)
----------------------------------
from: Aulë TalkaMarda, Inventor & Worldcrafter
to: Manwë Súlimo, Blessed Lord of the Winds

Greetings and blessings, to Mânawenûz,
my brother and leader in the Making of Arda!


Since there has been some discussion on this matter, and you have asked for more information, I will tell you in detail why I have repented from the use of Valarin in Valimar.

When I was new in my powers in Arda, I felt everything about me should be known and broadcast by every possible medium, including the overhead verbiage we can sport in Valimar now. You may recall my five and six line overhead monstrosities clouding the view. Because our first language is so rich in meaning (and lengthy in spelling), using it created indecipherable and complete discord in the view, not only in the long, complex word itself, but in the necessary inclusion of definitions in one or two other languages.

Instead, now I only title to provide my name, duties and rank in the common tongue that most of our new guests prefer these days, so my place in the world is known easily, using only a touch of Quenya. Perhaps the format of this three line title would suffice all Ainur and Eldar floating titles.
If a visitor seeks further information, you know me, I do not stint in providing instruction and data to the willing. For the unwilling and unknowing, not one hammer stroke (or keyboard tap) will I waste. The willing and curious will ask.

It is enough we speak Valarin from time to time, and make it possible to be known. To emblazon it in the very air every minute of every day seems misplaced pride in our own creation. I know pride and hubris - I am reminded of mine in every living dwarf and blooded hammer. In humility, I beg we set aside our own creation for the greater good of adopting the elegant elven and common tongue at every turn we can. (The purpose of our sim is to raise English literacy. Yes, learning a second language is one way to do that - but Valarin is so sketchy, it is a secret code, a barrier, not a language. Imposing Valarin does not further our sim purpose.)

Is it obvious that in the everyday written communication, we should seek simplicity, clarity, and familiarity?

In our own tongue, you and I are both "Mâchan". When I created Khuzdul, I could have used Valarin, but I did not. In Khudzul, we are "Mahal": I needed a language approachable, durable and direct: even omitting one letter is an improvement toward simplicity.

It was Vana herself, in a speech on "failures to communicate" , bespoke on the eschewing of erudition for the sake of erudition. Certainly, our welcome guests COULD understand Valarin. Is it not enough we ask them to learn Quenya AND the common dialect we prefer? Perhaps, as you suggest, we should remand this matter of our attendant titles entirely to Vana and her people to ponder and determine for clarity.

For my house and family, where we strive to make being a guest in Valimar simple, easy and pleasant. However, every elven author reports that our native speech is not pleasant to hear , (and difficult to read.) Therefore, I find myself unwilling propound in Valarin to our visitors. Even a small barrier is a barrier to familiarity.

This still leaves the unanswered question, where, if not in Valimar, is Valarin spoken? Not in Middle-Earth, certainly, nor regularly in the dwellings of the elves of Aman. No, we of the Ayanûz traditionally speak Valarin when discussing lofty matters in Aþâraphelûn Mânawenûz of Dâhanigwištelgûn and in the Mâchananaškad on Ezellôchâr, beneath Ibrîniðilpathânezeland and Tulukhedelgorûs. Then and there is Valarin's place, not every minute in Valimar.

(Does this make my point? in this day and age, inclusion of Valarin needlessly complicates communication. )

Besides, small mysteries of discovery delight elves. Let Valarin be one of those: not thrust in their faces, but hidden and pleasant to find and open and devour, like a wild egg.

I gratefully know you give some weight to my council, my friend, regardless of your determination. Thus, I remain, your loyal if always opinionated brother and aide in the making of Eä,

Aĥûlêz (Aulë) {Inventor}
Mâchanâz (Aratar) {Exalted}
Aþâraphelûn mâchan (Talkamarda) {World-maker}