The story heats and long overdue up….Colleague Steve Rosenbaum would love this moving from the virtual worlds, to the web and into video FAST:

Investing in a GAME???

Posted to Second Life Video- Machinima Fans by SecondLifer on July 25, 2007

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Let us go over some facts. A blog I respect, Metaversed (57 Miles) and a professor at Cornell (Avatar: Beyers Sellers) released a two pieces. The latter slightly re-worded and titled to add clarity I think that was the intent, because at first blush it appeared Linden Labs was doing the cover up…or I took it so. Good starting point.

The answer to some of these questions are simple, so let’s go to one source that will give me answers. Ultimately Linden Labs have promised a statement. I ask them, implore them- that while they espouse freedom (and I laud them) security and education is a concern.

Here we have Ms. Boucher. My questions are in bold. Her responses below.

1 ) What kind of communication did you receive from Linden Research and on what day?

July, 21st, 2007 I received a notice, here is a snippet;

“Your Second Life Account has been placed on hold pending an administrative review. We have taken this action to safeguard your account from potential unauthorized behavior. Unfortunately, you will not be able to access your Second Life account until this process has been completed. Be assured that we are reviewing your case and will return you to active status as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience while we investigate this matter for you.”

2 ) Was this before or after topic being broached by head of WSE?

This was approximately 12 hours after I had learned of the theft by LukeConnell Vandeverre.

3 ) On what day did you regain access to your account?

I regained access to my account on Tuesday, July 24th.

4 ) Did Linden Labs ask you to cover up anything, threaten, or insinuate punishment or retribution?

No Linden employee has even remotely suggested that to me. As I understand it they followed internal procedures. I can only speak for myself. There were no threats. It was a professional exchange and resolved quickly and I was treated as anyone else. Under the circumstances I believe it was the right steps, I would want the same safeguards.

5 ) Did you have advanced or any prior knowledge of the hack allegedly perpetuated by avatar known as Thurston Hallard?

No.

6 ) Show me some proof you are here- in-world-reinstated. For privacy purposes you may blot out SLURL address and money in your account please, but please leave system time intact.

Screen shoot taken in my presence in-world per Ms. Boucher.

7 ) Has the WSE taken any action against you or your firm- even though evidence shows you as innocent (e.g. account re-instated)?

Yes.

8 ) If so can you describe the alleged action?

The WSE first froze my assets in their system, then distributed my protected works to third party individuals with full permissions, while neglecting to even pay for those works. I cannot comment on legal action at this time.

This includes my interview with Ms. Boucher. Will this effect her firm? Her reputation? Her business? That is for the public to judge. I have my own opinions, and as I have said before it boils down to being accountable. You run through the scenario and look at the facts and make your own decisions.

*Caps made by Ms. Boucher in my presence, edited per her at my request, and hosted on her servers.

ADDENDUM: With such loose controls with exchanges, unregulated as they are- could they fall under this new policy by L.L? Either way thank goodness. Death to the ’sploder…

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