Wag the dog

I think I saw a film once, something about the guys behind the scenes that were responsible for taking the facts and spinning them so as to “mold” the story to fit their cause. Nothing new in that I suppose, happens all the time. The liberals are masters at it, lol.

What I find funny, no, hillarious is to what lengths some will go to gain support for their cause in SL  using the same methods usually reserved for high-powered “Spin-Doctors” in Washington.

The good news ( always searching for the positive hidden in the crap pile ) is that the folks that believe this BS are only followers and never leaders. The bright folks see through the spin, the less bright do not. It´s a + – thing. Negative energy (bullshit) is overcome by positive energy (truth).

Surf, laugh, dance, teach, welcome and share. The energy you create around you will nullify the BS, will serve not only yourself but those around you and will take the wind from the sails of those using negative energy to plot their course.

As the SL surf season winds down I hope it ends on a positive note. After all, we spend our free time in SL to escape the daily grind, to have fun with our friends and to make new ones. No room for spin, drama and needless BS

/V

Implosion?

Aloha – Why is it that humans, the most intelligent creatures on this planet find it necessary to kick each other in the teeth to obtain the illusion of superiority? Think about that while you read this…………

The recent events in the SL surf scene (you knew this was coming) have grown to circus like proportions. What has always been a fun place to hang out with friends and do silly things on virtual waves has become a battleground riddled with personal agendas, vengence, politics and power struggles.

What happened that caused the people that voted me onto the SLSA board of directors to a few months later question every decision my colleuges and I make? What was it that caused people to question the scores at nearly every contest, accuse “us” of  “rigging” comps, conspiring to keep certain riders in or out of the Hall of Fame and cry foul when we used the rules of our organiation to penalise them for violating established rules? When did the love of hanging out together get replaced with the need to beat each other to death?

I´ve asked myself that question alot lately. Searched for some tangible “something” to get ahold of in an effort to eliminate that something from SL surfing. Then I realised it´s human nature to tear each other apart in an effort to get what we want.

I have always, in every decision that I have been involved with, acted with total disregard for how it afffects me personally and instead chosen to use my influence on the board of directors to push for decisions with the membership, the surfers best interest foremost.

What did I get for it? Kicked in the teeth. The rumour mill has gone so far as to suggest that I and a few of my collegues are out to “destroy the SLSA”. Who or what elements are making the accusations? Who knows. No one seems to have the guts to approach me personally with their concerns. Probablly because they know that they would be met with friendly, respectfull and genuine answers. Things that they are not real good at.

In any case, serving a community that has nothing but disregard for my effort has taken it´s toll to say the least. I´m torn between honouring my oath to serve my entire term and throwing in the towel all together.  The coming days will certainly make my decision easier but without a crystal ball the best thing for me to do is wait and see.

My father always says “If you have nothing positive, uplifting or inspiring to say, say nothing at all”. Smart dude my old man.

/V

Back 2 Basics

SL surfing has been incredibally rewarding for me. Not just competing but hosting, sponsering, judging and serving on the SLSA board of directors has been soooo much fun.

Recently, at an SLSA comp the tone had changed. The spirit that has always held us together as a community was poisoned by a few people that seem to have never really understood why we surf together.

This post if ever read, will inevitably infuriate those boneheads that find it neccesary to spam the staff at surf comps, trash talk in public chat in the stands and spread negative energy. Quite frankly I don´t care. I´m of the opinion that surfing in SL is about having fun. I´m of the opinion that griefing is hate and hate has no place at a surf comp. I´m of the opinion that 40 people having fun is more important than your right to grief. I´m of the opinion that sportsmanship and fair play must be our focus. I´m of the opinion that respect is a 2 way street and that those who choose to show disdain for their fellow surfers and staff members should be disqualified.

It is my hope that this was an isolated incident and that with some polite reminders pointing to the SLSA Rules of Conduct we can once again return to having fun and respecting each other. I have no problem listening to the concerns of my fellow surfers, complaints, protests, whatever. What I do demand is respect as should we all. Expect it not if your are not willing to give it.

Back 2 Basics – Surf because it´s fun! Cheer your fellow surfers on, regardless of team affiliation. Spread positive energy. Suck it up if ya have a bad day and cheer for others instead! Lighten up – perspective is in order. Give and recieve. Sportsmanship is classy, fair play is expected. Together we ride, together we belly

/V