Long ago a forum pundit coined the term "Fetted Inner Core" or known as the FIC. For some time now there has been another element that I would like to call the "Lunatic Fringe Element" or the LFE. If one was to base Second Life on what is posted in the forums. The observer would have no other recourse than to think that the entire population was made up of the LFE.
Spotting the LFE in it's native habitat. Typically LFE members post "I rezed a pink cube and now someone else has. where is the justice?, My neighbor has built a ugly house and I want it to go away" and my favorite of LFE post of all time is "Someone walked up to me on my land and said hello" *actual post* and the follow up posts from other LFE members consoling the man on how he was wronged and why dosn't Linden Lab do something about this henious behavoir.
It is a shame that the Lunatic Fringe Element has highjacked the forums. I have seen good changes made to Second Life from people talking in the forums. I fear that Linden Lab will lose a good source of info. Even though it's been polluted by the LFE. In 25 years of being invovled with computers online from the old BBS system to the modern forum and blog system. There is little you can do to keep the Lunatic Fringe Element out. They take over dicussion places and bully others away. What I find funny and yet sad, the same LFE members who have taken over the forums and driven it to this state of decay. Cry out loudly that Linden Lab is taking their toy away.
Recently another forum pundit proclaimed that LL was taking the forums away because it made them look bad. I counter they are taking the forums away because it makes the rest of us in Second Life look bad. If one was to judge the population Second Life from the forums. The person would think we are all greedy. introvorted. anti social nicompoops residing one level above the trekkie who still lives in his parents basement.
Yet in two years of running around Second Life talking to people in various capacities including as a reporter for Second Life Magazine. I have never heard anyone talk about the stuff this Lunatic Fringe Element bitches, whines and cries about in the forums.
I have to admit I have gained much entertainment from watching the LFE and it's highjinks in the forums. Often I would ask myself "are the people in SL really this insane and what kind of company am I keeping" In recent months the entertainment has waned as the posts have become increasing repetiative and it would be eaiser to read and save on band width if they were numbered. 12=I want my privacy, 4=prim babies. I think you get the idea.
In closing I bid the forums a fond farwell and to the Lunatic Fringe Element. I hope you find a new home to roost in.
Rox
*zips up her fireproof suit and waits*
