After having recently been stupid enough to allow myself to be swindled in SL, I suddenly faced an entirely different ordeal, trying to deal with the abuse form and staying within the TOS while attempting at the same time, to deal with my shame at being so stupid, as well as my anger.
As a little time passed and I began to examine what had really happened, I soon learned that I was not their first victim.
I was contacted by two (2) other residents that had been treated in a similar fashion by the same two individuals. I think you can understand that I was surprised that this was an on going operation.
When I enquired as to whether or not they had filed abuse complaints, both replied to me with the same answer, " it (the abuse form) was too difficult and confusing as well as being ashamed of themselves.
It was then that I decided to try and prevent this type of preying on Residents in the future. To my amazement, it is a violation of the TOS to tell other SL residents of these two individuals.
After being suspended for two hours for passing notecards, I decided to post that information on my profile page. This incured a warning from LL and the removal of that information from my profile, as that too is a violation of TOS.
Now, I understand the ramifications of posting lies and/or sladerous content on to a profile page, however it is only slanderous if it can be proven so.
Do we as citizens of Second Life not have the right and the obligation to bring peer pressure to bear on individuals in our midst that repeatedly prey on us?
Do we as citizens of Second Life not have a right to free speech as well as protection of ourselves and our fellow residents if LL can not, or will not act in our best interests?
I do not suggest vigilate justice, but I do advocate a better functioning system of protecting citizens as well as establishing a phone line for abuse assistance. To allow a continuing scam operation, or one that gives that appearence is not to the benefit of Second Life or the residents themselves.
I would also suggest that before ANY profile is edited by LL, that a one to one contact be made with the owner of that profile. An honest attempt by SL to look beyond the face of an alleged abuse would in the long term be of enormous benefit if we wish to continue to see SL grow and prosper.
For many residents like myself that generally spend from 6 to 12 hours a day here, we do, or we should have a reasonable say in our protection and in the protection of our friends and fellow citizens.
The last thing we as residents need to see is an expose' on some tv channel that paints us all as thives and swindlers. It is only a matter of time until someone with a legitimate complaint, the financial resourses and a vengence to destroy all that has been built here. Public perception is everything and we need to make evey possible effort to police ourselves.
reply to comment:
I never said I got screwed over.
I filed an abuse report because of the manner in which I was swindled.
I'm sorry if you think the post was ragged, but I have to stay within TOS when posting and if I wrote the entire episode here, I would be in violation of TOS. However, if you wish to have all the details of my stupidity, please contact me on line and I will share them with you.
TY for your comments! They are greatly valued.