RANDOM THOUGHT ON AN ARCANE TEXTURE, CREEPY NEIGHBORS, CREATIVITY and INTEGRITY PART II TWO (ELECTRIC BOOGALOO)

RANDOM THOUGHT ON AN ARCANE TEXTURE, CREEPY NEIGHBORS, CREATIVITY and INTEGRITY

When we last left my meandering rant, i mentioned that my landlord and (Undecel Masala at Masala Estates!) regarding two regions that had popped up right next to mine. I was "Avedon Park" and they were Avedon Forest and another name. When I explained that I had no relation at all to the owners of those regions, my landlord and HERO was kind enough to lift my region up and move it elsewhere. Apparently, they were just trying to copy as much of my whole damn region as they could. And soon enough, a region pops up using the same naming concept as me. (Avedon Park, How about Avedon's Peak? Mark's Park? or Avedon Place? Oh well. As so many like to argue, this is how we roll in OS and it "happens all the time". The saddest part is that these are people I associate with and consider friends!

Jump ahead only a month or so later that I started releasing the history or "lore" I have created and posting it here for people to enjoy. It is an overall narrative that applies not only to the region in OS but is also being used as part of a graphic novel, artwork, and music. It was less than a week that a similar "history' with just a minor change or two popped up at the previously mentioned region.
Anyone who says copying is the best form of flattery should be stripped naked, tied to the back of a truck, and drug down a main street.) Again, you can make endless arguments about how "everyone does it" "that is how OS works" and "no laws are being broken" (though I am learning fast that is questionable!). The point is that it shows a complete lack of INTEGRITY. It is such a shitty thing to do, especially in OS, where you are not likely to make any sort of financial gain from it, you are just doing it for "likes" and laziness.

But enough whinging. What can you really do about any of this? Well, after some research, I probably more than you think, especially if you live in the US.

First, say something! Even if you end up being wrong, it is important to publicly express your feelings on the issue and explain your work.

Second, Copywrites and protection through the DMCA are fairly easy and cheap (ie Free) to acquire. You can file for protection yourself for free, OR you can find someone who is already protected and simply absorb your content into their protection. And in the US you often don't have to file ANYTHING to be protected if your idea has been completed and made public, you can seek DMCA protections.

Now, and here we go back to just needing some integrity.

Idea vs. Expression:
Ideas themselves cannot be copyrighted. This means that the core concept or plot of your project cannot be exclusively protected by copyright.
However, the expression of that idea—how you write it down, how you present it, and certain details or traits—can be protected. (This is the future path I am walking but you should choose what works for you)

Also, OSGrid and other grids need to do more to police themselves. Know the difference between BOB Q Guy buying an item in SL or Kitely, copying it and bringing into Open Sim, and handing it out, as compared to someone just taking a person's work without payment or permission, and then claiming it as their own idea or concept. And don't assist them by allowing them to use your website and tools to promote a hijacked concept.

And finally, when it happens just speak out. you will take hell for it and you might even be WRONG, but speak up and let people know this hurts you.

and wow, did I just ramble on or what?? Sorry about that, but I do think there is a possible "integrity deficit" in our house and it would be up to us each to change that. I now climb off my teeny tiny soapbox and just wish you ALL a happy weekend. Feel free to come by Avedon Park and visit. We welcome everyone.
S.

RANDOM THOUGHT ON AN ARCANE TEXTURE, CREEPY NEIGHBORS, CREATIVITY and INTEGRITY

Was reading the back and forth of the infamous "arcane texture on my dance floor" with some interest. I have no connection to anyone involved, including Marianna, but this quote from her post hit home with me:

" they're not just copying pixels—they're co-opting the creative vision and storytelling of the original artist. They're diluting the integrity of the work and robbing it of its unique identity."
That is a huge problem for any creator, from Taylor Swift (who has to re-record her entire library after getting it stolen out from under her), all the way down to the poor guy who created that arcane texture god knows how many years ago years that probably 100 people have used without permission. From all indications, it is truly a bad problem in Open Sim. I wager this is why many artists who support themselves by their work or who want their ideas protected are hesitant to invest time or money into the "wild west' of OSGrid or open sim in general. To reiterate, I am not talking about copying an object or texture or pulling something from Second Life and redoing it. There are legitimate reasons for this. We are talking about the stealing of narrative and overall concepts that an individual created. Basically stealing someone's dream that they have risked sharing with the world.

Here is a small example:

It was only months ago I arrived in OS and decided to open up a small space on the OSGrid, Avedon Park. It was only days after that I was contacted by my landlord (Shout out to Undecel Masala at Masala Estates! THE BEST VIRTUAL LAND PROVIDER IN THE WORLD) regarding two regions that had popped up right next to mine....to be continued.

Today I would like to talk to you about Hypergrid Games in AvatarLife.

Many times there has been talk of grids that have been improperly and unjustifiably advertised on Opensimworld in a misleading way, I don't understand how AvatarLife is still present here.

First of all, they don't have an open grid to Hypergrid; AvatarLife users, just like what happened in the past with Avitron, do not accept HG connections, neither outgoing nor incoming, yet they are FULL of things coming from Opensimulator (probably their team can go out for shopping...), from bodies to clothes to much more.

Furthermore, the region that is being advertised here is totally inappropriate, not only because it is unreachable for users, but also because it shows as reachable and instead requires registration (this can be read in the comments of the region).

To activate an account to purchase virtual currency, you also have to provide them with a document (something that not even Second Life requires unless in particular cases where it is really necessary).

No respect for privacy on the website, disregarding international laws.

There are plenty of Opensimulator grids that offer casinos where you can play safely and legally; one of these is for example Wolf Territories Grid, but there are others as well, while AvatarLife seems to have very little in terms of legitimacy, there are no official licenses for the use of currency in line with European laws, and some time ago there was a rather suspicious document regarding the validity of their RNG (Random Number Generator), which usually applies to European Video Lotteries and has little to do with Opensimulator scripts or LSL in general.

It would be interesting to understand, since there is no declared company behind this grid, with what legal premise (with servers based in England and therefore under English jurisdiction) they can be sure to be compliant.

But what surprises me the most is that the internal team is the same as AviTron's, and the modus operandi is the same; they take ideas from other platforms (and propose them in a borderline absurd way) both technically and architecturally.

So, I don't understand how their region is still allowed to be listed for advertising if they have little to do with HG.

Do you think they can be trusted? Not for me.

I have advised many to block incoming and outgoing connections from this grid, just as it happened with Avitron; users won't suffer from it since they can't travel in HG, only their staff members who go around taking things from Opensim and then passing through other grids will be affected, so blocking them to some extent seems reasonable, and if I were you, I would do it.

I would like some explanations on this matter, perhaps, so if I am mistaken, they can demonstrate their truths here.

Feeling empty today. Monkey sits still and quietly and looks worried. Not a normal morning in Caribou.

My partnership ended last night. I want to tell openly about it as it brings some changes to Caribougrid. And I hope that it can help others who have gone through the same.

I am so happy that Andron remains in Caribou. He will be less here because of other obligations and responsibilities. And yes, we will stay close friends. Andron will continue to help me with the difficult tech issues. We share our home here and I see that there are always fresh flowers and something to eat in the kitchen.

But our partnership? It did not get a real chance, for many reasons. And the future? We see what it brings.

There are some changes in Caribou. Three 2x2 large regions are now away or empty. Monkey and me are starting to repair them and we hope to have Caribou back in shape soon.

Friends are welcome to help of course.

Caribou will remain open for all 18+ Avatars from all regions and grids. There will be no changes.

I hope that you will all continue to respect this so that we can serve as a meeting point for everyone, outside any grid conflicts.

My younger sister Christina Lion is 19+ and will help me in Caribou. Yanny who is a wee bit older likes to be a fairy so better that Christina takes the responsibility.

'Little Lion' Christina cried, but was happy that Andron and her cousins will stay, even if they can come more seldom.

So, at the end it did not turn out to be as bad a day as I had expected. But yes, an empty and lonely feeling came over me, which Monkey understood.

I still suffer from the exclusion that I wrote about earlier, and am always here to lend a listening ear if someone wants to talk about these things.

Looking at Monkey, I smile. I love you and need you.

---

hg.caribougrid.com:16002:Caribou

AVs from all Grids Welcome

Shemale Ladyboy TG 18+ M F Women Men Neko Furry Others

Best Shops - new mesh bodies, outfits, animations - Petite Reborn Legacy Athena. GRIMM

18+. Short or tall. Ask Jeanne. No groups.

Be safe as 18+.

Free Private Homes, Islands, Hideaways for Caribou Grid Avatars. Others Ask Jeanne. Full Owner Rights.

TOS: www.caribougrid.com

Proud of our overhaul of the gaming region at Hypergrid Games ! Take a look at the 360 image on our profile :) Welcome for all games lovers; just make yourself an account in 5 minutes at: https://www.avatarlife.com/

I have new requests for new charm bracelets. Themes are fun, especially for events. If you would like a special bracelet designed for your grid just IM with the details https://three.hills.grid.outworldz.net/index.php/monentes-... Thank you for all the IM and support! It is always such an inspiration reading your notes, thank you I love you too 𖨆♡𖨆

Just to be clear, I have always pursued my own ideas in my work and have never been interested in replicating what others have done. Because of that my work is easily identifiable wherever it is on the hypergrid. So when I heard that I had stolen someone else's idea for a dance floor I laughed. Pictured above is an event at my Aeroclub on July 13th, 2018 on Bill Blight's old grid (OpensimLife), now gone since he retired. I was using arcane textures on dance floors even back then. When I built the Lotus Club early last year on Luxor I created a similar dance floor because that's what I liked. And no, it would never bother me that someone else got a similar idea on their own. I remember when Essensual bought my Grand Ballroom then invited me over to see it. She had completely remodeled it into a gorgeous Art Deco style. I could still see my objects and textures but I loved how she creatively rearranged everything and added in some of her own textures. That's the way it should be in Opensim.

Zoree Jupiter Live
1:00pm at The Triannon Ballroom
Friendly crowd and music variety according to your requests.
Looking forward to having you join us :)
Attire: Formal
hg.trianon-world.com:18002:Trianon Complex

Freitag 1.3.2024
Rock-House (512)
mit DJ Anachron

Beginn 19:00 Uhr

Triples*
* Heisst: Dem DJ ist kein Thema eingefallen.
Da hat er dann in seinem Archiv wahllos ein paar Schubladen aufgezogen
und aus jeder 3 Lieder genommen ...
Und so wurde aus Diesem und Jenem eine Playlist.
Und der Dj sah was er geschaffen hatte.
Und er sah, dass es gut war!

Ende wie immer um Mitternacht
Hypergrid : dorenas-world.de:8002:Nihilon

I am old :) I don't care! So I really don't care what you think :) I may not have seen "attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion" but I've seen and done some stuff that doesn't involve sitting and whining in a text box. So have your pale fun or wake up and make a POSITIVE difference :)
Love to all

Thursday 29 February 12-14

90's Hits - DJ Ruth at Angels Club

Dance and chat at legendary Angels Club.

18+ AVs from all Grids welcome, large or small. Ask Jeanne if you wish.

Shemales Ladyboys 18+ M and F Adult Males Females Fairies All are welcome.

Safe for all 18+ - LGBTQAI Adult Region.

The Best Free Shops. Hard to find Athena, Petite, Reborn, Legacy... GRIMM. Free of Course.

No groups are needed as the whole region is 18+. Shop Love Live Play among 18+ Adults.

Homes, Islands, Hideaways. Ask Jeanne.

http://www.caribougrid.com

ternity Night Club PROUDLY Presents LIVE Performer Zoree Jupiter! 6-7PM OST GRID TIME!!
*Second Life and First Life as well as having sung at such famous venues as Carnegie Hall, for The Cure, Zoree shares her amazing talent for the poetic, the passionate and the emotion now on stage with her voice.~ R. D. *Performing in Virtual worlds such as Secondlife, Inworldz and Avination since 2009
*Theme: Black VS White!
* Raffle: 6-8PM Is Brought To You By River Island Fashions (Erdette Clarity) A Mesh Black Harness Dress. If You Are Bom You Can Wear Classic Clothes)And Mesh Outfits.HG friendly!!
*COME JOIN US FOR LOADS OF FUN AND LAUGHTER. MEET NEW FRIENDS AND PARTY WITH OLD ONES, TOO. CYA There!
login.digiworldz.com:8002:Rock City
hop://login.digiworldz.com:8002/Rock%20City/866/897/25
x-grid-info://dwg/region/Rock%20City/866/897/25

When people post private conversations it does get complicated and mixed up. It was never about stealing a texture it is about coming to my Grid long enough to see the idea and take it back with you. Sure you say everyone does it and it is a form of flattery. Luna's texture is not what this is about. Perhaps the most significant aspect of this issue is the theft of ideas. Textures and assets are not just passive elements; they contribute to the overall narrative and aesthetic of a piece. When someone replicates these elements without permission, they're not just copying pixels—they're co-opting the creative vision and storytelling of the original artist. They're diluting the integrity of the work and robbing it of its unique identity.

In the digital age, where content is easily accessible and infinitely replicable, it's crucial to uphold principles of respect, integrity, and ethical conduct. Instead of focusing solely on the act of stealing textures or assets, let's shift our attention to the broader issue of respecting creative ideas and the individuals behind them. Let's foster a culture of collaboration, attribution, and appreciation—a culture where ideas are celebrated, not stolen. Because ultimately, it's not about the texture—it's about the idea. It is not okay to take free items found online and sell them on the Kitely market either. The terms say for personal use, not for commercial. To say well my clients don't know how to create the models so they buy from me, I add my purple textures and they love them. Makes no difference. Not for commercial use means just that. I see one model being sold that is questionable https://www.kitely.com/market/product/50022077/Couple-Figu... Luna shows a license and creator there which conflicts with this https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/the-dance-3d-model which clearly states for Private use so which license is accurate? When there is a question as to where the original came from ethically you should not resell it without knowing the original creators TOS.

We have 1st and 2nd floor shared shop spaces available in our mall region that are rent free, we also have private shop space rentals with room to expand. All Shops include a touch TP back to the owner's grid and region to their main shop.
We also have regions available, just ask.

I needed to create a car spawner/rezzer for my city (since I can't allow a single space for rez items), so I needed to code this, which allows you to configure cars to be rezzed on designed points, it's split into 3:

- Car spawner (parking): must contains the cars available to be spawned, note the name of the item you put there since you'll need to configure it on the rezzer machine
- Rezzer machine: Here it contains 2 notecards: CFG (configuration) and CARLIST (cars to be rezzed)
- Temporary object: It will have the script to rotate and listen the finall call to destroy itself (when moving to other car or reset)

The panels for images can be modified and added several, just look at the config value from there.

It's full perm, copy transfer including the scripts, you can modify it, do whatever, if you do a modification remember to keep the credits.

It's the first version, maybe it will have some bugs, but I tried to have the best code quality for it.
If you have a question, or found something remember to contact me.
Once I can, I'll do a better guide (there is one included on the object), you must copy or right click buy it (since the object contains all the scripts, the notecard, rezzer, spawner and instructions)

You can get it on: hg.osgrid.org:80:Ciudad_404_1 on my freebies mall (same landing point)
I used some cars of Prince Armor from his Region as demo and are the ones currently which can be spawned on my city for drive (these are not included, if you like them go to their region ^^)

12-2 GRID: DJ HENK AT LOVELY BEACH CLUB
HENK MIXES IT TONIGHT:

Tonight we open our new space
Palms n beach a lovely place
Henk will spin n beat is fast
It's gonna be a total blast
So come to Lovely Club tonight
Evening will be outtasight

Something new at the Star Jinn Palisade Mall located on the region Masala Al Kohav! A floating fantasy home compete with garden and teleport access. Three floors and a beautiful modern staircase and all with a very elven touch and a log bridge connecting the garden. Use it for fun, or use it for role playing or just to decorate your fantasy build. It's waiting just for you and it's full perm and free. Blessings and much love, Lavia.

Dancing on the Dock: EDM-Electronic Dance Music with DJ Kith tonight at Hot Daddy's!
Region: Wyldwood Bayou Hot Daddys
Event begins: 2024-02-26 18:00 SLT
Added by: Kith Whitehawk
Details:
DJ Kith loves Electronic Dance Music in all its forms. Like the Blues; EDM has evolved into multiple sub genres and Kith spins them all. Whether your dancing groove is Trance, Techno or Dubstep you'll dig what Kith will be spinning for the Tribe at Hot Daddy's. Dress the part or come as you are; Tribe will guarantee the fun!

wyldwoodbayou.com:8002: Wyldwood Bayou Hot Daddys

Due to rl issues mainly my internet going in and out i am rescheduling tonights seaside karaoke ,,, i will most likely hold it on next monday if they fix the issues completely thanks for your understanding !!hugs Mystic

I just caught up with the craziness about Lone stealing a floor from Marianna. Looks like she saw my post yesterday about our first monthly social with a picture of my Lotus Club on Luxor. it has a big circular dance floor with a blue arcane texture. I guess she assumed Lone stole that idea the day before yesterday's event and added to his Social region (which doesn't exist). That picture was from my Gala 6 months ago at the Lotus Club and which I built on Luxor a year ago. I have that same exact texture on one of my hypergates at Luxor. I have used that texture for years. I love arcane textures, especially on floors and ceilings - I have them on a floor in Castle Ceridwen and in my main store in the Magic and Mysteries room.

What Are You Looking For?
After the closing of the much-beloved (and, at times, the much-reviled) Adachi, I thought about opening a place called Not-Adachi. Starting the "What Are You Looking For" group was easier. Now, after just 4 months, we have 78 members. We are the largest and most active group on OWS.

I appreciate the thanks directed my way for starting the group. But the thanks should go to our many helpers. They are the reason What Are You Looking For is such a success. Here are just some of them.

FallenAngel Absent
Star Ravenhurst
Jamie Wright
thedeeferry
Jadwiga Abremović
Jupiter Rowland
Kelso.Uxlay
Serina Gee 
Misty Falls
IndigoQueen
Hugabug
Me!

(Forgive me if I've missed including your name).

How great is this group? Someone was looking for an item that could not be found. So a group member made it for them! Come post about items you are, well, looking for. Outfits, builds, shops, services, skills, and so on. And, please, come help.
https://opensimworld.com/groups/1060

The ORIGINAL Latex Lounge Fetish Dance with live DJ Molly Sheryffe - Tonight at 5pm Pacific!

Come join in for some great music and a great group of people who've been in the BDSM and Fetish business for over 10 years in Opensim! Free LATEX gift every week!!

Starts at 5pm PST!!
Region: lfgrid.com:8002:Battersea

Hey Everyone 🙂 I'm Performing at The Sky Ballroom tonight!
I would love it if you would join us! Come request
some of your favorite Jazz & Ballads!
» Шhen: ❈ ∵∴4:00PM OST / 7:00PM EST∵∴ ❈
» Dress: ❈ ∵∴ SEMI-FORMAL/FORMAL∵∴ ❈
» Ride: hop://login.digiworldz.com:8002/Nefertari%20Beach%20Resort...

The weekend is finally here and it's time to get your groove on. Head down to TGIF and boogie the night away as DJ Esse spins those sick disco hits from the 70's & 80's that we all know and love. From 4-6pm every Friday, this place becomes a disco fever dream. So put on your platforms, squeeze into those polyester pants, and hustle your way to TGIF to dance dance dance under the mirror ball! It's disco time, let's get this party started!
hg.trianon-world.com:18002:Trianon Complex

Elf Mage DJ Maldrul performs at On The Rocks @ Alternate Metaverse Sundays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Pacific time
DJ Maldrul will be playing a mix of classic and contemporary Rock & Roll and his signature selection of SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

Come check out Rocky Shores where you can dance, surf, play Greedy, hang out and explore!

hop://alternatemetaverse.com:8002/Airmid/478/97/23