Including 'Location' in bio:

Oh god, oh that is RICH ... that's hilarious ... you don't just not list your location, you actually ... it's not lying exactly ... it is SOME species of deception ... a small one, but nevertheless ... and you started this thread ... AHAHAHAHA ...

I don't have to walk down alleys at midnight to know it's a bad idea. No thanks on MS.

Yes, but these are things that must be dealt with in ALL mediums of life--first or second. People. Yes people. We have to 'deal' with them everyday (for the most part). Am I to assume that you are more or less closed off in real life, and never divulge information out unless absolutely necessary--if the answer is 'yes' then...well...that's who you are.

But don't forget that this Second Life is 'inter-reality', which means your real life and second life are tied-together whether you want to believe it or not (in the very broad sense of the meaning). You can't get away from people. You can't get away from thought, judgment, joy...all the things you deal with in RL, you deal with in SL--in some form or another.

So in comparing how secretive you are in real life, seems to translate over to RL as well...or at least it should.

Putting my location down for every one to see on this forum doesn't mean that I go up to strangers and say, 'Hi, I'm Michael Bigwig, I live in Riverside, Rhode Island.' That's not a natural thing to do...unless your 'eccentric.' But if someone seemed nice enough, and they asked, I would tell them--these two things (to me) are one and the same. Same attitude. Same outcome. Same safety levels.

Like I've said before--having my location up online isn't going to increase my chances of being stalked and murdered one bit--if a stalker wants to find me...they will--I'm a realist I suppose. I don't live my life in fear. I play it smart, keep it real, and enjoy every day.

You know what? I've stayed out the "pick on poor Michael stuff" but you are SO pedantic! I was merely stating WHY I don't do something, and you immediately come back and insinuate that I'm paranoid, possibly delusional, and misguided. WTF is wrong with you? Have I EVER insulted YOU in any way?

Ummm...you're being way too dramatic. Kinda like the pot and kettle eh?

I didn't 'insinuate' anything. I was using 'you' in the community sense again...this was already brought up a few posts back. I'm not at all talking about YOU. I'm talking as a collective.

Don't take me so personally. And heck...I don't even think what I said was that harsh...even if I did use your name--which I never did. *shrugs*

Sheesh...you guys act like I'M the drama queen...lol.

And usually they've met maybe 3 American in their entire life

You know what? I've stayed out the "pick on poor Michael stuff" but you are SO pedantic! I was merely stating WHY I don't do something, and you immediately come back and insinuate that I'm paranoid, possibly delusional, and misguided. WTF is wrong with you? Have I EVER insulted YOU in any way?

Like I've said before--having my location up online isn't going to increase my chances of being stalked and murdered one bit--

Very similar to when I moved to North Carolina. When people found out I was from Michigan they'd talk about how dirty and filthy and crime ridden and rude the north is. When I'd ask where they'd gone they either had never been north of Virginia or they'd been to New York City.

I lived in Ann Arbor / Ypsi for 9 years...great place. Where in Michigan? You don't have to answer that...lol.

Very similar to when I moved to North Carolina. When people found out I was from Michigan they'd talk about how dirty and filthy and crime ridden and rude the north is. When I'd ask where they'd gone they either had never been north of Virginia or they'd been to New York City.

I don't mind telling at all. Grew up as a kid in Niles, just south of Kalamazoo. Still have family there and go from time to time.

HEY! New Yorkers are some of the nicest maniacs in the world. Oryx's business concerns are good ones for not making her nationality known at first sight. As for me I'm beginning to think it a benefit. It'll possibly cut down on Asshats chatting me up in the first place.

Bellssssssss *drools*

I just visited last week, and I stashed a six-pack of Oberon in my suitcase...I always export Bells whenever possible.

Oberon is my favorite beer in the entire world.

/me laughs

I can *not* believe this thread is still alive. Michael... you're not gonna get too many scientific studies done if you challenge everyone's reason if it differs from yours. I think you have enough answers, and enough reasons. I think everyone has respected yours. So why not respect the ones that have a different one than you do?

I don't drink nowadays, but when I did I was very partial to Rolling Rock. Learned to love it when living near Latrobe PA.

... my personal favorite, after a good couple of minutes of small talk.."I'm sorry. No speak English."

... no bit of sleuthing can help you.

New Yorkers are New Yorkers, not good or bad. Unfortunately to the rest of the country they can come across as rude. No different than someone with a PHD in the south comes across to much of the country like a country bumpkin.

It's a shame we can't relish in our differences rather than use them against each other.

I love when I am holding a nice with converstaion with someone for several minutes and when they discover where I'm from the all of a sudden change. Comments range from, "Oh, you're American. Too bad. You seemed nice" or "I would make up an Irish name if I were American too", or my personal favorite, after a good couple of minutes of small talk.."I'm sorry. No speak English."

There are more people of Irish decent in America than in Ireland.

See...some of you guys simply will not agree with me ever...ever...because of my reputation on the forums (which is completely different than my grid status mind you). You guys think I'm a jerk...and you love any opportunity to disagree and make me look bad...and there is nothing I can say to get you all to see this...lot's of problems come from me being blunt and honest...

I honestly think some of you go against even your own beliefs just to disagree with me...I mean, statistically speaking, there is NO way everything I say on this forum is wrong, bad, or rude...but some how...somehow you've all made it seem that way. Go figure.

If the whole world [sic: forum] seems against you, Michael, you may want to look at why.

True just as Californians are seen as......*shudders*

Yes, but here in Cali we've learned to relish in our stereotypes. Probably because so many of them are based in truth.