Elf Clan

Originally posted 2011-09-23 by Wayfinder Wishbringer

    Steampunk has been given many definitions... likely none of which is entirely accurate or all-encompassing.  The generally-friendly debate on "what is steampunk?" and what "isn't"... is as diverse as "Which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars?".   Very divergent thoughts.

    For purpose of this article, Steampunk is defined as "An alternate world in which the Victorian age never ended and the digital age was never discovered."  So while Steampunk has huge steam-driven vessels, computational devices and airships... it lacks digital computers, nuclear energy, gasoline engines or space travel.  The clothing is beautiful and elaborate, or alternately grungy and leather.  The creations are brass and copper, iron and wood.  Power is steam and Tesla-electricity based.  Overall, Steampunk is elegant.

    There have been many books written in the Steampunk genre.  The movie THE GOLDEN COMPASS was very steampunk.  20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was steampunk to an extent (but I believe the Nautilus was powered by nuclear energy... so... questionable there).   I'd mention several more, but right now my memory is a little fuzzed.  I'm sure others can name other really good steampunk-based movies.  However, I don't think books and movies should be the definitive authority of Steampunk.  Those are single authors / production companies-- and there are few that could be considered the authority on the genre.  (In comparison, Tolkien is the authority on Elves and Orcs.  McCaffrey is the authority on Pern Dragons.  I just don't know of anyone in Steampunk that can make similar claim).
     There are several kinds of Steampunk.  There are the "purist" forms... and the "way out there" forms.  While not a purist, I tend to lean more toward the basic Steampunk genre simply because it appeals to me... and very much because of the name of the genre:  STEAM meaning relying on steam as the primary power source, and PUNK meaning a touch of anarchy thrown in.
     There is a known and recognized difference between Steampunk and Dieselpunk.  Dieselpunk is Steampunk, but with oil allowed as a power source.  MAD MAX might be considered Dieselpunk (but to many is more post-apocalyptic, which I personally don't consider to be Steampunk or Dieselpunk at all).  Despite the similarity of genre, Dieselpunk is not Steampunk.  That's an important distinction in the debate of what is and isn't Steampunk.   To be frank, for it to be Steampunk... it has to be steam-based.
     I find Steampunk divided into three areas:  creativity... industry (note: not technology)... and society.
 
CREATIVITY.  Real-life steampunkers are very creative.  For example, some people have created "steampunk-look" CD players, computer enclosures and other home appliances.  They tend to dress in Victorian clothing... which they often make themselves.  People make their own steampunk goggles (a necessity if one is riding in an airship of course), create steampunk guns (Nerf guns are a popular base from which to start-- paint in gold, brass and silver), make their own canes, hats, and many other things.  They wear pocket watches rather than wrist-watches.   Real-life steampunk fans revel in making contrivances that fit the genre.  Just look up STEAMPUNK on the net to see a wide variety of amazingly-creative devices.
 
INDUSTRY:  The primary energy source is two fold:  steam and Tesla-based electricity.  But that electricity itself is created by steam-powered engines.  Those engines are not fueled by oil or gasoline, but by wood and coal.  Steampunk is iron and steel and brass and copper.  It's large, ornate, marble buildings (think 1920s and 1930s US architecture).   It is cage-front elevators and electrical arc power generators and huge, gigantic steam engines powering an entire city.  There is almost no "technology" however.  The digital age simply never arrived.  They never discovered transistors, much less silicon chips.  There are computers and robots... but they are run by steam and gears, not digital circuits. 
 
There are elements of Steampunk that border on the fantasy.  For example, some robots are semi-sentient.  Now we know that is fairly impossible without some kind of digital or neuro-circuitry... but in the Steampunk world the gears and differential engines are so advanced... the robots are as smart if not smarter than in our digital age.  So it's not unusual for Steampunk robots to speak, do meanial jobs, act as delivery machines, and even hold rudimentary conversations with people.  In this, there is a touch of science-fantasy in the Steampunk genre.
 
Purist Steampunk industry allows for airships... but not rocket ships (they haven't discovered combustible fuel).  There aren't spaceships (note-- some "steampunk" books feature spaceships... but they usually go somewhat beyond basic "steampunk" concepts).  There have been steam-powered rocket ships (Jules Vern) but of course, such are totally unrealistic from a scientific standpoint.  So most Steampunk enthusiasts will agree:  Steampunk is limited to airships (but there is of course, some debate on that).
 
Steampunk airships are usually helium / propeller driven, large, slow and beautiful.  There is no "rush" in the steampunk world... no need to hurry.  That's one of the delights of the genre.  It is a slower, calmer age.
 
SOCIETY.  As far as I've been able to tell, steampunk society is divided primarily into specific areas:
 
1. THE SOCIAL ELITE. Think British society, the upper-crust, all prim and proper, long dresses and parasols, gents top hats and tails, vests and pocket watches, bustles and petticoats.  Polite to the extreme, modest, very Victorian.   They usually drive horses and buggies but sometimes will drive steam-powered vehicles.  They are wealthy, elite, polite.  They look down on those against social order.
 
2. THE MODERNS.  These are similar society, but not quite so prim and proper.  Their dresses may be a little shorter (gasp... knee-length!)... their necklines a little lower, their manners a little more flippant.  Think of the "flappers" of the 1920s but a little more "British". They're still "prim and proper"... but just not quite so prudish and reserved.  They are from middle-class to wealthy, a younger generation, and often the movers-and shakers.  The Elite tolerate them to an extent, but view them much as any older generation has viewed the younger generation.
 
3. THE ANARCHISTS.  These are the true "punks" of Steampunk.   Women can wear (gasp) pants!  They wear nose rings and leather and their symbol is the "circle A" Anarchy symbol.  They are anti-establishment, anti-elite, consider the "Moderns" as tolerable but "yuppies" (in our terms).  The anarchists are wild and prone to throw monkey-wrenches into the works... especially where they see the steam-barons overpowering personal free-will.   The Anarchists are everything you might expect an anarchist to be.  Don't mistake them however, for modern-day punk society.  They still are very much victorian-style in dress.  Their dresses may be a lot shorter, they may wear pants (shocking!), but their garments are definitely Victorian in style (though highly altered).  Their hairdos are individual, but far from what we would consider "punk" or "technopunk". 
 
4. THE "WRENCH WENCHES".  This is a term affectionately applied mainly to women who do hard, manual labor, but the concept applies to males as well.  These are the workers, the laborers.  Their common dress is tough leather, overalls, leather hats, goggles and tool belts.  They may work to make a living, or they may be the geniuses who form the foundation of steampunk society.  They may be wealthy or poor, but they're the ones that use their hands, backs and wits to keep society going.  They're not interested in bookkeeping, anarchy or business.  They love the machines and keeping things running, inventing new things, and are the backbone of steampunk society.  Without them, the society would quickly crumble, as no one else has the skills to keep the machinery going.  In this social area, women are considered the equal of men, just as skilled, just as creative and valuable.   There is no "social niche" here; your value is based on your skills and nothing else. 

5. THE MILITARY.  Steampunk is well known for its incredible machine-based wars.  So of course the military often hold heavy rule.  This will differ from storyline to storyline, so there are no absolutes here. 
 
There is in truth, far more to Steampunk than the short (personal opinion) outline I've given here.  The above things mentioned are what you will likely most often find when you search for "Steampunk" on the Internet.  There are wide debates as to what steampunk is and isn't.  That's part of what makes it fun. Since Steampunk isn't "real"... it's a fantasy world you can make your own.  What steampunk means to you... is what steampunk becomes for you.   Just as in Elf Clan we've created our own style of fantasy, in steampunk you can create your own style of society.
 

--o--

Recently Tateru posted a blog presenting Second Life as if it were a Monopoly game.  The blog includes a pretty nifty game board.  You can view it here:

http://dwellonit.taterunino.net/2012/05/23/announcing-second-life-t...

YOU KNOW, IT JUST MIGHT WORK...

    So I started thinking on it and well, it's a viable concept.  Here are just a few of the "Linden Lab Policy" cards I came up with:

Linden Lab increases tier fees with no grandfathering.  Shut down 20% of your land holdings.*

You discover severe server-side texture issues.  Lose 2 turns while textures reload.

SL Market delivers wrong item.  Put back vehicle asset and take random clothing card instead.

Asset server changes all objects to full perm.  Lose all merchant-related assets and move them to the Freebie card pile.

Linden Lab ignores several JIRA postings.  Close your eyes and place playing piece on a random square.

Linden Lab stacks your server... again.   Lose 1 turn every other turn until the end of the game (if all players have suffered this, everyone takes it for granted and the game resumes as normal).

Customer support finally gets back to you after several months.  Lose 12 turns.

Linden Lab releases a new Viewer.  Lose 5 turns while trying to figure out new game rules. 

You are forced to provide a detailed, tech-level JIRA to the company in order to get a basic function to work.  Move only 1/2 the spaces you roll for the rest of the game.

Those are just a few to get started.  Maybe you can add some of your own.

--o--

P.S.  If this SL Monopoly game doesn't sound like a lot of fun... be assured-- it isn't.  And playing the game is very expensive.  : (

* 20% is the actual percentage of total regions that angrily shut down when Linden Lab "bait and switch" price-hiked Homestead regions.  They tried to milk the cash-cow and instead killed the golden goose.

    Once upon a time Schlitzie, Zekeen and Mean Golem were out touring the countryside.  Suddenly there came a downpour and the only available shelter was a farmhouse.

    They knocked on the door and despite the fact the farmer met an Ork, a Dragon and a Viking at his door, he welcomed them in hospitably.

    "I have but a small home," he told them.  "I can sleep two of you barely, but one will have to sleep out in the barn.  There is a cow and a pig out there, if ye can handle that."

     Schlitzie was the first to speak up.  "I'm an Ork.  I can 'andle ANYTHIN'!"  So he goes out to the barn and everyone settles to bed.

    Five minutes later a knock comes on the door, and there stands Schlitzie.

    "I'm sorry, but strong as I am, that cow and pig are stronger.  I can't take the smell."

    "That's all right," Zekeen said.  "I'm a Troll and I've got no problem with cows and pigs.  I'll sleep in the barn."

    So everyone settles down to sleep.  But 5 minutes later there is a knock on the door.  They open to find Zekeen standing there.

    "I've lived 500 years," he states.  "No offense, but I've never smelled such rancid animals."

    "Oi, yer all wimps!" says Mean Golem.  "Sleep in yer tidy beds, I'll go out to the barn!"

    So once again everyone settled down to sleep.  But 5 minutes later there came another knock on the door. 

    There stood the cow and the pig.

See end of article for explanations of the obscure.

GM: "That's not a moon.  It's a spaceship!"

Player: "Good.  Let's find a door, pick the lock and see if we can hijack it."

================

GM: "There is a bantha standing in the road."

Player: "I attack."

GM: "A bantha is a harmless beast of burden."

Player: "Great!  There's probably treasure in its pack.  I attack."

================

GM: "The force is strong in this one."

Player: "Really?  Okay then... I kill him now before he powers up."

================

Player: "I burst into the room.  How many droids do I see?"

GM: "Approximately 3,000."

Player: "I attack."

================

GM: "Do or do not.  There is no try."

Player: "What, no saving throw?"

================

Player: "I turn on the light sabre."

GM: "Roll to see if it's facing the right direction."

================

GM: "These aren't the droids you're looking for."

Player: "I just rolled a 20 against Force Will.  Yes they are."

GM: ....

================

Player: "Auntie Owen!  Uncle Beru!...  oh.... LEWT!"

================

EXPLANATIONS

    "Powering up" is marshalling one's strength / power / spells etc.  Sometimes it takes a minute or so to gather forces.  Other times... not so much.

    It is a common practice in gaming to "lewt" (loot) bodies after killing them.  No telling what kind of goodies one might find in the pockets.  Ignore the ethics-- this may mean survival or even gold!  Also ignore that you were first hired to track these guys down because they were lewting dead bodies...

    A "saving throw" is a last-chance effort at survival when all else has failed.  Successful, you're just unconscious or manage to evade an otherwise fatal blow.  Otherwise-- you're dead.  No saving throw means you can't possibly avoid the disaster.

    3000 droids:  gamers have been known to cast all common sense out the window-- in almost every instance.

--o--

-- a commentary by Wayfinder Wishbringer

    True freedom must contain boundaries, for freedom without constraints invariably infringes upon the freedom of others.

     Zauber put a term to this concept:  the Freedom Paradox.  I think that is an excellent term.

     Simply stated the Freedom Paradox is this:  as human beings we do have certain rights.  Those rights include basic freedoms to think and act as we please-- to a degree.  In order for freedom to be real, we must be willing to accept reasonable constraints.

    However as with so many things associated with humankind as a whole, we often take the concept of "freedom" to an extreme.  People propose that we have a right to do anything we want to do so long as it "doesn't harm anyone else".

    The problem with this concept is that it takes for granted that we as individuals have the ability to consistently and accurately judge the consequences of our actions on others, or upon our environment.  Therein lies the rub; our history as a species clearly indicates that as a society, we tend to grossly misunderstand the world around us and to make very bad decisions. The current state of the environment should be strong indication we really don't manage ourselves very well.

    The idea that we should be able to do whatever we want has a correlation to something we are all acquainted with:  two-year-olds.   There is no one more self-centered, self-focused and individualistic than a two-year old.  They are so narcissistic that we refer to that age as the terrible twos.  Why?  Because two year olds are concerned with one thing and one thing only:  whatever they want.  Hopefully the restrictions imposed upon us by our parents helps us through that stage so that we learn a degree of self-control, imposed by boundaries. Their guidance, their restriction of our desired freedoms, help us mature.  We discover the freedoms we insist on when we were two weren't necessarily in our best interest, nor in the best interest of those around us.

    However that is not the only time in our lives we go through that phase.  We are all acquainted with teens.  Most of us remember our teen years, how insufferable we were, and wonder how our parents had any patience with us at all.  Why?  Because teens, like two-year-olds, often go through a phase in which they think they know more than others and are interested only in one thing:  whatever they want.  Most of us go through that stage and thankfully, survive it.  Hopefully we grow, become more mature and learn from those wiser than we.  Eventually we become adults and wonder how we ever got through our teens without someone killing us.  Unfortunately some can't make that claim; they paid the ultimate price for their insistence on "freedom" without limits.  They did not understand the paradox of real freedom-- that it must be exercised with wise boundaries.

    Unfortunately many people fail to learn the lessons of childhood and the teen years.  They enter their adult years still believing they know more than anyone else and that, yes, they should be able to do whatever they want.  It is a repetitive cycle that many never outgrow.

THE FREEDOM PARADOX

    The point of the Freedom Paradox is this:   true freedom means accepting limits on freedom.  Those of us who survived our youth generally recognize this to be true.  It means that freedom cannot be truly exercised and truly enjoyed without setting reasonable and wise boundaries.  In order to have freedom one must be willing to curtail freedoms, to set logical limits. 

    Ideally this should be done at individual levels.  But since we as individuals simply don't know everything, since we are not omniscient, we give up some of our individual freedoms to form greater freedoms.  The labels we attach to this are civilization and society... an organization of individuals dedicated to a common goal.   We empower that society to pass laws and enforce those laws.  We set a police agency to enforce those restrictions on individuals who refuse to recognize the wisdom of them.  As a society we do recognize that some limitations must be employed on individual freedoms to protect the safety of the whole.  Those who refuse to recognize such limitations we refer to as criminals or sociopaths.

    Despite this recognition of reality, there is still a tendency among society as a whole to insist on massive whims, desires and whatever they want... despite quite obvious and logical reasons against such.   Our history is full of the failures of society:  the Crusades, two world wars, the pollution of the earth.  We could spend all day, next week, next year and the rest of our lives detailing and debating how even society fails to properly handle "freedom", but all of them come down to a simple concept:

    Just because society wants to does not mean it should.  Just because society thinks something is right  does not make it so.  

     This of course is a problem, because if we cannot trust society to exercise proper wisdom, who do we trust?  When we, as individuals or as a civilization, insist on the concept that we know enough, are wise enough and competent enough to do whatever we want... we suffer the danger of crossing the line from freedom into anarchy, from reasonable boundaries into no boundaries, from society into chaos.  The result is in the breakdown of society, the failure of civilization, the descent into anarchy.  Three steps forward, two steps back. 

THE MICROCOSM OF ELF CLAN

    A few of us were discussing why it is that Elf Clan is popular, why our lands are peaceful and harmonious, why people enjoy living on our G-rated, family-friendly lands when they could experience greater "freedoms" elsewhere.  The answer is obvious:  Because Elf Clan lands offer true freedom, not the illusion of freedom without constraints.

    Yes, our group has "rules" and guidelines.  Some of them are basic, some of them are specific.  That very set of guidelines lets people know where they stand.  We establish a set of freedoms along with restrictions.  Within the safety-net of those restrictions our members know they have all the freedoms necessary to enjoy our lands and group.  We recognize as a group that our harmony, our peacefulness, our limited drama are not by accident.  As individuals we are willing to sacrifice some individual freedoms to ensure a far greater and more harmonious freedom.  We call that freedom Elf Clan, and it is quite unique.

    We see the results of unbridled freedom elsewhere.  In truth griefers insist on such "freedoms" and like a two-year-old failing to get what they want, they engage in tantrums (griefing).  In other areas we see folks who speak however they want, dress however they want and act however they want, without any regard for the individuals around them.  Their excuse:  this is an "adult" grid and we can do whatever we want.  By insisting on their own freedoms, by ignoring the concepts of ethics or morality, they encroach upon the freedoms of others and "pollute" their environment with that attitude.  People are aware of this.  It is palpable.  You can feel it when you travel elsewhere.  It is stressful.

    I don't consider that freedom, but anarchy.  Anarchy breeds chaos.  Chaos breeds destructive attitudes, discontent, abuses, drama and the issues we see throughout virtual reality worlds.  That's why people come to Elf Clan.  That is why we will sometimes receive IMs or notecards from visitors telling us how beautiful and peaceful our lands are.  That is why people make their homes with Elf Clan.  People come to our lands to unwind and de-stress.   They know that when they come to Elf Clan they will find the opposite of what they find elsewhere; they will find real freedom.

    I by no means condone limitations or restrictions on real freedoms.  People do have rights to live their lives as they wish, without someone persecuting or harassing them for doing so.   But is it wise to go to the extreme opposite and condone "anything we want" as being freedom?  Freedom without constraints invariably infringes on the freedom of others.

    In order to have true freedom we must be willing to accept limitations.  That is the Freedom Paradox. Those limitations and restrictions are for our safety, our harmony and to moderate those who do not seem to know how to moderate themselves.  Boundaries help us protect ourselves from ourselves and further, serve to protect the very environment in which we live.   That is what the Elf Clan Charter is about, what our group is about... and is why we enjoy real freedom.

--o--

Note:  This was originally posted July 25, 2012 and received excellent acceptance in the comments area by Elf Clan members.  It embodies the concept behind the Elf Clan Charter, which is why it is re-printed here.

Originally posted Sept 17, 2013

The following document has been unanimously approved by the Elf Clan Eldar and is published here in response to public drama, malicious accusations and falsehoods that have caused some of our members concern.  We trust this will make our position-- and reasons behind such-- completely clear.

===============================
STATEMENT OF THE ELF CLAN ELDAR
Lately there has been a number of posts attacking Elf Clan and/or its members on certain issues regarding group policies-- most notably our group position on minors and the hotbed issue of same-gender marriage. We have already sufficiently replied to the first issue.  Herein we reply to the second.

OUR RESPONSE TO HATE POSTS AND FALSE CLAIMS:

    It is established history that tolerance has never been brought about through hatred and intolerance.  Calling someone "homophobic" is just as bigoted and prejudiced a statement as slurs against someone because of their sexual preference.

    This recognized:  It is not only improper, but it is against Federal law to incite public hatred against individuals  or a group based on race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual preferences or creed-- regardless of personal beliefs and preferences.  This applies from both directions.  

    No member of Inworldz has the right to attack our group or members because we decide to conduct ourselves differently from their personal beliefs, whims or agendas.  Further, such activity is in breach of the Inworldz TOS, which prohibits public defamation of individuals or groups.  Regardless of where hate-based activity takes place or by whom, for whatever reason, it is still wrong.

    In everyday practice, no individual or group has the right or privilege to tell another group how to conduct its group or lands.  Every region on Inworldz insists on the concept of "The Sim Owner's word is law".   That applies to Elf Clan lands as well as anywhere else.  Anyone attempting to interfere with our group who is not of our group is considerably out of line.

    These important concepts established, let us discuss the issues at hand.

    Statements attacking Elf Clan and its members have been posted without bothering to ask us the reasons behind our policies.  Some individuals have intentionally twisted the meanings of forum posts to promote personal agendas and inflame emotional response. 

    It is evident such defamation is a result of lack of information and even personal hatred-- as well as evident lack of interest in obtaining the truth of these matters.   Such posts have included libelous claims and direct attacks, open flaming and drama.  Most of these are based on what are basically false assumptions in addition to intentional manipulation by specific forum members.  We shall address these issues here.

 

PROHIBITIONS OF SAME-GENDER MARRIAGE

    We were asked by certain indivdiuals if Elf Clan allowed same sex marriage as a public event.  It was later discerned this was with the purpose of forcing their personal opinions on our group by starting an emotional bigotry war.

    When they were referred to the Elf Clan Charter and its prohibition against political and controversial real life issues in Elf Clan, it was charged on Inworldz forums that Elf Clan's Founder (myself) and Elf Clan itself are "bigoted and discriminatory".  Let it be known such decision was not made due to any claimed "homophobic" sentiment.  Charges of bigotry and discrimination are false and slanderous.
    The decision to prohibit same sex marriages as an official event was made unanimously by the Elf Clan Eldar , for several very good reasons:

    1) We are a family-friendly, G-rated group.  Same-sex politics do not fit into that environment.   It turns an aspect of role play into one of real-life sexual commentary and controversy and brings politics into our "no politics allowed" group and as such does not respect the Elf Clan Charter-- the core guideline of our group.  

    2) This is not a matter of homosexuality; it is a matter of sexuality, period.  The Elf Clan Charter specifies open sexuality (thereby, sexually-charged controversy) is prohibited on these lands.

    3) Our group Charter specifically forbids POLITICS, RELIGION and PUBLIC CONTROVERSY on our lands.   Same-sex marriage is a hotbed of all three.  It is a divisive element... as forum posters have proved beyond any doubt. 

    4) Same-gender marriage has no precedent in the Elven lore and theme upon which our group and lands are based.  Recently we have expanded our themes to include science fiction and steampunk, but neither of those themes include such concept as an inherent part of the genre, nor does that alter our G-RATED status, which requires all themes to stay within the sensible boundaries of the Elf Clan Charter.

    5) Regardless of personal beliefs and feelings, same-gender marriage is still illegal in the vast majority of the United States.  (See ammendment below.)  That is a fact Elf Clan opposers have chosen to ignore.  Our group shall not be expected to officially condone and portray something that is still largely illegal in this country.  However, even should such in the future become legal, that does not change or negate the other issues listed above. 

    Real life legal or illegal-- politics, controversy, sexuality and drama are neither welcome nor permitted on Elf Clan lands.  The rule is well-known:  No drama-- zero tolerance.

Regardless, whether one personally agrees with these facts or not is irrelevant to the operation of our group and does not negate our right to exercise our policies on our lands as we deem fit.  Our group policies are not dictated by the personal lifestyles, whims and beliefs of others, nor should they be.  Anyone who attempts to interfere with how we conduct our group and lands is considerably out of line.  This is a principle widely-recognized on the Inworldz platform.

  

ELF CLAN'S VIEW TOWARD BIGOTRY AND DISCRIMINATION

    Most users of virtual worlds are aware of the fact there are men who have female avatars and vice versa.  There are known homosexual and lesbian members in Elf Clan.  They are treated with the same respect as anyone else so long as they conduct themselves in a manner that is required of all members, namely: respect for the Elf Clan Charter and land ratings (G-rated lands).    In short this means:  do not openly practice sexual activities in public nor make other members uncomfortable by bringing blatant sexuality into this group. 

    "What you do in your homes is your business.  What you do in the streets is ours"... is one of Elf Clan's oldest tenets.  

TO ESTABLISH FACT

    Not once in our more-than-a-decade history has any Elf Clan Eldar published or uttered “hate-gay” sentiment or posts.  Not once have any of us promoted or condoned such sentiment, nor used any derogatory term in regard to the homosexual community, either in chat, blogs or posts.  Any member promoting bigotry or prejudice within our lands can be banned from our group.  (Note:  this works in both directions, for those who think calling someone a "homophobe" is acceptable behavior.  It is not-- and will be treated as the bigoted hate-term it was coined to be.)

    Members with same-gender real-life lifestyles own regions in our group. Their personal decisions in sexuality do not affect our dealings with them and we certainly are not discriminatory.  
    Claims to the contrary are fabrications and propaganda intended to incite hatred and promote personal agendas-- and are themselves discriminatory and hate-mongering in nature.  They are without basis in fact and reality.  Evidence indicates they originated simply because certain individuals disagree with faith-based beliefs held by other Inworldz members.  We do not tolerate hate-based activity, no matter where it originates or for what reason it is practiced.  Bashing religious people for their faith-based beliefs is viewed the same as bashing people for their sexual preferences.  There is no difference.  It is hate-mongering regardless.
    Our group has never at any time forbidden private activities on Elf Clan lands-- so long as they remained private.   The Charter does state that certain things shall not be allowed as official group events or publicly announced in group notices.  This includes not only same-sex marriage but the practice of politics, religion, the occult or any activities illegal or controversial in real life. 

    Anyone who expects Elf Clan to go against its core tenets and further-- to publicly condone controversial, highly-charged and even illegal issues in our "no real life allowed" lands, is without understanding of the fantasy / recreational purpose of our group and the purpose of the Elf Clan Charter namely: to retain dignity, honor, respect and friendship within these G-rated lands. 

 

HISTORICAL NOTE

    For a number of years marriage of any kind was restricted as Elf Clan official events as it was considered an obvious "problem area".  In Elven lore mating is forever.  It is taken very seriously.  In other groups RP "marriage" was witnessed to cause regular drama and emotionalism, a source of repeated controversy and division when couples broke up, and was often not treated honorably as such warrants-- even in RP. 

    Elf Clan marriage events of any kind were only later allowed when a number of members requested such as a function of role play.  As such, it still had to remain in harmony with the existing tenets of the Charter and was to be treated with all due honor and respect.
    Same-gender marriage has nothing to do with the Elven Fantasy theme of Elf Clan and goes beyond the basic concept of role play, dragging real life sexual controversy into this group.  It is a highly controversial, emotionally-charged subject and does not belong on our G-rated lands. 

    Therefore it was not included as an official event, any more than we would allow any other socially controversial, politically-charged activity on these family-friendly lands.  Personal feelings, beliefs and bias regarding this subject are irrelevant to the operation of our group on our lands.  In addition, to put things plainly: anyone not a member of Elf Clan has no business in this matter.
    Nevertheless some have chosen to improperly make it their business, even going so far as to falsely portray and twist statements of Elf Clan members to achieve their goals.  Such conduct is dishonest and dishonorable-- and certainly brings no respect at all to the concepts such people are trying to promote.  Bigotry and hatred have never fostered tolerance and acceptance.  This is a lesson of history, of which these individuals should be well aware.

OUR LANDS, OUR LAWS, OUR RIGHTS
    The Eldar long ago thoroughly considered and discussed this issue and came to unanimous decision regarding same-gender marriage as public events.  It was unanimously recognized as political in nature and real-life controversy that did not fit the Elf Clan theme in any way.

    Anyone still offended by this decision after reading the statements above is reminded that no one is forced to be a member of this group.  Members may join or leave as they please.  If one remains a member of Elf Clan they are expected to uphold the rulings and guidelines of the Elf Clan Charter and honor the G-rated, family-friendly nature of our group.

    If one is not a member of Elf Clan, our affairs and our lands is none of your business.  If someone visits our lands they are expected to conduct themselves according to our visitor guidelines-- regardless of personal beliefs and lifestyles--  and to respect the rules of our lands, as we would when visiting theirs.  If they do not deem that proper-- they are free to enjoy their virtual experience elsewhere.
    Nevertheless in this regard, in order to remove any possibility of misconception or charges of discrimination, we at this time return to our original policies.  Wedding ceremonies of any kind may no longer be presented as official Elf Clan events.  They are henceforth to be private affairs consisting of personal invitation.  In this way we are sure to be fair to all.  We are sorry that some in the gay community have forced this decision, but bigotry and intolerance tends to have negative results, no matter which direction it comes from.
    We trust this explains our position and corrects any misunderstandings in this matter.  We certainly hope this puts an end to falsified posts and propaganda regarding our group and members.

-- The Eldar of Elf Clan

Ammendment:   In 2015 (approximately two years after this article was published) the Supreme Court of the United States declared that states are required to issue license for and recognize same-sex marriage.  This of course does not apply to all nations but is a considerable landmark case.  This legal change recognized-- as stated above it does not alter the remainder of the Elf Clan Charter regarding open sexuality on Elf Clan lands.  The decision of the Eldar stands: all marriage ceremonies (regardless of gender) is not of group theme or benefit and thus is to be considered a private rather than official group event.

The following information is for archival purpose only, as part of Elf Clan's history.

Inworldz enjoyed its first CHOICE AWARDS yesterday, January 26 2014.  The theme line is "Residents Honoring Residents", a public vote of people's favorite people.

The results of the awards are here.  You'll notice several names of Elf Clan members and good friends, of whom I'm not going to even try to list here lest I miss someone.  But you can check through the list yourself and see if you recognize any of your friends:

http://inworldzchoiceawards.webs.com/winners

Congratulations winners.   But win or not, we know both Elf Clan and Inworldz are filled with incredibly talented and creative people.  Congrats not only to the winners but the nominees and those who just go about making Inworldz a bit more enjoyable for others!  : )

 InWorldz Choice Awards 2013 Winners

• Favorite Avatar Accessories Creator  is Eye Candi of Eye Candi
• Favorite Kids Apparel Creator  is Veronika Garzo of Kidoo
• Favorite Merfolk AV Creator  is EllieZalt Resident of YokiFish Mermaids
• Favorite Writer/Blogger is Summer Rose
• Favorite Dance Animations Creator is Abramelin Wolfe of Abranimations
• Favorite Men's  Apparel Creator is Swaffette Firefly of SF Designs
• Favorite Shoe Creator is F4 Forzane of Tiptoe Designs
• Favorite Avatar Adult Attachments Creator are Craig Altman & Natasia Saintlouis of Bits and Bobs Animations
• Favorite Female AO Creator is Vista Barnes of Vista Animations
• Favorite Male AO Creator is Vista Barnes of Vista Animations
• Favorite Magazine/Newspaper Creator is Jake Hunter of Grid
• Favorite Model is Dazzeray Snowpaw
• Favorite Artist is Teal Freenote of Gallery Freenote
• Favorite Land Company is Anyraya Braveheart of Calia Estates
• Favorite Static Pose Creator is Siennah Elcar of .:Antsie Avie:. Poses & Animations with Attitude!
• Favorite Public EventCreator is EventsCoordinator Inworldz of FrightFest
• Favorite Fashion Accessories Creator is Cute Avi of I Love Cute Things
• Favorite Jewellery Creator is Jojo Lowe of Timeless Designs
• Favorite Hair Creator is Mirja Mills of EMO-tions
• Favorite Tiny AV Creator is Wynx Whiplash of WynxWorks
• Favorite Adult Animations Creator is Craig Altman & Natasia Saintlouis of Bits and Bobs Animations
• Favorite Shopping Region Creator is Emilie Seda of Victorian Market Place
• Favorite Male Entertainer is Ganjo Mokeev
• Favorite Host/ Hostess is Rowland Larkham
• Favorite Garden & Landscape  Creator is Julia Hathor of Creative Fantasy
• Favorite Role Play Sim Creator Bim Rasmuson of The Grand Duchy of Chanwood
• Favorite Texture Creator is Xzavia Yifu of Timeless Textures
• Favorite Photographer/ Photography Studio is Midnight Rain of Glas Photography
• Favorite Skins/Make Up Creator is Lorac Farella of Pulse Skins Eyes and Shapes
• Favorite Female Entertainer is Ceci Dover
• Favorite Vehicles Creator is TenBears Running of Scrimshaw Marine
• Favorite Public Group Creator is Snoots Dwagon of DragonForge
• Favorite DJ is Cataplexia Numbers
• Favorite Art Gallery Creator isTeal Freenote of Gallery Freenote
• Favorite Scripter is Balpien Hammerer of InMotion
• Favorite Furniture Creator is Teal Freenote of Wind River Homes and Furniture
• Favorite Anything Else Creator is Gregg Legendary of Legendary Creations
• Favorite NightClub Creator is Zoey Newlon of Brick House Blues
• Favorite Buildings Creator is Teal Freenote of Wind River Homes
• Favorite Sim Build To Explore Creator is Zayn Till of Raglan Shire
• Favorite Women's Apparel Creator is Swaffette Firefly for SF Designs

A couple of members have understandably mentioned a recently announced event regarding "Druid Rituals"... and questioned if such conflicted with the Elf Clan Charter regarding "no religious activities".

I discussed this personally with the leaders of Chanwood and they were most informative and cooperative.  I think to begin this discussion a quote directly from them would be helpful.  Regarding their Druid roleplay and ceremonies, Chanwood states:

"They are no more intended to represent "true" druidism than wearing a sword is intended to express a desire to actually kill someone or promote real-life violence."

The distinction made here is to be noted... for there is an established but not-well-known difference between historical Druids and Druid fantasy mythos.  As everyone is aware, Elf Clan is a fantasy group which allows some crossover into areas such as science fiction, steampunk, post apocalyptic and other fantasy themes. Druid mythos would fall into that theme.

While it is entirely possible for Druid mythos to include religious elements, Chanwood assures me they are most aware of the Elf Clan Charter requirements and are careful to not cross that line.   I have come to trust their word and honor in such matters so see no need to examine the matter further.

DRUID MYTHOS

Very little is known about real life Druids.  The history is extremely scant and even authorities will admit that our "knowledge" of these ancient people are as much from legend and story as real-life archaeological evidence-- perhaps much more. 

Druid Mythos on the other hand is as rich and varied as Elven mythos.   While based on the lore of Druids, that's about as far as mythos goes.  That mythos can range all the way from "early scientists" to "human sacrificing monsters"... as is the case with Elves themselves (as Lord of the Rings fans will testify).  Just as we do not engage in "Elven Gods" or "Evil Elf" concepts... Chanwood's Druid roleplay stays away from the religious and evil side of Druid mythos.

ROLEPLAY IN ELF CLAN

I am not personally acquainted with the Chanwood Druid roleplay... but they are well acquainted with our Charter.  I have found few other roleplay groups as cooperative, friendly and harmonious as Chanwood, so I trust them to conduct such roleplay within the concepts of Elf Clan guidelines.   We recognize of course that in roleplay environments things may take place that are not precisely "Elf Clan" in concept. 

For example, during the Ork Wars many a lives were lost and lands ravaged... which of course has nothing to do with the actual harmony that exists in Elf Clan outside of such roleplay scenarios.  Most of us are well aware that in reality the Orks (when they are present) are our oldest and most loyal allies.   Such did not prevent us from having three rather hilarious and highly entertaining "Ork Wars".  Such is the method of RolePlay.

Thus, things which occur within Chanwood roleplay may not be 100% friendly, harmonious and respectful... nor should such be expected.  It is roleplay.   So long as blood does not gush, language is tempered and other major issues (such as occult, nationalistic, vampiric, modesty, religious etc) are adhered to, battles, ceremonies, plotting, backstabbing and downright unfriendly behavior are all part of the "game"... as roleplay is indeed a game. 

So my findings are there is no need for alarm or concern in this matter.   Chanwood is a trusted sub-group within our realm, they are very pro-Elf Clan and have been most cooperative in all of my communications with their group.   I have found I can discuss just about anything with them without offense either given or taken.  As one of the Eldar I find that most refreshing.

Chanwood assures us that any rituals, ceremonies, celebrations or otherwise will be kept within the terms of the Charter.   As their honor is established in our group and their word given in that, I have no reason to doubt or believe otherwise.  All members may rest assured that such has been examined and found to be standard roleplay concepts.  Their druid roleplay is of the fantasy/mythos nature and as such, is part of the fantasy theme that Elf Clan embraces.

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF SOCIAL VR

At this time virtual reality is based on the following concepts:

* Creators love building and displaying their creations.  To do so, they need land.

* Land costs money.

* In order to afford land on Second Life, creators become merchants.

* Merchants require customers who buy their wares.

* Thus we have an economic system which drives land sales.

* Other land sales are fueled by real-life businesses and organizations who want exposure in a 3D virtual environment.

* To get such exposure, they need a lot of visitors.

* Those visitors come from the same source in which merchants make their sales.

* Those visitors can become residents, purchasing their own lands not for creative but rather for social gathering purposes, ie "permanent visitors".

* Another source of land sales is groups, which rely on regular visitors to form their populations.

* Grid primary profit source is land sales, which sales depend merchants, businesses, organizations and groups-- which all depend on visitors and residents.

The bottom line is that the primary source of income for virtual worlds as we know it isn't creators... but rather visitors and residents who fuel the economy and drive creative / business / organizational force.  This brings about land sales which are the core profit of virtual reality worlds.  Thus, the primary profit driver of VR is socially-based users.

ZERO LEARNING CURVE, ZERO WORK, ALL FUN

That is where the problem comes in.  What if the majority of socially-based users are attracted not to a high-learning-curve creative VR platform, but instead an easy-to-use, zero-learning-curve VR social environment in which any and all creations are available at a price... but requiring almost no work or effort on their part.   The only "creativity" required would be shopping and rezzing goods bought, which pretty much everyone loves to do.

That is most likely the environment SL2 will be offering-- a social environment focusing on groups and individual profiles (aka Facebook)-- one in which the users/customers will not need to create or build anything (in fact, such likely won't be possible).  Their entire focus will be on exploring a ready-made world, enjoying social groups, chatting, "dancing", attending parties, listening to live music, and basically doing all the things that are already the most popular activities on virtual worlds.  The difference is it will all be easy. As a bonus, griefers (now removed of their toys on which they so heavily depend) will largely be a thing of the past.*

THEREIN LIES THE COMPETITIVE DANGER

If such a social world draws the vast majority of potential visitors and residents to their grid, what will be left for current high-learning-curve VR such as Inworldz, Second Life and OpenSim?  It is predictable that while older grids may continue on at a minimal level, catering to those who love creativity for its own sake... the economy of such worlds could well collapse, forcing creators to switch from a market-based to reputation-based format (ie, instead of focusing on sales, they would focus on reputation gained from their creations... and goods would largely be just given away for the fun of it). Why?  Because there wouldn't be enough general population interested in buying wares on an "old fashioned, difficult-to-use grid" to fuel the economy and drive a sales-based merchant force.

That's just a possibility.   Whether that would actually happen or not is anyone's guess.

HOW TO OVERCOME

So how can a company like Inworldz overcome this situation?   How can they prevent a small steamroller like Linden Lab from taking (and possibly ruining) what remains of the VR market?  It's actually not all that difficult in concept or execution:

* Become a social VR system itself.  There's nothing wrong with the idea.  It makes sense.  Just don't cut the creators, merchants and landlords out of the deal.

* Totally re-design the viewer user-interface.  It needs two modes:  Beginner and Advanced.  Common concept.  Change the entire menu system so that it's divided into two systems-- items essential to navigating and using the grid-- and items necessary to create.  With an easy-to-use viewer, more people will be attracted to the grid.

* Completely re-create the IDI new user intake area. 

   1) First, change the name to something else.  "Inworldz Desert Island" is not the most welcoming name for a first-impression intake area... and the name isn't intuitive in purpose. 

   2) Make the intake area more automated so the Mentors don't get swamped during busy times, make it easy for people to find areas pertaining to their interests, make use of notecards, portals, information signs, volunteer "tour guides" and tutorial systems.  

   3) Put your best foot forward and make a good first impression.  Every business knows that.  The claim that "Everything has to be neutral!  No favoritism!" is unrealistic and self-defeating. 

    Consider:  When a city puts out a tourist guide, it doesn't include every strip mall, bar and pawn shop in town as attractions.  Inworldz needs to feature its best regions and attractions.   If someone wants to be so featured, they need to work to make their area top notch.  One can't build a strip mall and expect the same level of company-sponsored promotion as an incredibly-designed wondersim.  Shouting "favoritism" or "we must remain neutral!" will simply make Inworldz unimpressive and boring to newcomers, and thus restrict profitable growth. 

    How do we know this?  Look at the last three years.  "Neutrality" hasn't worked thus far and it won't work in the future.  It's not how business operates.  The best products in a store are featured.  The nuts and bolts hang on pegboards on the side-aisles.  That's just how business works.

If the grid grows, the merchant systems will prosper.  People can cry neutrality! all they want... but if the grid doesn't grow such becomes a moot point from the outset.  Newbies can only take in so much in their first visit.  It makes sense to present to them our very best on that first visit, so they are encouraged to make Inworldz their home.  Then they can see the rest on additional visits.

If anyone disagrees with these concepts, it may be good to realize that IDI as it exists now has not been effective in promoting Inworldz land growth for going on three years.  Continue to do what you are doing, and you can expect to remain where you've been.

There is more that can be done to beat Linden Lab at their own game.  All this post is intended for is to sound the warning of potential heavy competition and point to the reality there are things that can be done about such.  Beyond that, the future of Inworldz is fully in the hands of the Founders. 

--o--

The following information is for archival purpose only, as part of Elf Clan's history.

WHAT HAS GONE BEFORE

Elf Clan left Second Life due to significant policy issues with host company Linden Lab. There's no need to rehash those things in detail here; Second Life members are widely aware of the problems Linden Lab caused their customers over the years. 

MAKING THE CHANGE

What we'd like to discuss are the advantages of Inworldz, and why we chose that grid for our new home.  At the same time we encourage our members to join us there, for many reasons.

$40 Elf Clan Regions!

Second Life on the average charges $295 or more per region.  Inworldz charges $75 per region... or $60 if you own 4 or more regions.   Elf Clan owns dozens of regions, at a special grandfathered price of $40 per region.  That means if you have ever wanted to own your own sim... you can do so for $40 a month!

(Note: we are limited to 50 regions, so over that prices are at standard grid fees.)

NO SETUP FEES

When you purchase a region on Inworldz there are no setup fees.  Compared to SL setup fees of $1,200 per region, that can save you a tremendous amount of money right from the start.

TRIPLE THE PRIMS

Second Life allows 15,000 prims.  Inworldz allows 45,000... three times the count.   What does this mean for you?  It means you can forget about worrying about prim count.  You wouldn't believe the difference 45k prims makes when designing a sim.

Let us give you an example:  On our home region of ElvenSong we have a fully-populated ground area complete with main castle, a huge fantasy garden, public sandbox, the Elf Clan Museum, Dwagon's Keep (a large castle-home for our dwagons), Cinnamon's Glen, a dancing grotto and the BattleMace / Archery Sports arena.

In an upper level (about 1,500m) we have a 1/4 sim Holodeck, and above that a second one.  At about 2,000m we have an entire Grunge City.  At 3,500 meters we have the impressive Replicant City, an entire science fiction city / museum / exposition that is one of the main attractions of Inworldz.

And with all that... we still have 10,000 prims left available.   45,000 prims just rocks.

ENHANCED BUILDING TOOLS-- NO LINK LIMITS

On Inworldz you can build using prims up to 128m in size (or larger with some viewers).  Further, there are no link limits.   It is literally possible (for we have done so) to build a space ship 100m+ long and consisting of 1,000+ prims... link it as one object and fly it effortlessly around the sim.   It is wondrous what the removal of link limits means for builders.

NO UPLOAD COSTS

If you've ever built on SL, you know that the L$10 upload cost for textures, sounds and animations can quickly rise to significant levels.  It can literally amount to hundreds of dollars $US for a builder/merchant. 

Inworldz has no upload fees and have announced they never plan to have any.   That fact alone can save you a significant amount of cash.

SCENIC REGIONS COST FAR LESS

Inworldz offers 5,000-prim owner/partner build-permit "scenic" regions for $20 a month if connected to a full size region.  That is far less expensive than the 3,500-prim, $250 setup fee, $125-a-month "Homestead" regions on SL.

THAT'S WHERE ELF CLAN IS HOMED

Elf Clan has dozens of regions on Inworldz, owned by both Eldar and individual members. (That was never possible on Second Life.) Our region owners are very happy and very supportive of our group.   Regular events are held, the Elf Clan Charter is still in full effect, and our family friendly lands are more beautiful, peaceful and harmonious than they have ever been.

So please, come to Inworldz and check out Elf Clan's new home!

Popular Elf Clan regions on Inworldz:

ElvenSong - home region

Replicant City - High-sky science fiction region at ElvenSong

ElvenMyst - Our gathering and activity lands with a huge sandbox

ElvenGlen -- the original Elf Clan region restored to all its beauty

Chanwood -- Solid role playing

The Land of Lar -- Fantasy at its best

... and many more.   Pick up the free Elf Clan Region HUD at ElvenSong

P.S.  If you're an Elf Clan sim owner and would like to have your sim mentioned here, please send Snoots Dwagon on Inworldz an IM giving your sim's name and theme, as well as special attractions.