I am confused about FIC usage ...

I have no opinion on either side of this btw ~ So don't be a'flaming me *cowers*

But what confuses me is that there are threads posted that celebrate the FIC (ex. Planned RL Invasion of Linden Lab by the FIC: July 22nd-24th!) and I know there are threads that joke about it (ex. Feted Inner Core Article: What is Your Opinion) and there are threads where some of the same people that celebrate and joke about it (in my opinion perpetuate it) seem to be upset if someone else uses the term to describe that same group of people or activities that may or may not be taking place.


How does it make sense to perpetuate "FIC" (term) usage and complain about "FIC" (term) usage at the same time?

The best comparison I can think of is when any group of people try to reclaim or disarm a word that is used as a slaight against them. If you are a member of that group it is generally considered acceptable for you to use the term. If you are opposed to the group, it's considered an insult.

Forgive my use of these terms but I don't want my post to be vague and confusing. But it's different when a homosexual uses the term "homo" or "fag" vs. when a gay basher uses it. Same with the unspeakable N-word that refers to blacks.

FIC is making light of a term used to condemn and exert power over them by SL's Fifth Column. Humor is used to disarm an acronym that was solely intended as a weapon against them.

I see mention of "FIC" more like "Murphy's Law" humour. People talk about Murphy's Law when things go wrong -- few people haven't heard of Murphy's Law. It's funny because it's not real.

But if someone were to start a movement to uncover the true identity of Murphy and write thousands of words a day accusing people of working in collaboration with Murphy to subvert the community, it stops being funny. (Well, maybe it's funny, but not in a "laughing with you" kind of way. )

I hope that helps to shed light on this.

Those who joke about the FIC, make web-pages and banners for it, proudly wear their FIC rings, shirts, pins, etc etc... Are taking something meant as a derogatory term and turning it around. Taking the harmful intent and power away from it. Much in the same way some women will proudly declare themselves 'bitches', or African-Americans will use the dreaded 'N' word on themselves and others.

The difference, in my opinion, is in the intent. Saying 'Hey bitch!' to a female friend is not the same thing as saying, 'You are a f*cking bitch!' to someone else. (Using the other example would have made the point more vibrantly, I'm sure, but.. naw.)

I use it daily when I tell individuals to 'FIC off!"

From the standpoint of a relative newcomer, let me say that I come to this board for a lot of reasons. None of those reasons involve disparaging OR fawning over people who have, by their own hard work and creativity, achieved some kind of special status. That status has zero impact on me whatsoever (ok, except that I've purchased some of their wares and have been extremely pleased with the quality and the customer service I've gotten).

But when I come here to find interesting topics to discuss, be they philosophical, sociological, fun/whacky/teasing, or simply relating experiences in SL and I see 4 separate threads on the front page that have "FIC" in the title it is discouraging. It's nothing I want to discuss. It's not even interesting to me. I'd prefer to read and discuss issues that effect the larger SL community, not just a handful of us. And certainly not conspiracy theories.

Magdalene - sorry for derailing your question, which has gotten some good answers. I just needed a place to vent and this thread was elected.

But, never mind me. I'm quirky that way. Carry on

Murphy's Law actually has roots in actual history.


As for FIC...well....personally I think it's a tired old term that should be retired for all purposes. Used in humour or even in seriousness, it's a wedge that's dividing the SL forums community.



- Newfie

And when using FIC as a derogatory term, it is of course expected that you at least state what your contribution to SL has been. Otherwise your just being uncivilized.

Welcome to internet forums. I'm hoping the recent flurry of FIC'ness on the forums, will put this issue to rest. Although I'm sure the conspiracy theorists will remain a loud minority.

A funny thing is that quite a few of those that use the term on themselves are far from feted (celebrated/looked up to/admired, by LL in this case). And vice-versa, a lot of feted players don't consider themselves FIC

There IS a FIC, always, in any community. And lots of wannabes.
IMO nothing to make a big fuzz about.

This is a standard concern from someone who is not part of group which shares an inside joke, which is what the concept of the FIC has become. In RL, SL, or in the forums all newbies go through a period of feeling excluded until they come up to speed with the language and culture of a group.

You know this. The solution to the problem is the same as it's always been, participate and be patient.

~Ulrika~

Well I understand the history of the term and I understand what motivates people to use the term - but my question remains the same.

How does it make sense to perpetuate "FIC" (term) usage and complain about "FIC" (term) usage at the same time?

oh I actually had thought about those other examples too that have been listed ~ and actually feel the same about their usage ~ why perpetuate a stereotype or term (even amongst the group itself unless you are getting something positive out of it?) So I suppose the question goes beyond usage of "FIC" in SL but then its off-topic lol.

Why does one of my workmates greet me with 'sup my nigah?

Why does another of my friends refer to himself as 'a total fag?'

Words only have the power you allow them over yourself, take the word and make it your own and you take away its power.

As for myself I've establshed my own definition of 'FIC':

A name for the bugbear in the closet to blame for your own unhappiness and general shortcomings.

Siggy.

I don't see how the usage of a phrase that is used both positively and negatively by different groups is nonsensical. Further, a single person could simultaneously complain about it while perpetuating it, as the act of complaining does sustain the concept.

I don't see the source of confusion. *shrug*

~Ulrika~

Um.... Lemme see.... FucFic.

There, that summed it up.

Whatever the case, this baby sure seems to have legs.

I'm still uncertain what the "joke" is. And I've been doing IRC and web boards for some 10 years now. It's not new, it's not imaginative, it's not unique. Invariably, if one suspect group (say, the Bilderbergs or the Illuminati) are exposed as benign/nonexistent, another will be annointed in their place. It's a function of most human communities, but that doesn't mean it's productive or even sensical.

What it sounds like you're saying is that the SL community is powerless to stop itself from engaging in pointless, self-destructive speculation and theorizing, or that it even sees itself as a victim of something. I hope not. Too much brain power and creativity thrives here to suddenly become victims as a group.

Gah! One of the FIC threads has been locked. Will the forums ever be the same?

~Ulrika~

That's exactly what I was saying.

~Ulrika~

Mag, it's just a bunch of no life losers who don't have the energy to actually contribute to SL so would rather just hover around on the forums taking potshots at the people who actually get things done around here.

You see it in RL all the time, FIC is just another word for ENVY.

Yes! Seriously, this is quite accurate.

The FIC was created as an object at which one could direct anger created by feelings of jealousy.

~Ulrika~

Oh, absolutely.

The problem is there are, almost by necessity, some people who will spend more time and focus more on some particular thing.

What happens it that other people don't see all the time that these people are spending and so they think they're getting extra privileges and rights when in fact really they are just working harder.

I had no idea that FIC was a derogatory term, and i am not jealous of it/them/whatever. I am mostly annoyed by the usage of the term in general. Those who work hard should be rewarded. But do they really need to be so bitter about those who they percieve as jealous? I think by referring to one's self as being "FIC" assumes jealousy, and implies self importance. That's alls I'm sayin'.