The Media Blitz (scene 1)
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The Media Blitz
Scene 1: Companion talks to Media Mogul
Director (GM): Jubal Zerbino
Writer (RP log editor): BriAria Mirajkar
Actors (role players): Tillery Woodhen, BriAria Mirajkar, Mikie Rhiadra, Sentry Swashbuckler
Trafalgar space station is located above the planet Londinium and Londinium is the capital of the Alliance For all intents and purposes, this is the center of the universe; for those who want to be well-informed, this is the place to be drawn, to exchange ideas… and other things.
Bri-Aria Mirajkar, a well-dressed companion, has arrived at the station on a peculiarly rundown transport ship, out of which tumble an odd assortment of folk. She watches them scatter, bidding a friendly if casual farewell to a few, then follows the signs to the station’s bar, Club Londinium. She’s hoping to find Mr. Tillery Woodhen, a media mogul, and she looks down at the message in her hand that tells her he’ll be there. Trying to recall what he looks like, she puts on her best courtly composure and enters the club.
Walking into the lively crowd, she watches the dancers. Before long, she spots Tillery speaking to a couple of familiar looking people, and approaches nonchalantly, smiling congenially at the three of them as their conversation continues.
“Oh, Mikie,” Tillery is saying. “Did you know the only way to get news out of Shadow these days is to fly it out?”
Bri remembers the name of the man next to him, Sentry Swashbuckler. He turns, hearing Bri’s approach. “Hi Bri! Welcome to the new Club Londinium!”
The woman named Mikie is still looking at Tillery. “Oh?” Noticing Bri out of the corner of her eye, a bit distractedly, she is still focused on Till. “Hi Bri,” she says familiarly. Bri tries to think how she knows her. Rhiadra, Mikie Rhiadra, she remembers, but still can’t think how she knows this.
Tillery, still speaking to Mikie, observes, “Yeah. Have to take off and hope nothing comes at me. I think I may have some equipment that will help, though.”
Mikie nods. “Would much appreciate it, Tillery. Hate the thought of bein’ cut off from the rest of the ‘verse.” Bri can’t help but notice the rustic twang in the other woman’s voice.
Tillery continues his thought. “The hard part will be getting it there.”
Mikie gets a business-like expression: “What do you need to move it?”
Seeing this as her opportunity, Bri cuts in. “Mr. Woodhen, sorry to interrupt but….. Could I have a word with you, alone?”
Tillery doesn’t seem to have heard her at first, still speaking to Mikie. “The sooner the better. and after today….”
Bri clears her throat and interrupts again, anyway, but trying to be polite about it, says. “I’m just gonna meander over to the bar…. and talk to myself about this communications equipment problem I keep hearing about.” She winks at Till as he finally looks her way, then walks to the bar and orders a vodka.
Tillery raises an eyebrow and moves toward the bar also, excusing himself.
As he approaches, Bri leans on the bar and accepts the drink from the bartender: “So I heard you’re having some difficulties, Mr. Woodhen.”
Tillery looks amused and scans the room a little. “And do you talk to yourself often?”
Bri drinks a little of her vodka. “Yes… yes I do.”
“Yes….” Tillery says, looking a little puzzled, seeming to weigh her words. “Didn’t bring it up until now. At least not in public.”
Smiling, Bri lowers her voice. “Well that’s why I came to the bar….” She raises her glass and swirls it while she waits for him to figure it out.
Tillery grunts as he realizes who told Bri. “Should have known Companions would already be thinking of something.”
Bri nods and takes another drink “So… I’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately… for the Sihnon guild house…. picking up supplies for the herbology classes I teach.”
“Yes?”
“And I meet some unusual people.”
“No doubt.”
“Some people….” she clears her throat, “who might be…. well….”
“Insane and desperate? Tillery offers.
Bri nods. “Yeah… something like that. Also useful.” She rubs her forehead a little. “There’s one in particular who’s been looking for good work.”
Regarding Bri thoughtfully, Tillerys says, “Won’t be the easiest thing. I flew out myself today….my shuttle is small, kept me alive. That and it’s armed.”
“Well… yeah… the locale that, uh, someone mentioned is certainly not an easy place to travel to right now.” She scowls, “A lot of alliance interference…”
Tillery sips from the beer the bartender just gave him. “Yeah, there has been. At least from a part of the military.”
“…but I’m pretty sure this person knows the score,” she offers reassuringly. “If anyone could help….”
Tillery puts down the beer. “Who do you have in mind?”
Bri pauses, considering, seeming to take a mental inventory. “Sandalwood’s the name. I can get you more info if you are interested.” She looks Till directly in the eye. “But I’m a ghost in this.”
Tillery Woodhen shakes his head a bit and she wonders if he heard that last bit. “Don’t think I know this person, Sandalwood. I am interested, though.”
Bri gets distracted by her own thoughts, but wanting to make them clear to Tillery, says, “I can’t risk my… connections.”
Finally acknowledging her point, Tillery says. “Of course. Can you have Sandalwood contact me on Sihnon?”
Bri nods and sets down her drink. “I’ll keep you posted… when I know more.” She slips him a card. “If you don’t hear from me by tomorrow…. contact this cortex feed.”
He slips the card into his pocket without looking at it. “I will.”
Smirking at him, she observes, “I’m sure you know how.”
He grins, “I know my way around the Cortex. As for the rest, would like it to be soon. It’s getting nasty there. The town took some stray bombs.”
Thinking about the bomb, Bri realizes something. “Damn,” she mutters. “I hope that one… uh… crop wasn’t damaged.”
Tillery raises an eyebrow. “Crop? No. It was the clinic and the Jade that got the brunt of it.”
Bri smiles, seeing Till’s reaction. “Herbology,” she reminds him. “It’s all about healing.”
“Ah. Of course,” he replies, smiling.
Then the import of his mention of the Jade sink in, and Bri looks like she just realized something else. “Oh no…. that means….well there goes that source.” She frowns for a moment, then tries to compose herself, asking, “Any casualties?”
Tillery shakes his head. “Not in town. Everyone sought shelter when the fighters got through to the surface.”
Bri breathes a sigh of relief. “OK… well, I’ll be in touch.”
“All right.”
Bri offers her hand, and Tillery takes it, leaning down to give it a light kiss. “Thanks for your help,” he says, then watches as she walks away, deep in thought….
Jubal @ June 27, 2009
Intersim RP event planned - The Greatest Hunt in the Verse
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From Marnie Baar:
The Greatest Hunt in the Verse #1
Event Start and End Dates/Times:
Sunday 3/15/09 @ 6pm SLT to Saturday 3/21/09 @ 6pm SLT
Sign up by 3/14 @ 6pm SLT
Hunt Master/Mistress Name:
Marnie Baar
Participating RP Sites and Owners:
IM Marnie with your Site Name and Contact (aka Owner)
Participating/Eligible RP Sites:
Blackburne Downport UNK
Hale’s Moon UNK
Londinium -YES CoolLuke Sands
New Dunsmuir -YES Panda Morpork
Serenity Station -YES Tabitha Diesel
Shadowrim Freeport - Beka Dechtar
Sihnon - YES Africa Auer, Tillery Woodhen
Sihnon Spacestation (Alliance) - NO
Suzhou - YES Griffen Shinn
Trafalgar Station - CoolLuke Sands
Washtown -YES Lena Lei, Jubal Zerbio
Washtown Station -YES Dui Zhang
Hunting Parties and Members (include your home site, if any):
IM Marnie if you wish to join the hunt. 2-5 player groups recommended.
News blog and Reporter Name:
Tillery Woodhen, Cortex News Service
(Make sure to check the CNS for the kick off article.)
Lena @ March 9, 2009
We got ourselves a wedding…
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As the world of Shadow is being rebuilt anew, two of the residents there are about to start a new life together. On February 15th, Tabitha Diesel and Sentry Swashbuckler will be married in a ceremony to be held at the Ryman in Londinium, with a public reception to follow in the Serenity Station Club.
Sentry and Tabitha are regulars at Washtown’s Games Night and Sunday Shindig. We wish them the best of luck. Also the Washtown Sunday Shindig on the 15th will not be held. Instead, everyone is invited to the public reception at the Serenity Station Club.
Lena @ February 8, 2009
CoolLuke Sands, Mayor of Washtown
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Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of profiles of the people who make Washtown what it is. Some are longtime residents, some are fairly new, and some just visit from time to time. Without them (without you, I should say), Washtown would not be the same. The interviews will mostly be in two parts. First will be an interview In Character if that person role plays. The second part of the interview will be Out Of Character.
CoolLuke Sands
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk to the relatively new mayor of Washtown, Mr. Luke Sands. Mr. Sands became Washtown’s mayor last month, but has not been available for an interview until now.
Lena Lei: First of all, congratulations on behalf of the Washtown Weekly on becoming Mayor.
Luke Sands: Thank you. Thank you very much. I hope that I can serve Washtown and it’s citizens.
Lena Lei: How long have you lived in Washtown?
Luke Sands: I arrived a little over one and a half years ago on this moon. I’ve been wandering the rim for a while and found a nice little place I wanted to settled down in.
Lena Lei: And what have you been doing here since you arrived? Before becoming mayor.
Luke Sands: Well I found a plot of land, built a home, and tried to settled down and become a part of the community here. It is a nice peaceful community. Friends of mine from the inner worlds they came to settle down here too. We then form a consortium and bought out the spaceport facility that the Alliance left behind after building the station and we opened it as the Freeport you see now. The new commerce we have brought has revitalized the town and brought it much need economy for the citizens here.
Lena Lei: Well I certainly can’t argue with that. You have done a lot for the community. However, I was curious about one thing. Our first mayor, Cabridges Fanwood, was elected mayor. Most of the town voted. We had pretty high voter turnout, especially considering how barren this rock was at the time. I don’t remember an election recently. How exactly did you get the job?
Luke Sands: Well with the recent restructuring of the town and the local government in flux at the moment until constructions and relocations are complete, the Town Council leader Anastasia Christensen made an appointment for the office as Our former Mayor Fanwood has been absent for considerable time and my appointment was decided on by them. Once things settle down elections will occur
Lena Lei: So tell our readers some of your plans for Washtown, since that would normally have been something they would have expected to hear from you if there had been an election.
Luke Sands: Well now that the space station is opened for business and the Freeport below has shuttle service between here and the surface, we will begin to explore residential and commercial opportunities for those interested.
Lena Lei: Commercial opportunities …. say, for example, the transport of goods to and from other worlds?
Luke Sands: Of course. With the docking and cargo fees and tariffs we charge for the services of the station and freeport below, we can redirect those funds to the community needs below. A full clinic and medical facility is available for free to the Washtown citizens here on the station and the long demand and need for a school for the children is being planned
Lena Lei: Well that’s good to hear.
Luke Sands: Entertainment as well and travel benefits are also made available for the citizens for free or an extremely discounted rate. Not to mention job opportunities.
Lena Lei: What are your views on the Alliance? They seem to have given up on this rock, ever since the unfortunate fire at their outpost here, and since the original Spaceport explosion. Will you be soliciting help from the Alliance?
Luke Sands: Well the Alliance provide support for the investment into building this space station as a vital artery for shipping to the outer world. It’s construction is more of a long term economical investment for them rather than an military designs they may have. Plus with the small consortium of private owners buying out their property here on the planet for the spaceport site and construction area below, they no longer have a vested interest in this location. Their goal has been to take their decommissioned station, refurbish them, and deposit them at stable colonies and worlds out here in the hope that more people will come here, settle, and invest in make this a better place. I wholeheartedly believe in that plan and feel we are seeing the dawning of a real drive out here that hasn’t been seen since the first colonization of the inner worlds.
Lena Lei: So you’re saying the Alliance has done a good thing?
Luke Sands: Well everyone has their opinions of the Alliance….good…evil..indifferent. I try to keep in mind that the Alliance is a creation of humanity and like humanity there is the potential for great good and great evil. I feel the great good outweighs the the evil. So to answer your question, yes I believe this is an example of the kind of good the Alliance can do.
Lena Lei: Fair enough.
Luke Sands: I’m not saying they have not done bad things nor wont in the future but on the flip side they have done good in the past and I have to have faith they will do good in the future.
Lena Lei: “One last question. There have been some reports of some unusual, and unauthorized activity on one of the lower decks of the Station. Are you investigating this?
Luke Sands: I have not heard of any unusual activities here on the station but I am sure the station administrators and security are aware of it and will deal with anything out of the ordinary if necessary. I try to deal with the town issues and trust in the assigned crew of the station to handle day top day matters here.
Lena Lei: Anything else you’d like to tell our readers?
Luke Sands: Yes, I hope that I will live up to and beyond your expectations as Mayor of Washtown and hope that we can become a shiny example of the next evolution in the growth of the outer worlds. Hopefully in 100 years, Washtown will be as well known as Londinium.
Lena Lei: Thank you for your time, Mr. Sands. And the Washtown Weekly wishes you the best in your upcoming time as Mayor.
Luke Sands: Thank you very much.
————————————————————————————————
Lena Lei: ok, Luke .. how long have you been in Second Life?
CoolLuke Sands: As CoolLuke Sands since 5/17/2007…….rumors of my having alts that may have been here longer…no comment
Lena Lei: lol
Lena Lei: what got you to sign up?
CoolLuke Sands: hehe Well I was getting my haircut one day years ago and rad a TIME (maybe LIFE) Magazine article on Second Life and they mentioned the full size FIREFLY ship here. I was playing CITY OF HEROES fairly steady and SL was free so I decided to download…login..and look for the ship. I found it and found my home here
Lena Lei: was it the Firefly here in Washtown? or a different one?
CoolLuke Sands: no, this one here in Washtown
Lena Lei: cool
Lena Lei: I didn’t know we made Time or Life
CoolLuke Sands: it was a blurb mention but enough to get me curious as I liked the show
Lena Lei: how long have you been a browncoat?
CoolLuke Sands: hmmmm….probably officially after I came here. I was more a fan of Buffy and Angel but I now have my third favorite in FIREFLY as I have gained an even greater appreciation for the show since being here.
Lena Lei: you also own your own Firefly themed area in SL … how long has Londinium been around?
CoolLuke Sands: Well I lived in Washtown for several months and in a way I wanted to give back and help promote Washtown and the other FF sims in general so I built another part of the verse. I bought the land next door in LYONET around Feb 2008 and constructed Londinium in its first incarnation in the following weeks
Lena Lei: You also have built quite a few things that you sell now. How’s that going?
CoolLuke Sands: Very well. I began several business opportunities in SL. I launched LONDINIUM SPACESHIP DESIGNS and launched a series of LONDINIUM stores around the SCIFI malls and areas in SL. Then I ventured into the Western gear and opened the BATJAC MERCHANTILE shops in many of the premier Western themed sims. Ive now ventured into building SCIFI-Themed scenes for the Horizons Holo-deck Modules from NOVATECH. Ive just released a HIGH ATMOSPHERE SPACEPORT based off of the terminal building I made for the Freeport below next to Washtown and has been selling very well since it went for sale a few days ago
Lena Lei: and I knew you when you were a noob who couldn’t line 2 prims up, lol
CoolLuke Sands: hehe I still have those 2 prims in my inventory
Lena Lei: hehe
Lena Lei: what’s your favorite thing about SL?
CoolLuke Sands: The fact that practically EVERYTHING is made by the players….The Lindens just provide the space for us.
CoolLuke Sands: It demonstrates the imagination and creativity of people
Lena Lei: 
Lena Lei: ok .. I’m going to pull an Actor’s Studio thing here .. then we’re done
Lena Lei: What is your favorite word?
CoolLuke Sands: More the concept than the word but funny enough…SERENITY
Lena Lei: What is your least favorite word?
CoolLuke Sands: hopelessness
Lena Lei: What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
CoolLuke Sands: Beauty
Lena Lei: What turns you off?
CoolLuke Sands: ignorance
Lena Lei: What is your favorite curse word?
CoolLuke Sands: Jackass
Lena Lei: What sound or noise do you love?
CoolLuke Sands: The sound of heavy rain falling in the middle of the night in late spring. Having the window opened enough for the cool breeze and the sound filling the air
Lena Lei: nice
Lena Lei: What sound or noise do you hate?
CoolLuke Sands: Anything that comes out of Barbara Streisand’s mouth
Lena Lei giggles
Lena Lei: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
CoolLuke Sands: Having my own Bakery….breads…cakes….Baking and cooking is something I have little time for in RL
Lena Lei: wow … that’s cool
Lena Lei: What profession would you not like to do?
CoolLuke Sands: Nuclear Reactor Inspector
Lena Lei: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
CoolLuke Sands: Welcome to Heaven Life. You have a free sim with 1,000,000 prim and zero lag 
Lena Lei: LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Lena Lei: hehehe
Lena Lei: ok .. anything else you want to say?
CoolLuke Sands: I wish for all of the evil and intolerant people to be taken on a trip 50 miles away from where they are standing right this moment….straight up. The world would be a better place without them.
Lena Lei:
Lena Lei: thanks Luke
CoolLuke Sands: Thank you Lena
Lena @ January 29, 2009
Fireworks in Londinium!
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Jo Zerbino watching the fireworks
Browncoats from all around the Second Life Firefly ‘verse gathered in Londinium Saturday for Johanna Zerbino’s birthday bash and shindig. Jubal Zerbino provided an absolutely stunning fireworks display, and the party lasted for hours. CoolLuke Sands provided refreshments, and a great selection of Rat Pack music from Sinatra, Martin, and many others.
Other than a brief respite to go outside and watch the fireworks show, the dancing was non-stop. Rumor even has it that Nack Barnes, owner of Firefly’s, was spotted dancing with Washtown’s infamous Madame, Anastasia Christensen.
The party was an absolute blast. I couldn’t stay until the end (and based on past Washtown and Londinium parties, I probably missed the really good stuff), but it was great fun while I was there. I even managed to embarrasmess myself. I think I’m going to move the “x” and “c” keys to opposite ends of my keyboard.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JO!!!!!
Lena @ January 25, 2009
Sunday Shindig Turns Skinny
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The weekly shindig held every Sunday at the Hoban has been known for occasionally making a detour into the gutter. Yesterday’s shindig was relatively tame. With the exception of local business woman Anastasia Christensen pole dancing for two hours, fully clothed oddly enough, the shindig was rather wholesome by Washtown standards.
After the shindig was officially over, however, most of the crowd stayed at the Hoban and quickly located the gutter. After a quick change of clothing, the DJ joined Miss Anastasia on a dance pole. In the interest of full disclosure, the DJ was yours truly. These two dancers were quickly joined by two more, local residents Johanna Zerbino and Paris Greenspan. From there things went delightfully downhill, as the crowd somehow enticed the dancers to do what dancers on poles usually do. Torn bits of clothing were rapidly scooped up as souvenirs, and those in attendance showed generous appreciation for the dancers. Drink sales at the Hoban dropped to near zero as the crowd seemed to be intoxicated by the beauty of flesh on display. Luckily, the drop in sales was more than made up for in tips.
For those of our readers who left early, or who were unable to attend the shindig, don’t worry. There will be another one next Sunday, and while not every shindig is as revealing as this one was, a fun time can always be guaranteed.
Lena @ May 12, 2008
Explosions Destroy Spaceport!
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A series of explosions rocked through parts of Washtown this afternoon, completely destroying the spaceport. Preliminary investigations point to a ruptured fuel line at the spaceport as the origin of the explosions. The explosions triggered a collapse of the abandoned tunnels underneath the spaceport, killing two workers and injuring three. The remainder of the spaceport employees were luckily all on an extended lunch break at the Hoban, although rumor has it a few may have been seen entering the Chicken Ranch. The proprietress of the Chicken Ranch (and Editor-in-Chief of the Weekly), Anastasia Christenson, heard rumbling but figured it was the excitement inside the brothel and didn’t see anything outside. She was shocked to hear later that the spaceport had collapsed, but was grinning and remarked, “Damn I didn’t mean to shake the earth that much.”
The cause of the fuel line rupture is unknown at this time. However, just hours after the explosions, the home of spaceport official Deiter Meyer mysteriously burned to the ground. Sources who wish to remain anonymous have provided the Weekly with information that suggests this is not a coincidence. Mr. Meyer was unavailable for comment, obviously busy finding the next ship off world.
Repairs to the weather monitoring station in orbit around the planet are nearing completion, and ships are being encouraged to dock there for their trade for the time being. Small shuttles can still get to and from the town, but use is limited due to a lack of landing space. The manager of the weather monitoring station issued a brief statement suspiciously soon after the explosions. “The crew of Washburne Station regrets the loss of our ground-side facilities, but we are eager to remind travellers that our docks will be online shortly and ready for business.”
The Weekly wishes to extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of those killed in the explosion, as Washburne Station apparently does not care. Rest assured, we will continue to investigate the cause of this explosion, and if negligence or sabotage is discovered to be responsible, we will see that justice is done.
-OOC from Ana - Well the Lindens have picked our sim to put a road through it. In the process they took down our walls. We are working quickly to redo things so that the ugly stays out. Pardon our mess as we redo things and I will get with you all soon to explain the new town layout, that is as the info becomes available to me. This has thrown us for a loop but we will get it back on track shortly. Hold on this may be a wild ride but in true firefly spirit it will be an exciting one. Until we know exactly what we’re going to do, we ask all residents to please do not put down any prim heavy items or build any extensions to their current residence.
Lena @ May 2, 2008
Absent Mayor Found!
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Many of the current residents of Washtown likely have never met our duly elected mayor, Cabridges Fanwood. Cab was one of the early residents of Washtown. Unfortunately, he has not been able to be around in world very much over the past year. We miss him here, but are happy to report that he has his very own webcomic! Save Hiatus tells the story of a group of people who are rabid fans of a tv show that was cancelled after a short run. Sound familiar? The tv show in the comic is called Hiatus, and is fictional, but the basic premise should hit very close to home for all browncoats. It looks great so far, so go check it out and help support one of our own!
Lena @ April 5, 2008
The Blue Sun™ Trademark Kerfuffle
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by Sanpierre Juran, Business Commentator
In recent days there’s been considerable outcry about The Blue Sun™ Company’s new rules for the use of The Blue Sun™ trademark. Our shops are enjoined never to advertise simply “Blue Sun,” but henceforth always “Blue Sun™ Cola” or “Blue Sun™ Beverages.” Business reporters are dictated the permissible (few) and impermissible (many) ways to refer to the company and/or its products. Ordinary residents are being told how they are to refer to the company’s products in the course of their own ordinary daily discourse - which, to many, feels much like being told, yet again, how to live their lives. Predictably, all are irritated, some are agitated, and a few are outraged.
Yes it is annoying and yes it’s inconvenient and yes in some ways it’s very stupid. But it’s wrong to blame Blue Sun (sorry, the Blue Sun™ Company) for it.
This aspect of trademark law is very old, going back to the days of earth-that-was. It wasn’t popular there, either. But it was just one of those things that hit every substantial company and brand at some point in their lives. It was annoying every time it happened, just as annoying as it is today, but they had to do it. And while it caused a hiccup or two, they got through it, as did their customers and their (when applicable) fans, and life went on. I’ve been there myself.
Once upon a time I was affiliated with one of the large inner-planet corporations. Never mind which one, because this story could have happened at any of them (in fact, did, everywhere). Someone there had invented a hugely popular programming language, and a department - soon to become an entire division - had formed around it to commercialize on its popularity.
For it surely was popular. Not only did it solve a lot of people’s problems, it had a cool logo and a catchy, short name that everybody liked, though I’ll just call it [popular programming language] here. Front-page articles touted the [popular programming language] Revolution! [Popular programming language] user groups appeared spontaneously across city after city. Books - some good, some not - appeared with [popular programming language] on their covers. A couple of magazines, too. The [popular programming language] brand was on fire.
Then, of course, the lawyers had to step in.
“Listen up,” they said. ”We have to tighten down on the legalities or we’ll lose control of the trademark. If we lose control, any idiot can call his own system [popular programming language] without our approval, and that would be highly dilutive of value. Henceforth, treat our trademark as a proper adjective which must always modify a specific set of nouns taken from a list we will provide you. So from now on, you don’t write a program in [popular programming language] or run it in [popular programming language]. You write it in the [popular programming language]™ Programming Language, and you run it on the [popular programming language]™ Virtual Machine. When you talk about the two of them together, it’s the [popular programming language]™ Platform. You got that? Tell your customers, affiliates, and press contacts the same.”
“But that’s completely stupid and annoying!” we said in unison. ”And unenforceable too,” a few of us might have added under our breaths.
“True,” the lawyers said. ”But irrelevant. What matters is that we demonstrate intent to protect our trademark, by making a good-faith effort to comply with trademark law in all aspects, regardless of how stupid it is. Good-faith effort equals proof of intent to defend equals legal protection. Lack of any of those things equals greatly diminished protection.”
They paused for Q&A and few of us snuck out to go online and do the research. The lawyers were right. Every company with a substantial brand does this. They don’t want to. It doesn’t make their employees or anybody else happy. It doesn’t add market share. It costs money to redo every piece of literature, advertising, media and related propaganda that goes out the door according to the new rules. It’s just a big headache all around. But they do it anyway, all of them, because this is how it is. You have to take exactly these steps to keep your rights to the brand. Otherwise you lose control of it, and then other people go and use your mark without your permission, and pretty soon your mark is no longer taken as a promise of quality in the marketplace, which is a very big problem, because that’s what marks are for.
So we put up with it, and did our part. We rewrote our stuff to use the marks correctly, and we pushed others outside the company to rewrite their stuff as well. They didn’t always do it of course, but we did make a good-faith effort to get them to do it, and from the legal standpoint, it was that demonstrated effort, not the results, that counted. Kind of like in kindergarten. And the [popular programming language]™ brand went on, and grew in importance. Trademark challenges - including one from a famously rapacious, sociopathic, and highly successful rival - were fought and defeated. A decade later, the brand is still strong and nobody feels put out or abused by any of it, because in the end they realized it wasn’t a holy war, or an attempt to shaft anybody, it was just the ordinary business activity of realigning a few ultimately trivial words to better fit legal reality, once someone woke up and realized what the legal reality was.
The bottom line is, don’t let this trademark thing get to you. It doesn’t mean what people are imagining it means. It’s simply a necessary part of the process of being in business, and it will soon be absorbed and internalized…and ultimately watered down to imperfect compliance and normalcy, just like all things. The annoyance is temporary. So forget about it, and join me for a drink and we’ll find other things to talk about. You can look for me in Washtown. I’ll be setting up a round of BS™ Lawn Bowling over by the vending machine, if I can find a flat spot.
Sanpierre @ April 2, 2008
WASHTOWN WEEKLY ARRIVES!
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Washtown, Burnet’s Moon - The rumors circulating around town for weeks now are true. After several months without a local news source, Washtown once again has a newspaper to call it’s own. The Washtown Weekly officially turned on the presses today after weeks of planning. The Weekly strives to be the definitive source for the truth in Washtown. We will always tell it like it is, not like how some big corporation wants it to be.
Washtown has been without a local news source since the Washtown Wave sold out and left for bluer and more purple pastures on the planet of Persephone. The Wave’s publisher and editor, Tillery Woodhen, was once a well liked resident of Washtown. Greed, however, got the best of him and the Wave became the Cortex News Service and moved it’s headquarters to the city of Downing on Persephone. The CNS has since expanded considerably, distributing it’s so called news throughout the verse. This reporter is still curious how a small town newspaper publisher on a remote moon, whose residents are mostly struggling just to make it to the next day alive, managed to obtain funding for such a rapid expansion.
Washtown deserves better than Mr. Woodhen. The Weekly now makes this promise to the citizens of Washtown. We will always tell the truth. Come rain, shine, purplebellies, or blue hands, we will make sure the real news is always delivered. We will not sell out, and we will not back down. You can’t stop the signal!
OOC P.S. - Just to be clear, the above story is all in fun. We love Tillery to death. He’s been a resident of Washtown for a long time, and we will always consider him one of us, because he is. We will have a mix of IC and OOC stories and news posted here. A regular feature will also be Straight Talk, a combination gossip column and advice column written by three of the “working” women of Washtown - Anastasia Christensen, Lena Lei, and Mystik Chemistry. Sanpierre Juran will also be a regular reporter for the Weekly. If you have any story ideas, or if you need advice from the women of Straight Talk, let us know.
Lena @ March 31, 2008