Concierge Group

There is a lot going on in the concierge group. Closing it or no more chat what will happen? But in stead of shouting maybe we can put in some suggestions wich make everybody happy lindens and residents.

My suggestions are:

1) Take a poll in the congierce group itself asking the member if they want a change or not

2) Make a second group in wich there be no chat and only for announcements and such and leave the original as it is so people bothered by chat can join the second group and leave the first group.

These are my ideas atm but maybe you have more , post them.

I do not think this should be a 'war' between sim owners and lindens but just something we can all solve together, because in sl we can have a world as it should be a world where we all can life in happely.

Chantal

Whats wrong with closing the Little X on upper right of window to leave the chat session? Usually doesn't come back up on you unless you relog..

Because not everyone wants to, and it's not reliably persistent. Also, what if someone asks a legitimate question after you close your window? You're incapable of helping.

What is the actual name of this group? I put in a support ticket to get an invite to Concierge Information Group, which I think is this group, but so far, no invite. The ticket has been updated today, with no new comment.

I have opinions on the matter..but Linden Labs has made it clear that opinions only matter if they don't point towards a change in their administration...therefore i keep my fingers from typing...

I have always been on the side of healthy discussion and/or debate. Unfortunately, for me, this is much more about the handling of recent events than the actual use of the channel. I am EXTREMElY disappointed as I have always been one who has respected and even defended the powers that be. So, people get kicked out of a group for paying customers for swearing or off-topic chatter. A person may get an time-out from SL for name-calling. What happens to those who abuse their power? What happens to those who blatantly lie? Who does one trust at this point when they have been lied to or threatened? Give me that faith, trust, and respect back.

This may sound very emotional....it is. You don't jerk people around. You don't lie to people. You don't ban, warn, threaten at your whim, or close a paying customer group without any announcement. You take care of the people paying you. You treat them with respect. You are HONEST. If I decide to leave, my residents will be given ample warning and ALL of the facts surrounding my departure. That is how I want to be treated and how I treat others.

I have had numerous IMs from people stunned by my reaction. Why? Because I am a tolerant person and have never complained. I have never felt the need to until now. Lies and injustice just push my limits.

I realize this may not seem like it belongs here, but.....Fix the powers that be first please, then we can talk about fixing the channel.

Pink

Chantal, those are very good suggestions- and fair!

To me the Concierge group has always been a way to keep my finger on the pulse of SL. I am a hermit creator and rarely get out, but I know that if I am having problems in SL , I will hear in CIG if it is a grid-wide problem hours before it ever appears in the 'Official Blog' If I am worried about the economy or other things that affect my running of my sims, I will know fairly soon if others have the same worries. I also know that if I have a problem, my fellow sim owners will help me the best they can. In short, the chatter in the concierge group is a tool, a help, and I would think it also is a tool and help to Linden Labs. After all, doesn't it give THEM a finger on their paying customers? Doesn't it take some of the load off of concierge personnel if we help each other?

There is an X at the top right of the group window if someone is offended by the chatter. However, I do like Chantal's suggestion to have a separate group for those who want absolutely no one talking in the Concierge group!

• With a limit of only 25 groups (TOO SMALL!) it’s hard to justify having 2 groups to talk to the same people, one for technical questions, one for “off topic” chat.

• If CIG’s purpose is for support, then I would suggest that a LINDEN is always monitoring it and respond to comments. I.e. when I ask “is anyone having problems saving notecards?” instead of another member giving me ancillary information, Spike or Charlene or another Linden would respond “We have 2 asset servers with issues, expect to have this resolved in 10-20 minutes”.

• When I was a NOOB to CIG, I too complained about all the IDLE chat there, but it took a while for me to have the epiphany! The chatter in CIG is just a “keep alive” purpose. It lets me know who is here, available for support and mentoring. I guess, I could every 5 minutes say “Gwampa Lomu here”.. but this is more civilized and mature.

• Just my opinion, when Abby or Charlene or ?? offers donuts or coffee in the AM, it DOES put a smile on my face and there is NOTHING wrong with smiling.

• Noobs to CIG expect it to be used for support and SUPPORT questions ALWAYS have precedence. I don’t know of ANY case where someone’s technical question or request got squashed because of the “idle” chat.

• And perhaps the most important perspective. NOOBS do NOT have the answers here, they will only use CIG to ASK questions of those with more experience. So they should have NO problem having it minimized, not paying attention to it, UNTIL they have an issue. Once they become an “ELDER” and can share their experience with others, then they will want to have it open to see if they have anything to offer others. As far as I know, ALL of the complaints have been from NOOBS who have a different expectation of what CIG should be.

• Since all of us in CIG own 1+ sims, we have SIMILAR issues that tend to bond us together. Not much different from any social / cultural / religious group that we belong to in RL. I go to my Temple for spiritual support, that is JOB 1 of my temple, but if there was not the social aspect, I would not frequent it as much! (oh wait, I DON’T frequent it that much!!)

• Everyone here is an adult (or should be) This is not elementary school where we have to have our language censored. I dont like gutter talk any more than anyone else, but when a grownup is frustrated and says SHIT (or $%^&*), it does NOT upset me. If it did, then my skin is way too thin!

• If CIG is closed, then LL should expect a LOT more phone calls regarding support. Today was a good example. I woke up, signed on, and 3 of my sims were off line. If CIG was here, would ask, have others share with me what they knew. Instead, I got on the phone, called, and had to have a linden tell me what he prolly told 100's of others already!

Gwampa Lomu

I feel very disheartened by the events that have taken place the last 2 days.
Concierge is a collage of members who support one another. Whether it is a sim issue. a jira, a script reading, or simply someone having a down day or a happy day and want to unwind with a little bantering.

It had become a place that was a community. A place where you always felt a part of.
A place where everyone knew your name (thinking about that show cheers now, lol)
But it is so true.
Concierge residents for the most part, over the years had developed a kinship amongst
each other that was fun for the most part and always very helpful.... a *community* if you will....and one that was always accepting of new sim owners.

Sometimes the chatter was a bit much, I agree. And I agree I have been part of that *bit much*.......BUT, I also know that when I dont want to hear others, or if I am distracted by it,
I do one of two things...

1) I close the chat
2) I mute the person that truly annoys me

Simple as that.

By restricting the chat in this group, Lindens are killing the morale.
Killing the community feel it had become.

I do realize and understand that constant chatter can be somewhat distracting and annoying. But in all honesty, close the chat if it is too much for you.

Your not going to miss anything but fun banter.
Your not going to miss anything but laughter
Your not going to miss anything but fellow sim owners bonding in friendship.
Your not going to miss anything but help when someone asks * how do I do this or what is happening on the grid?*
Your not going to miss any Lindens giving support, as they do not.
Your not going to miss any notices, as they do not send any.

What you WILL miss....are wonderful deep friendships formed and loads of help because of those crazy sometimes annoying chats.

How many of you have stated..*this is my fav group.......I have learned more from this group then any other group I have been in..........this group has the community feel that Sl USED to have....I dont want CIG to close...if i have to leave other groups to keep CIG, I will *

What does that tell you?
It tells me they love the chatter and bonding and fun and support and information they get from it. It is a COMBINED deal that makes it the best damn group in Second Life.

So make your rules Lindens. Do it your way. Go ahead an destroy more of the morale and comraderie (sp) these residents have found in Concierge.

And not by Lindens...but by the residents themselves that have made it what it is.

I can't say it any more succinctly than Abby did. I am one of those who have said that Concierge is my favorite group -- and yes, it is because of the help and comradeship I find in that group- from my peers.

I am very upset at the events of the past two days, so it is best that I just shut up, but I wanted to at least speak up this much. I hope it doesn't get me banned.

Circe, your last words *I hope it doesnt get me banned*
How sad it has become that we fear of getting banned for speaking what is on our minds.
This is what Lindens have successfully done. Put fear in anyone to stand up for what THEY believe in.

I am so sorry you feel that fear. **hugs**

As a new sim owner I have found this group to be very helpful. In fact i couldn't have done what i have done with out the help i have received. I like the community spirit and have felt very supported by it. I would hate to see it go and too feel that the 'x'
is the answer. Unfortunatly in life, it can be the people who complain that get listened to and the people who just try to get on with it, helping others along the way, who lose out. I really hope this doesnt happen here.

I have been an pro-(occasional) off topics in CIG, but then I have been kept frustrated for sometime, since the SIM sale spam has been increased in volume the off topics (including useful information exchange) were moved to Concierge Customer Coffee Break group.

This group has lost its purpose for me, the only reason I still am in the group is sometimes I get information, and other times I could have felt the comfy feel from the occasional off-topics.


Now, I understand that some people, owners needs to sell their SIM, back in 2006 and 2007 those sellers were humble. "hey, im not trying to sound spam or anything... but can someone buy my SIM?" sorta thing and it was rare and acceptable.


now Its all "~~~ SIM ~~~L, Transfer date: ~~. Check my website!!"

I think that this increased volume of spams in CiG and less talk (since many topics were moved to Concierge Coffee Group) has alienated people who were in CIG.

I myself is pretty frustrated with the SIM sales spam, I can bare the off topic, but the heck with spam....



I suggest them to split SIM sales exchange to somewhere else.
SIM transfer is official part of SL experience, so hunting down on them is meaningless, then why don't we send them to somewhere seggregated from chat group, we don't need spams in the group chat.


WE DON'T NEED SPAMS IN THE GROUP CHAT!!!!!

there, can't be stressed enough.

I would like to back up Abby on that last comment about fear... It sounds like the old communist methods... dictatorship ... People should be able to stand up for their opinions and express them.
CIG is by far the best group and we all agree on that. I do NOT agree with the method used to handle the situation. this group has been set to get inworld announcements it says but so far, from what i have seen, I have never received any of that type of communication from the moderators. The rest is pure litterature and i am not going to type what everybody has already said before me.

MY OPINION IS

I think Abby should be reintegrated in CIG.
She owns 5 sims.
She contributes to the wealth of LL.
She contributes to our moral health because she is the soul of that group makes us smile and laughs most of the time.. and has always been a strong supporter of the lindens in CIG...

Like i told Patch Linden when he was issuing his threats within the Group....there's no real reason to have the Lindens moderate the CIG Group....they don't use it to make Announcements, they do that via the Blogs, they don't offer Support as per their Charter.....and they rarely answer any SL related questions in that Group......there is no real need for them to be there to be honest.....aside from the few Lindens who themselves like joining in the occasional banter. That's fine, those Lindens of the light hearted variety should remain within the Group.

I would be in favour of Lindens turning over the Group to senior group members like Charlene, Alliez and 1 or 2 others to act as the group Moderators.

99.9 % of all SL related questions are answered by us members anyway. The only ones that will now lose out now are those new Sim owners (ironically the ones making the complaints).....they''ll get decreased support as more members venture over to Concierge CCB group instead.

Put it another way...how many tickets or Live chats would LL have to handle, if we the community weren't there to answer all the SL related questions ....they're really creating a rod for their own backs!

I disagree with SIM sale or buy announcements....we are actually doing each other a favour. If there comes a day when you need to offload some Sims, that group is the most likely place you'll find a buyer...as you have owners from the small to the very large Estates in that group. They're the ones that most likely able to afford to buy your Sim.

It really doesn't disturb me to be honest ......it goes with the Territory....and I'm neither an active buyer nor a seller of Sims. I know if the time comes and i need to sell....that's the first place (CIG) i would offer them

Well, but "some" of us are sick of spams, thats why I'm suggesting to offer another seggregated location for such talks for owners, no need to do it in chat group, keep business and friendship/help/comfy chat separate.

CIG is not used by LL for anything at all. No announcements, no support, nothing. Once every few days a Linden actually joins the chat, but that's it.

CIG, with all the chat going on (chat that *can* turn annoying, but that's what the little x button is for), lessens the support "burden" on LL - many questions are answered in CIG that otherwise would pile up on live support. Taking this "support level" (that doesn't cost LL a single dollar) away would be another totally stupid business decision by the Lab.

CIG, as it is right now, is perfect in my eyes. It is a great mix of information, help and fun. God knows we *need* all these things in SL.

I have no problem with region sale/buy requests in CIG, either. It doesn't happen that often anyways - and it's the place where you will find the quickest reaction to your request.

So, Lindens, if you want to forbid the group chat, you can close down the group totally - but if you are smart you leave it untouched. It's not *you* who use it anyways.

Oh, about the idea of creating another, seggregated location: nope. Splitting up is *bad*. I very much prefer ONE group where I can find everything that is related to concierge customer problems and needs. And it's not like there is constant chatter in CIG, I'm online for long periods of times and there are often hours with nothing going on there at all. IF there is, and IF it gets too much for me --> the close button is only one mouse click away.

I agree with much that has been said here. I still feel that we need to fix the powers that be first. I realize the chatter can get to be too much and I have seen it get overheated. There must be Moderators and there are some very very good ones. They will give a warning in the group, lighten things up if the topic is too heavy or things get overheated, or they IM you privately with a warning. I have also witnessed the complete opposite and I feel this is truly what needs fixing.

The purpose of the group has evolved. This evolution took place with all of the Moderators knowing and watching. The information we have all shared there has been invaluable. The bond we have all shared there has been invaluable. Even though it is not a support channel, the support we have all given each other there during some very rough times for land owners has been invaluable. The sims we have sold to each other via the odd announcement by a resident in that channel counts as support also, if you ask me. This is one of the MOST helpful and supportive groups of people.

I still want the powers that be fixed first. Too many, such as myself, are disillusioned by the handling of events, completely disappointed by the lies, sickened by the treatment of others, and others are living in fear to express themselves here or in chat. Treat us with respect and honesty and we will do the same.

Pink

I've been busy in RL lately and haven't been in SL as much as I'd like. So.... what did I miss? Did they close it down, or turn off group chat again?

When the chatter starts in the CIG I tend to tune it out but leave it open, because when something valuable does come up, I don't want to miss it. And it really is a great source of info on the state of SL.

I don't mind the occasional announcement of a sim for sale, it seems par for the course for what the group and its members are all about.

-Atashi

I thought this group was awesome informative and friendly, and great support . It also was a good way of knowing new trends or problems in sl. Yes we chat thats cos we are above all human. Looks like because of the few who complain we have now a group where chat is minimum i like the idea of a group for thos who only want to hear about sales or such and no humour which really does put some sunshine in the day. A lot of us will threaten to leave many wont leave because of not wanting the wants of a few to override the wants of the many.On the whole most of the ppl in the group rock
and are awesome helpfull and friendly.

I owned my island for a year before I decided to get a second one. It was only when I was buying that second one ( hehehe for 1675 USD as the going rate was then) that a LINDEN told me about CIG. I requested an invite and I got one from that Linden and I joined.
This was the absolutely best thing I ever did in my SL.
I did my usual....sit back, observe, and then dip my toe in the waters.
I like to think that I have contributed and helped quite a few of the people I have met in this group.
I also know I have contributed to the chat stuff which was considered to be "off topic". And yes, maybe once or twice, we went slightly OTT.
I have seen nothing to rival the cameraderie and community feel we all gained from the group as a whole. Many groups claim to be the "awesome"est, but there is truly only one contender...this one.
I am English but live in the Central European Time Zone, so my hours of being on tend to differ from most. I have arranged my days of feeding my SL addiction around the certain knowledge that when the "yanks" wake up and start logging in to CIG, I will be doubled-up in laughter for an hour or so.
I have bought extra islands due to info. gleaned from this group, and I have solved a few problems without having to trouble the Lindens.
It must also be said, in fairness, that I have managed to friend a few Lindens through the group.
Sometimes I get my facts wrong, but that's usually when I get steaming mad with something and try to say too much too quickly.
I have to report, particularly to Patch, that (based on the information provided to me about this issue), I feel like I have been stabbed or my balloon has been pricked, or whatever.
A very very very very very very very sad day indeed.
I would be happy with actions such as have happened, if explanations were forthcoming alongside; but the total high-handedness of what appear to amount to dictatorial powers wielded like a steamroller to crush a nut, leave me shocked, shaken and (ready for it, all of you?.....) shitty.
So there.
Parallels literally litter history of groups/communities/townships whatever springing up and expanding and then losing the original focus and then collapsing. When, oh when, are we going to learn from History.
Thanks for spoling my mood, all you short-sighted, introspective, intolerant and impatient idiots who have registered complaints in sufficient quantities to provoke such a reaction.
Wake up you lot. Take a step bacwards and actually analyse what info. you have gained from being a member of this group.
And I thank all the real characters who have made it such a joy until now. You know who you are.
I am seriously thinking of quitting SL as a result of all this. Another 1000 USD you're going to lose, Lindens. Each and every month.

The group was created for Concierge to send us information and they graciously allowed us to use it for chatting and helping each other, which was great. As long as that is what we did with it I don't think they minded, but people keep trying to use it as a place to lodge complaints and stir up drama.

The group is not for support or for speaking your mind or for 'fixing the powers that be'. If that is what we try to use it for then the only person we have to blame for it's demise is ourselves. If we want to keep the friendly banter and the mutual assistance the group affords we need to take the complaining and the support requests to the proper channels and learn to hold your tongue in the group chat.

It is not a public forum for banging on the doors of the lab and demanding whatever it is you want them to fix. It was never intended for that and by people trying to turn it into that we now risk losing it completely.

Thanks guys.

As long as I am in CIG, and thats for almost 2 years now, I can't really remember the group being used by LL in the way you mentioned. LL uses the blog and status page for sending information, but not CIG. Once in a while a Linden who happens to be online and stumbles over a question/discussion in CIG answers the question - thanks for that. But in general CIG is a community group where customers help other customers, for free. It's not a computerized system or a system of payed techs who can't afford a single word too much. Humans help other humans voluntarily, usually in a warm and friendly way. Some idle chit chat is part of that (btw, from this idle chit chat I often enough learn more about things and the status of SL than from the official channels).

Hiya..I dont say much here in SL..I,m also a hermit creator who keeps herself to herself..but as others have pointed out..if I need to know something or keep an ear to the ground..CIG is the place..I also wish to give my support to Abby and hope all this is resolved soon.. Ta Ra for now