More than words – The Voice of There

RISE ABOVE THE GRIEFING

by Mari_J

Griefing. Before I started playing There, I had never really heard the word griefing. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary it is not even a real word. Yet among conversations here in our virtual world it is a word that is used on an almost daily basis. The definition of the word is not lost on most people who play There. As a matter of fact, it is an understood word for many, especially those who have been on the receiving end of it.

The word griefing has become such a common word in our virtual world that it has become a cliché of sorts used to describe a lot of behaviors that are not necessarily “griefing”. The word griefing is used the same way the word “Kleenex” is used to describe any type of tissue, regardless of the brand. One bad cold and a raw nose can show anyone the difference between a Kleenex tissue and a generic brand.

So where the heck am I going with this? True griefing is cause for moderation, suspension or even being banned from There. It is done with disregard and disrespect toward another member or group. It is the suffocating of ones freedom to enjoy the game. To try and have someone removed from a game is a serious issue and to report griefing when it is really just a dispute is no better than griefing. Griefing, an unofficial definition in game would be a person or persons who choose to be disruptive, discriminating or just a total pain in the a$$ for no other reason than the pure enjoyment of terrorizing and being hurtful to other people. When a band of hooligans fly over a racetrack dropping items during a race after being informed there is an event that could be called griefing. Putting a sign in front of someone’s house or fun zone that is derogatory could be called griefing. Running around and shooting people with paint guns for no apparent reason, yes this too can be considered griefing. It is a source of much controversy in our virtual world and a constant topic of discussion in and out of game. We have groups that have formed in world to help curb the problem and work with There Inc to ban, suspend or at the least address the perpetrators. It is not an easy task to accomplish. Reports must be made to Abuse@There.com, proof with screenshots and chat logs must be submitted and a case made that the offense is indeed truly a griefing situation. This usually only results in a warning for the first offense. If the griefing continues, additional steps are taken against the offenders. Amongst free speech and civil rights, finding the fine line between right and wrong, griefing or not greifing is not always black and white.

Unfortunately, the word griefing has become a catch all phrase for many situations that arise in world. Disagreements, misunderstandings and minor disputes are all too often perceived as griefing. Let’s face it; we are not all going to get along all the time. Disputes, unkind words and/or just a general dislike for someone happens. People want the same thing in a virtual life as they do in real life. World peace! Nice concept, though unlikely to happen in my lifetime. There are no parents, police or security guards to ward off offensive behaviors, but then again, no one is going to find your avie dead behind a dumpster either. The reality is……not everybody is a nice guy, but it doesn’t make them a griefer. The bottom line is tolerance. This is a virtual world that crosses all divides, yet our tolerance for differing opinions is no less real. While there is a difference, when moderated or reported for griefing is a serious issue and should be treated as such. It all goes back to that famous golden rule…”Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”

My avie turned a year old July 6^th, and in that time I have seen many people come and go, too many because of unwarranted griefing. I have also seen a lot of griefers go as well. I applaud those in the community who have banded together to help educate and mediate conflicts in world. The motto of this new club Thereians_Against_Discrimination is “mediation not moderation”. With the help of these types of organizations, finding the line between griefing and personal conflicts becomes a little clearer. Perhaps disputes can be settled, griefing eliminated and maybe…..just maybe a little virtual world peace.