Merry Christmas 2014

We have really enjoyed the feedback we are receiving from the Kohld Hard Truth this year. Thank you so much for all of the support you have given to us. We hope you will continue to pass on this information to those friends of yours who might enjoy reading our Blog.

We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

 

- Stone and Al

Great Products - RendeZvous 2 - A Great Way to Spend Time Together

I remember telling Alatrina one day that I really wish there was a way that we could walk hand in hand together. It would just be great to be able to walk with someone without worrying about her lagging behind me or vice versa. Well, when we came across the RendeZvous it was an excellent solution for all of those things we have thought about wanting to do together - Plus so much more! Here is a great video to show you what I am referring to.

There are so many practical applications to this solution I found it exceeded my expectations for things I could do with my partner. In talking with JenzZa Misfit, Marketing Director for the RendeZvous, new possibilities are continually being developed.In addition to being able to walk with someone, you also have the ability to carry someone along with you on your back or in front. In addition to that there is also a Fireman's Carry. For those of you that role play there are many applications this can be used for as well.

There are other additions that will revolutionize the dance and couples AO industry as well. The ability to dance with someone with a couples HUD can be frustrating because the couple isn't always facing one another and the dance can look awkward. With the RendeZvous, you are always facing the person you are with because the database created to hold your movements in place will memorize your positions for you. Even with the existing options adjusting your position is very easy. It is held for you and will adjust accordingly from then on. Nothing is more frustrating than having to make continual adjustments throughout the life of something you put a lot of lindens into. This product is revolutionary and fun.

Now for the cool parts. In addition to being able to walk together, the RendeZvous allows you to swim and fly together as well. You can move from one area through water or air with ease with this solution. This allows you many great opportunities to enjoy various activities together. The options together are virtually endless with the RendeZvous.

You may ask where it is you can pick this item up for you and your friends. I believed in this product so fully I decided to make it the focal point of Kohld's, my new store dedicated for great things people can use to enhance their SL. You can get to my store by clicking here. It is located at the Shoppes on the Realm near Stone's Ride's.

If you have any questions regarding the RendeZvous please feel free to contact myself or JenzZa Misfit. As always I look forward to your feedback. I would also love to write about things that interest you. Please let me know if you have any ideas or questions. Enjoy your Second Life.

- Stone

How Do You Prefer to View the World?

Soldier using binoculars (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today's post is a reference point for those who are new to Second Life or those who just want a place where they can find some of these pages all in one place. Today I am going to give some locations for the many viewers that are available to interact with SL. Through the years there have been many options to access the virtual world of Second Life. The opinions on each of them vary more than the amount of viewers that are available.

I am going to start with why I have chosen the viewer that I go with and then I will list the rest. When I joined SL originally I used the Second Life Viewer. I found that for the most part it served it's purpose.I found that it handled all the general things very well, and it will get you where you need to go. It's a great place to start. I used it for several months and then a friend told me about Firestorm and that I should give it a shot. I'll have to say that once I found Firestorm I never went back.

Second Life (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am a very visually motivated person. When I started using Firestorm there was just a difference in how everything looked. The Firestorm team have worked very hard to make the visual interface vivid and customizable. I also find the ability to set your screen and options more specifically to be a benefit to me. I like to tinker and Firestorm allows me to get it just right. I would invite you to read more about it on the Firestorm Website before you make your decision.


I am going to list some other viewers as well here for you to go and see what is the best option for you. I am here to help you find what you want; not to change your mind for you. Some are definitely more average than others in my opinion.As a matter of fact, if there was no Firestorm, I would use the SL Viewer and never look back.

Here is a list of some of the Second Life Viewer Options.

• Firestorm
• Second Life Viewer
• Singularity
• CtrlAltStudio
• Black Dragon
• Alchemy
• Kokua
• Catznip
• Restrained Love
• UKanDo

There is more detail on the SL Wiki regarding Second Life Viewers. I didn't want to try and reinvent the wheel here but I wanted you to have all the options available to you.

The official online color is: #A4C639 . 한국어: 공식 온라인 색은: #A4C639 . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you follow that link you will find a list of Viewers that are available for use on your tablet and other Android devices. I like the Lumiya Viewer for that purpose.

  Now, in the comments below please feel free to tell people what viewer you use and why you prefer it. This is a resource for those people that may need help, and I would love for that to be a collaborative effort.

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to hunt me down InWorld or contact me via Email at stone.kohld@gmail.com. I would love to hear some feedback regarding how I might be able to best help you in your SL journey.

- Stone

Destinations of Intrigue - Baja Norte

Early on in my relationship with Alatrina when we wanted to get away we slipped of to a Landmark that I had simply labelled "Treehouse". I honestly never knew the name of the Sim I would just land under the tree house and we'd climb up the rope for some beautiful time away. What lovely sounds and views we experienced. It was simply amazing. It was the spot we went to run away from everyone after the reception of the day we were married. After a long day of beautiful Matrimony and not so beautiful griefing we needed a little tranquility.Al explains this in detail in her Story of Us.

A few weeks ago I was talking to a friend, Shiloh Fouroux-Maverick, and she told me about this amazing Sim that we ought to visit called Baja Norte. She said it's a place where she rents a beach home and it is very romantic and the views are lovely and there is surfing...... I checked out for a second..... Surfing.... There is surfing in SL? Yes, I know I should have seen the romantic and beautiful views part - Don't judge me! Anyway I got a Landmark from Shiloh and started looking into surfing.

So, I proceeded to research my newest hobby, which I will discuss in more detail in another post, and after a few days passed and I knew I'd have a little quiet I asked Al if she wanted to come with me. She had already informed me that she was more the Beach Bunny type than the Surfer Girl. So, I asked her if she'd come and take pictures. When we rezzed I told her that this place seemed really nice and I couldn't believe we hadn't been here before..... Whoops! I was reminded that I had been here before and she couldn't believe that I had forgotten and that I ...

So, I am frantically looking around to see what landmark I might draw a clue from and then it quickly dawned on me..... Babe... is this where the tree house is?  When she said it was I told her that I never looked at the name of the Sim and that it was simply the Landmark that said "Treehouse". I never cared about the name of the place I just knew I loved being there with her. I believe I am forgiven.

What I am trying to explain is this place is BIG and BEAUTIFUL, and yes there is surfing.

As you look about you will see that there is a lot around you to enjoy. There is a membership fee that you can pay to join their group but I know they waive that if you rent a beach hut from them there. I bought the membership because I knew I would want to be able to rezz my gear there to surf.. This is definitely a place I will return to many times over. Because before I knew where it was or what it was called it was special to me. I believe you will find it one of the more relaxing places in Second Life.

I really am enjoying my Second Life and I hope you are as well. Please feel free to tell me about some of your favorite places and they may soon end up in Destinations of Intrigue.

- Stone

Check out Baja Norte here!

Alpha Males...Gentlemen or Cavemen?

The other day my friend was talking about how her guy had stepped forward when he felt she had been wronged.  I told her..."welcome to the wonderful world of living with an Alpha male"

So what's an Alpha male? NO...they are NOT cavemen dragging women around by the hair (although a little hair pulling could be fun). The Internet abounds with definitions from the funny to a serious attempt at a real definition. If you've ever used "urban dictionary" you know that definitions are supplied by their users. I found one of the funniest definitions supplied by one Nasty Nadz. His, or her, definition is...One of the 10% of males who engages in 90% of the sex.

 The following are the most common traits of Alphas, and ones I experience often on a very personal level in both Second Life and real life as I have a relationship with my Alpha in both worlds. It is surprising to many that you can find Alpha's in a virtual world, but just pay attention; it's not at all hard to spot them:

Purpose and Persistence, some even say stubborn. If you've read my story on the courtship between Stone and me, you will see that persistence in practice. In fact, I believe I even finished the article with a nod to persistence.  When an Alpha wants something, they go after it. They are super focused. While others are trying to find themselves, these guys are "creating" themselves and guiding their destinies.

Courageous. Nothing will get an Alpha's attention more than someone being treated unfairly but double that if it's their family. Alpha's are "compelled" to act; they must. Not that they will pick fights, but they also don't back away from one. This is the trait my friend was introduced to when our conversation started and one I've experienced often. My friend says we can take care of ourselves, but our knights in shining armor can't do anything BUT get involved. Although I often shake my head, it doesn't surprise me anymore. (Whispers: and, come on, isn't it a little nice to have someone who wants to take care of you?)

Leader. Throughout history, Alpha's have been our leaders and our warriors. Alphas believe in themselves. It's in the confidence they exude and the manner in which they hold themselves. People follow those who believe in them and who can make them "winners" themselves. Everyone wants to be on the winning team. You will find Alpha's do not ask of others what they themselves will not do. In Second Life, just look at the leaders of the Clans. Although you might find an occasional leader who isn't an Alpha, you would most certainly find someone behind them that is.

Hard working. Alphas are hard workers. It's the Alpha's that you often find leading companies and working late into the night. They aren't afraid of hard work and they aren't afraid of failure. An Alpha sees opportunities where others see failure. A quote from Chael Sonnen..."They’ll tell you failure is not an option. That is ridiculous. Failure is always an option. Failure is the most readily available option at all times. But it’s a choice. You can choose to fail. You can choose to succeed."


Social. An Alpha takes pride in how they look, understands what a first impression really does and knows how valuable networking can be. The Alpha has a good sense of humor. They are comfortable enough in their own skins that they can laugh at themselves.  They have stories, lots of them, to entertain those around him. People are drawn to Alpha's; they want to be around them.  They like to help others and are generous with their time and resources. I can't tell you how many times Stone and I have dressed up to "get away" for a while only to spend most of our time in IM's with someone who just needed to talk.

Knows how to treat a woman. He has respect for women. This is a guy who still holds doors open or who holds out her chairs, who orders for you. Girls, if you haven't experienced this lately, it's wonderful! Of course, after he leaves, I'm left walking into doors.  The Alpha isn't threatened by her ambition; in fact he's usually helping her achieve her dreams. It's that easy self confidence that is so darn attractive.

So, while living with an Alpha, you might think that a woman is kept under his thumb but you would be so wrong. Our femininity is a complement to his masculinity; that together we are stronger than the two parts. A woman needn't be threatened by her Alpha. A wise Alpha understands that his mate is strong and powerful, just in another way. An Alpha needs a strong and intelligent woman standing beside him.  We need to be his lover, companion and friend. There is a level of respect because we do so complement each other.

While the Alpha is focused, his woman brings the light, happiness and love to his life.  One of the biggest compliments I ever received from Stone was that I made him want to be a better man.  We are NOT trophy women but ones who stand beside him on equal ground, facing life together.

**Ever wonder why men have always held doors open for women? Comes from the days when women had big constricting outfits, such as corsets and hoop skirts. If you've ever seen a hoop skirt...oh gosh...you can't even get near a doorknob.

- Al

Dancing to a DJ with a Different Groove

English: Greensleeves Vinyl:War by Wailing Souls & Rankin Trevor (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Went to a Memorial Day party that was absolutely amazing. It wasn't totally packed out with people, even though I tend to enjoy people a lot. It wasn't because they played something current. This is the first DJ I have listened to that uploads the songs he streams from actual vinyl records.

Our friend Rachel Corleone invited us to come dance. That was where we got the opportunity to meet Aristippus Larsson. I will have to admit that we went originally because it was an opportunity to do something different. I was pulled into the mood almost immediately by great music and an amazing atmosphere. There was something different about the music - something so fantastic about the quality. He said he recorded the music from original vinyl, and this is not something that I have ever heard before. I suppose I thought I would hear scratches and hisses, but it wasn't - It was pure.

That was awesome all by itself, but that wasn't the end of the fun. You see, in addition to this amazing new quality there was another surprise; he played a lot of great fringe music. What I mean is, often he would play some lesser known groups or rarely played songs from bands we all know. It was simplyan amazing experience. I am looking forward to the next time we get to hang out at their club!

When you are free on a Monday or a Wednesday night and you want an experience that will certainly feel different you need to go see Aristippus Larsson spin the vinyl at Tempi's Garden of Rock . If you are a bit of a music purist or an old soul you will love this.

Look for Alatrina and I . We would love to see you there.

Rock On!

- Stone

Let Those Without Sin...

Tonight I am feeling a little introspective and it's gotten me a little more emotional about things than normal. When I know that I am not where I want to be in my Second Life or Real Life this song comes to mind. Please enjoy, because it sets the tone for what I want to speak about.

People make mistakes, and how you choose to deal with that is completely up to you. I am a very fortunate man, because I have a tendency to blow it more than I would care to share. This woman that I do life with is far more forgiving than I deserve and far more intelligent than I realize. I'm definitely  way above my pay grade when it comes to her. I am so thankful to have her in my life.

Now, back to what I was about to say...

You have a lot of power with people when you are trying to be a friend to them. In SL just as in RL there are real people with real feelings. That is something people tend to lose sight of when they are in Second Life. Someone said something sometime that I think is good for all of us to hear.

"Make your words sweet, because you never know when you will need to eat them."

 You have to decide how it is you want to be remembered. Even in SL you will be leaving a legacy of sorts. How do you want people to see you?

When people screw up is it more important to remind them of it regularly; is this some thing that you think they don't realize about themselves? Maybe even being nice to them after the fact might be the one positive thing  they hear. This can change a person. I know some say people never change. I think that maybe if you look more for baby steps then huge developments you will see they can.

I have seen people on both sides of that fence and I know that I am always more appreciative of the latter.

Someone very wise said once....

"Let those without sin cast the first stone..."

Have a great day!

- Stone

The Beginning of the Story....Us

I had to smile as I read Stone’s account of our real life meeting. It’s not often you get a glimpse into what another person is really feeling and even less when it looks so glowing on yourself.

But I did notice he left the explanation of our early “courtship” to me.  Thanks honey! 

Before I get to our story, let me say that I totally understood Stone's concepts of"bleeder" and "player" right off the bat. I too, am a "bleeder". I find I bring aspects of my real life to SL and SL definitely bleeds over to my real life.

March 2013....I was at an embracing with my then Liege and getting bored like I usually do, I started camming around. There, off to the side, stood a guy in full Goth regalia.  There was something about him and I found myself trying to think of a way to meet him.  So, I accidentally backed into him…on purpose.

What? Don’t look at me that way….It worked! I mean, I had to apologize, right? And he pretty much had to respond, right?

What I hadn’t expected was the intensity from this guy. I think he pretty much decided quickly to pursue me. Stone saw "us" differently than I did. I won’t go into all the details but there were many “discussions” at midnight.  I guess putting the word "discussions" in quotes leaves too much to the interpretation of you, the reader, so let me say outright, we argued terribly.
 

The harder he pushed…the more I argued and ran away, but here we were, night after night, talking to each other.  I just couldn’t stay away. One night, I felt pulled from too many directions and backed into a corner and I decided I had enough…I was leaving Second Life.  For those of you who hate drama, this was the epitome of drama. 

I left the gathering we were all at and I went to each of my SL places I stayed and gathered my things up. I wouldn’t answer anyone and I logged out of SL and turned off Skype. Around 3am, I remembered one additional item I had left behind. Knowing all my friends would be asleep, I came back on to SL, entering in a Sim that very few people knew I went to for solitude. As I rezzed, I realized I wasn’t alone. There stood Stone and I knew, at that moment, I was lost. It was a moment of realization of just how much I cared for him.

That’s not to say everything was smooth after that, but I had finally admitted my feelings and decided we belonged together. Shhh, don't tell him but...*whispers*....he was right.

Stone mentions our first formal “date” in SL was at Batista’s and he’s right, it was amazing. And it’s funny to read how he wanted to come across well, because I was having butterflies wanting the same thing. 

Time passed and one day, while we were dancing, he spied a piano and wanted to go play. I walked across the dance floor with him when all of a sudden he stopped and got down on one knee. You know how some things just don’t register? I had no idea what was going on. Yes, he proposed to me and I became his wife, proudly, in September 2013.

Walking down the aisle, all of our friends with us, sounds like a happily ever after moment, right? Yeah, right….Our wedding will probably go down in the record books as the most “griefed” event in Second Life. For reasons that are still unknown, someone didn’t want our wedding day to go as planned. The griefing started the moment we stood before our Queen, Isoly, to take our vows. And it didn’t let up. As it continued, our family pulled together to make sure our wedding went on. At one point, even the Queen was high above our Sim, trying to stop the attacks.

Somehow I was able to say the vows I had written for Stone...

"Stone, months ago, I looked up and there you were. Your presence filled the room and I was compelled to meet you but just didn’t know how….so I accidentally backed into you….on purpose.

From the very beginning, you saw something in me that I didn’t see. We had these wonderfully quiet conversations at midnight where you tried to convince me to see it too. The more time I spent with you, the more I believed in us. 
 Then there was that night I returned to SL and you alone were there. It was that moment, standing on that beach, when I knew I loved you. You told me you would have waited forever and I was done; I was yours.

Your love has been absolute and never wavering. You’ve shared a vision and I want to be a part of it. I now proudly stand beside you promising my love and support to you when things are good and my arms when things aren’t. This life isn’t easy to walk thru…my hand is here…take it.  You are my strength, my love, my future. My sweet, I never saw myself standing here until I looked in your eyes."

By the time we said our “I do’s”, there were family members on the roof of the town and high in the sky, trying to stop each attack as they happened.  All scripts had to be turned off so there were no poseballs and no dancing at the reception.  

Needless to say, I was upset but Stone kept me centered on what was really important. We had each other and wasn’t that the miracle? Then family members started dancing individual dances and wouldn’t leave, no matter that the griefing continued. How could you not love family and friends who stand by you like that?

Stone had been “gently” pushing to meet in real life starting in August. I kept telling him that if it was meant to happen, it would at the right time. As he mentioned, there were hurdles and one by one, they went to the wayside.

One of my worries was…what if we didn’t click in real life like we obviously had in SL? After all, we lead a family, so what if? Stone said I worried too much and I felt he didn’t worry enough. One by one, issues were discussed or set aside as unimportant. Finally, there was nothing left but the decision.

In the end, it really was an easy decision. I wanted to meet this amazing man who had so captivated me.

I have to tell you something I mentioned to my close SL friends. One of the best things I did was to tell Stone…"lets’ get one thing out of the way…let’s admit there are body functions". We both laughed but like I told a friend, we were going from "I’ll wait until he/she is gone" directly to "oh god, don’t go in there".

I had to laugh when I read where he said that we were both a “little nervous”. Truth be told, I was almost sick on my way to the airport. I had told my sister what I was doing and she spent most of my drive to the airport reminding me how to breathe.

I was worried I wouldn’t recognize him, but there was no doubt. I knew him immediately. My heart was pounding but I was smiling. I pulled to the curb and got out. The moment he touched my hand, everything fell into place. All the nerves dissolved…we were there…we had made it…we were together.

The next week was one of the best weeks of my life. We spent a week in the Gold Country of Northern California wine tasting, eating great food and talking. Stone is right. The awkwardness was never there.

So, two weeks later...Stone has gone home and both of us have gone back to work. Before he left, we agreed that I would travel his way in October...then August...now July. 

It's easy to dismiss people in Second Life because they seem to be a dime a dozen. But the good things in life are worth working towards and I'm so glad Stone had the perseverance and vision to see that even when I didn't.

Alatrina Kohld 

Breaking Through to the Other Side (SL to RL)

So, I had an experience last week. Something I have been gently (Well, sometimes gently) pushing toward since I met Alatrina. I have wanted more than a Second Life relationship with her really early on when I met her.So, we did it - I flew out to meet her and we spent a week together.I would like to spend some time in this post talking about that experience.

Alatrina and I have known one another for over a year now and the beginning wasn't super smooth. The truth is there were some hurdles we needed to clear before the race to the finish was going to be an option. However, is anything that is really worthwhile ever easy? Regardless, it has all been quite amazing thus far.

First Date in SL at Batista's

 Here's the thing, for many people in SL they never even think of meeting another person in RL because this is simply a game to be played, but for some it is considered the ultimate win, so to speak. I believe if you have read any of what I have posted before you would realize that I am discussing the difference between the "Player" and the Bleeder" in SL. That article can be found here.

I was listening to a conversation in a chat group in Second Life this morning that spoke of how no one could possibly want to trust anyone here because of the fact that it is simply a game. It was immediately followed up by some other people that stated that this is a Virtual World and not a game at all. Truth is that argument always seems to end with people agreeing to disagree. Because there is really no right answer. People are individuals and everyone sees SL a little differently than the other.

Here is what I found really amazing and wonderful, for whatever reason it happened, I ran into (Truthfully, she ran into me) a very amazing woman and I wanted to know more about her every minute we spent together. That picture above was taken at Batista's and it was our first formal date in SL, and it made me a little nervous. Even in a virtual world I wanted to make sure I came across well. It as an amazing experience, and the beginning of something quite special. I know that Al will probably write more details of the courting process; she really tells it well. Anyway, I love doing stuff with her and it has made my SL better. It's what I wanted from Second Life.

Lunch at Ironstone Vineyards and Winery.

When we talked of meeting there were more hurdles, but we got over them. We talked of all the possibilities and then finally agreed to do it. Booked a plane ticket and prepared for my vacation. We were both a little nervous about the actual meeting. Well, her more than me but there was all of that anxiety out there. The crazy thing was... We didn't feel any real awkwardness once we actually saw one another. It was just like we had been together for over a year or more.  See, there was very little difference because the transparency was always there. I am so glad that there was that crossover and genuine concern for one another; the process was so much easier. It was an amazing experience, and one that I feel will not be something that I ever want to see end. Just because vacation is over it doesn't mean that I don't feel the bond stronger than ever.

I said all of that to say this...

There are real people on the other side of that Internet connection to that Virtual World. It's worth it in the long run to be kind to them. When you are engaging someone you never know what the end result will be. I am more happy that I am the same in SL and RL; it made all of this so easy.

Someone once said... "Make your words sweet... You never know when you will need to eat them..."

Enjoy your SL, and please leave me feedback; I'd love to know what you think. Maybe it will light a fire to write about something else specific. This Blog is intended to be a light for those that live in the Virtual Reality of Second Life.

Cheers!

- Stone

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Get Involved in Something That Makes a Difference

official logo of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Did you know that the American Cancer Society and Relay for life has an Second Life presence? I have been involved with them in events in the past and it an amazing feeling when you are helping someone else.

This weekend there is one such event occurring and you have an opportunity to be involved. Relay for Life will be hosting their Spring Fest. This is a great way for people to help the American Cancer Society and have a great time to boot!

There will be many various things within the giant carnival that you can get involved in. Activities include live djs, a carnival, live performances, 7Seas Fishing, and Bumper Boats!

Please pass this link onto your friends if you are not able to attend. Let's get in something important this weekend!

- Stone

You Can't Be Serious?

Regardless of what you do in Second Life there are always people that are going to be critical of you and what you do with your SL. That should be no surprise because it's no different in the real world. Unfortunately, anonymity doesn't make this issue any easier. Because it seems like when you hide people behind a keyboard people seem to become ten feet tall and bulletproof. With this being said it's really hard to remember sometimes that many of these people simply do things to get a rise out of you.

Part of why I enjoy the Chargglez videos so much is because they tend to shed a little light on the insanity that some people get so serious about. Being an innocent bystander in one of these videos that resulted in my being punked has given me the opportunity to work through that process in my life. Feel free to check that video out here.


Thee are very few things in SL... let alone RL to get all that bent out of shape over. I believe often we forget that fact until it actually happens and you look back at te play by play in your head and you find yourself realizing what a bad choice the first choice was to begin with. Then sometime making the apology or living down the situation is much worse than you realized. The best thing about being an adult might be that two seconds that we develop to breathe before we react to anything. I suppose I say that assuming that you have developed that art as an adult.

scream and shout (Photo credit: mdanys)

I know when I write this I have to look in the mirror and realize that I have made some of those blunders that I wish I could take back. I have lost friends over things I have said and decisions I have made. In some cases an apology just doesn't cut it.

Maybe I am writing this simply because I am hoping that it is another reminder that there are real people with real feelings on the other side of the Internet connection. These people are not pawns in a giant game of chess, and we far too often forget that essential fact. Maybe an important guideline to remember is that if you wouldn't want the responsibility that comes with saying something to someone right in front of them in the real world then maybe perhaps you should refrain from saying it Second Life.

I hope that all of you have a great time in SL and if any of this helps you please leave a comment, or possibly share t with someone. Don't share it with them because you think they need it - That will offend them. I am pretty sure that all of us could use the refresher even if they are grizzled veterans. I am interested in your feedback. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

- Stone

Is That The Real You Behind That Avi?

The other day I started thinking about people in Second Life and wondered….is that the real you behind that Avi?  Of course, you can say the same of me.  It's easy for all of us to be nice, sweet, polite for short periods but is that you in real life?

I’m reminded of an incident that occurred when I was playing Greedy with a group of friends.  We were all voicing; laughing and enjoying each other.

In the background my cat, Mia, was crying that forlorn sound that means she’s starving to death.  >>Rolls her eyes because her cat is most definitely NOT starving, but likes to think so because her owner is trained well enough to get up and feed her<<

But this time, I didn’t and she kept crying.  Like hundreds of times before and without thinking about muting my mic, I had finally had enough and shrieked “Meeeeeya”. Everyone went quiet.  No one had heard THAT voice from me.  Of course I got comments.  After all, these are my close friends.  But it was at that moment that I wondered just how much of the real us do we hide?
 

Do I want people to know I can screech like a banshee?  Of course not.

I have taken a lot of good natured ribbing over this incident.  One of my friends even made a gesture from the incident.  It’s not my voice in the gesture but I winced each time I heard his voice shriek my cat’s name, remembering how I must have sounded to the people around me.

Lesson learned?  Has it made me change the tone of my voice when I’m irritated? Nope, but I do remember to mute the mic much more often.

About Bloodlines and Amway

So, I want to tell you about how Bloodlines has changed my life.Okay, I am kidding, but I do want to talk to all you Second Lifers a bit about the game because there is a lot of misconceptions out there. But first I want to share with you a Video I was surprisingly included in. I was horrified at first, but shortly after I have enjoyed sharing it with friends throughout SL. Enjoy!

I am actually quite thankful for Chargglez, he made me realize how crappy my Mic was. People need to try harder to laugh at themselves I think. This is something else I am thankful to him for; he has made Second Life a little more fun for me.

Vampire (Photo credit: virginsuicide photography)

Why do people hate the game of Bloodlines? I think it's many things that add fuel to that fire. Perhaps it's because there are idiots who run around SL just sending out requests because they care more about a stupid blood level than they do people. Maybe it's because most Groups or Clans in Bloodlines seem to be so tied up with themselves and how important they are they forget about how important people are. Maybe it's because Bloodlines is really one of those Pyramid Schemes that have them hand in hand from the people who are suckered into Amway, Excel Communications, or the newest Energy Drink made from the seeds found in the precious poop of the Galapagos Dragon. (Fus Roh Dah!... Bet you wished you watched the video all the way through now huh?)

You know what? I am pretty sure that if I went on these reasons alone I wouldn't play the game either. What I have found is I love the community that can be built around the game.  I have played the game for longer than my Second Life Age reveals. I was a part of a community when I was in SL before. I had some really bad experiences that included a bad experience with some Clan members in Bloodlines. However, that is in the past and I have learned a lot from it. I think sometimes people just forget there are other people at the other side of the Internet from them. I really actually want to thank these people, because it has really given me a clear view of how to see SL and the games that are played within it's realm. It has helped me to gain knowledge and experience and use it to help others.

I have been a part of several Clans and it has made me realize that there is a lot that you can do to involve people in the process. I have also found that in many cases the process gets in the way of the people. So many times there is so much to do that we forget that there are people to get to know. This is why I created Kohld Day in Hell with my Partner, Alatrina.We are a family that uses the game of Bloodlines to build a community. We try really hard not to get caught up in the process. There is no real royalty group to speak of. We have no formal developed land to create a barrier for people. I spend time getting to know people and it's been a labor of love to help in any way I can with them. I get to be involved in their SL lives and often sometimes it bleeds a bit into RL. Being a Bleeder, I find that it suits me. I am blessed to have a family that I have the opportunity to get to know and I will do everything I can to help make this the best experience I can for them.

If you put a gun in the hand of a man does it make them a killer? If you put a fork in someone's fist does it make them obese? I don't think it does anymore than when you put Bloodlines in a person's character account makes that person some lowlife looking to scam you. I want to simply offer a little advice for anyone that is considering Bloodlines or any other SL game.

1. Ask questions and find out what it will cost you in advance.
2. Make sure whatever it is you are looking at has adequate support.
3. Don't just jump into anything. If they don't want to let you think about it then there is obviously something you should be concerned about.

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to ask me. Leave comments, and pass this along to people. We really would love ideas and feedback.

Happy Hunting!

- Stone

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