Just read this blog post on Laynie’s blog and I’m really saddened by it.  Content theft is making the news on a daily basis now, but this seems to be taking it one step further..let me be straight about my feelings on it- it’s simply NOT acceptable to threaten and then steal someone’s creations to make a political point.  It doesn’t gain you respect, and it certainly doesn’t help your cause.  Second Life is a virtual world but just because it isn’t ‘real’, it doesn’t render it a soft target. 

Theft is theft pure and simple, and isn’t tolerated in the real world so why should that be any different in a virtual one?

If you have strong beliefs then use Second Life to make your voice heard in way that will encourage debate and inform people.  Here’s an example, Alex1 Richardson has established the ‘Lift the Ban’ HQ in world to educate people about homophobia in the US military and the ramifications of it.  I had no idea about the issue until I visited and left feeling educated and with an understanding of the problem and what was being done to take action against it in the real world. Alex didn’t threaten anyone, he didn’t steal anything..he set up a fundraising organisation using his own money.  Whether you agree with his cause or not, he has gone about furthering his cause in a civil, non hurtful way.

Please don’t stoop so low as to threaten people and then steal their work. If you are passionate about your cause then follow Alex1’s example, and look to other activists on the grid who have raised awareness for their causes by using their imaginations, and be inspired by them.