Stress and a Delivery

Just got a nice delivery at the Tokotah this evening. I had sent my old KI from 2005-2007, the one that had been damaged by the events of 1/19, off to the DRC for them to attempt a recovery. They managed to get the most recent files, but the others are apparently lost. One of the KI pictures is of a painting of a man. I don't remember taking the picture, so I ask the question posed in the picture's title: "Who is this guy?" If anyone knows, please let me know. Thanks to Tweek for pointing out it is Aquila in the photo.

I'm hoping that in the next few weeks I can work on cleaning up some things. Organizing. Both from the D'mala Project which officially closed a while ago, and from my individual exploits in he Cavern back after it closed. I'm also still looking for my old journal which, if I remember correctly, I lost in one of the Ages.

My old KI from 2004 still works, sort of. It was off during the scream, and only suffered minor damage. It's been locked into its old configuration, though (I can only take pictures on it, all other functions were shut off at the time).

As for stress... Clarke nearly left today. He doesn't seem to think D'ni offers anything in return for his investment. I think I managed to get him to stay, though. I'm working as hard as I can to try and find some references to the Gahrohevtee. I've got to get busy, though.. Kingsley said he'd be coming down in a week and the others aren't far behind.. And I've still got the J'taeri tour to get to! I'm going to have to postpone it..

Whilyam

Finished

So there it is in all its glory (though it's a bit lighter than in this picture, it was night in Gira when I took it). I might take a tour of the design area tomorrow and pick out another that looks in better condition.

Seems Clarke's gone down. The others say they may come down later. Just hope they're careful...

Whilyam

Tsogahl Stained Glass Project

Signed up for the Tsogahl stained glass project on the site. Good grief. Either the ResEng who brought it was drunk or the thing's been run over by a steamroller. I think I've got the frame stable now, though. Most of the glass is broken in and or burnt. I've spent the better part of today getting glass ready to put into the areas to replace the old glass. Lots of dirt too. Have to clean that up. I got the piece (beautiful even in this condition by the way..) set up in Eder Gira. Using some of the heat from the lava river to heat the metal frame (as well as the glass).
I'll work some more tommorow on it.. Maybe once I'm finished with this I'll take another one... Want to check the design first so I don't end up with one in such bad condition.

Whilyam

Meeting

Well.. I showed the funders around Eder Gira early this morning... Didn't seem too interested. They want to go forward with it, see the place on their own and they're confident they can take care of themselves. I'm starting to understand why the DRC is so safety conscious. Any number of dangers and it's hard to detach yourself from another person's life. But they seem determined to go through.

Had a fun chat with Kodama today. Among other things, he told me that the ceiling is safe. No concerns were his words. So with that, I'm no longer taking up this issue. I have other concerns and this has been answered.

Whilyam

Yeesha and More Headaches

Wow... busy day... things are all of a sudden very busy. First off, there was a summoning party in sil_oh_wet's bevin tonight. I wasn't there to get a picture, but I did snap a photo of the KI image on the imager.

Secondly, the weather in Eder Delin has changed! There's snow all over the place now. Most of the plants seem to be in a sort of shock...

Other news... Got word that they've got the package, just have to get it to me. I'm still looking into whether I can wear it or not.

Also, I found out why the meeting was canceled. Funders said they want to add some personal visits to the sites.. Not sure what that means.

Whilyam

EDIT: Uploaded a better version sent to me.

So they cancel the meeting? Good grief. Looks like I've got time on my hands. Perhaps I'll work on that GZ document...

Teledahn

First off, I just got a KI picture from Arthur.

Museum door is open, but there are two barrel barricades in the doorway. Looks like the DRC is planning to open it up.

I went to Teledahn today, looking over some places to take the funders tomorrow. Once I was done, I invited Matthew Allen there to go exploring. He seemed to be feeling down, so I took him around and showed him some of the more interesting sights, some of the interesting stuff I'd discovered. Nice guy.

Whilyam

Planning a Trip

From: D'ni Ae'gura -- Tokotah Building

Arthur: Planning a trip to J'taeri for sometime this month along with other things. Meet up with me next time you get a chance, we need to co-ordinate some dates or times we could both be free.

Whilyam

Meetings in Delin

From: Relto

Quite an eventful day today. I was able to meet Victor Laxman in the Great Tree's Delin. Nice man. Didn't answer most of my questions, but he seems very nice.

Delin's air pressure is falling. Victor says it happened before the Age was released and they saw a rapid change in conditions. They're studying the age to see if there is a pattern. No threat.

Following that, Nick White spent some time passing Delin books out to neighborhoods that wanted them. While he was doing that, I asked him about a KI mail asking him about his salary. He said an explorer, Klarren, sent it to him.

Nick then came to the Great Tree Delin (popular hang-out spot for the DRC). He essentially said the same thing he said to me about the KI mail. Along with other pointless fluff (he's single, whoopie) I learned he's talked to Sharper again "only a matter of time" before he gets down here, he says. Says Cate likes him. Ugh... Cate's good, but she wants things done safely. And, from what I know, breaking down barriers to a half-restored pub is not safe.

Nick also said that the roof is not a big deal. It's safe, apparently.

Now if you excuse me, I'm going to relax. I'm sick of asking questions for today.

Arthur

The Second Garden

From: Eder Tsogahl

Did a good exploration of Tsogahl. Fascinating Age. It does seem like Tsogahl and Delin were "cut from the same cloth" as the DRC said. Combined, the two Ages appear to be close in design to Eder Kemo. I wonder if the pools of water were planned by the D'ni or if the Age is partially flooded. It seems intentional, but the maintainer mark is underwater (likely why it's not functioning).

I'm officially moving out of my private room in the hood. The debris is too much and there's not enough room I've switched the blog and everything else over to the KI-based network.

Whilyam

Tsogahl

Seems like Eder Tsogahl went off without a hitch. Been busy all day... ready to pass out now... I'll do more explorations tomorrow.

Whilyam

Update

Updated the tags. They no longer label where entries are posted from.

Whilyam

Information on Douglas Sharper

From: Relto

Finished the document on Sharper and posted it here. Essentially a basic history of Sharper and his issues. Not anything new, but it might prove helpful to new explorers.

Arthur

Back to Work

From: Teledahn

Working on some stuff about Sharper. Should be up today or tomorrow.

Arthur

Back

From: Relto

I'm back down. I have most of the supplies in my Relto, but the plexi sheets wouldn't link with me. Came up with some inventive ways of linking the other supplies down.. Anyone in the Cleft would think I was doing some dance/ had some horrible stomach virus. Next time, schedule with the DRC's supply trips so they can bring down your stuff.

If you want to schedule a time when we can both go up and at least get the sheets down to the first Tomahn, I'm available any time.

I see you've been busy down here. Good to see the forums back, but next time, maybe do things a little more passively? Doesn't seem like you helped your case down here.

Arthur

A Good Day

From: Uru Obsession's Bevin

DRC forums are back. Michael mentioned small consequences we apparently don't need to worry about. I posted a topic there asking Cate to come out and say her side in a sort of Town Hall meeting style. I think this might help find her issues with them and a possible solution. I posted:

From what I understand, Cate was unhappy during the sit-in because she wasn't being allowed to say her side. Regardless of whether people think she had a right to say her side or not, I think she should. So, I call out to Cate to schedule a time when she can come to a hood (or multiple hoods) and say her piece. Say why she thought it was a good idea to close the forums. The explorers could then respond, giving possible solutions and ideas about how to better integrate the forums into cavern life.

Personally, I see two possible problems Cate is trying to solve.

1: Does anyone in the Cavern care?

I'd say yes, a great deal care a great deal (say that backwards now). Now can that be expanded? Sure. A lot of people have come down here unsure of who or what the DRC is. The DRC has done a lot to help this out and I think the same can be done for the forums. Mentions at the ResEng meetings and perhaps a poster on the classroom imager "Go to forums.drcsite.org" for your restoration needs or whatever.

2: What do you want from the forums?

Personally, I'd like more communication with the DRC. Polls or suggestions, updates. But what function does the forum serve? It serves as an official, central site where explorers can talk about the Restoration. Think of it like a forum for a game. A main site everyone knows and comes to to talk with their friends when they're not in the game.

I hope Cate takes the opportunity and explains her side like she wanted to at the sit in.

Follow up

From: Uru Obsession's Bevin

Well this is... surprising... a group of us in the UO hood were feeling down about the problems with the sit in today, so it was suggested we get a group together and go to the Beginner's Bevin. Then Michael Engberg came on. We went to Beginner's and I asked Michael if he would come by after he was finished in the City. He came by and the following took place:

(02/08 19:49:09) Chat.log started...
(02/08 19:49:15) Whilyam: Welcome Michael
(02/08 19:49:32) J'mee: Michael, hello!
(02/08 19:49:34) BrettM: Shorah, Mr. Engberg. Thanks for coming to talk to us.
(02/08 19:49:41) J'mee: Yes, thanks
(02/08 19:50:24) Whilyam: It seems the sit in was sabotaged, Michael.
(02/08 19:50:46) Lensy: Sabatoged? How? I came to join it
(02/08 19:50:52) Michael Engberg: I see.
(02/08 19:51:19) Whilyam: Many opposed to the forums crowded the City, keeping participants out.
(02/08 19:51:46) Michael Engberg: Interesting.
(02/08 19:51:54) J'mir: thats stupid, what was the forum about?
(02/08 19:52:05) Whilyam: If Cate wants numbers, with a few exceptions, all here are for the forums.
(02/08 19:52:12) J'mee: Also, many of us who would have participated in the sit-in were on the surface at the time, due to work obligations
(02/08 19:53:19) Whilyam: I think that Cate should remember that the DRC forums, if maintained properly, can be a great way to bring the explorers together to talk about what the DRC has released.
(02/08 19:53:19) BrettM: Mr. Engberg, do you have any idea of how Cate views the purpose and function of the DRC site at this time?
(02/08 19:53:42) Whilyam: It also has the effect of allowing hte DRC to see what is troubling the explorers.
(02/08 19:54:03) Michael Engberg: Well, regardless of the reason, the result of this morning's sit in was to set my discussions with Cate about the forums pretty much back to square one.
(02/08 19:54:22) J'mee: The forums have played such a vital role in the history of the Restoration.
(02/08 19:54:25) Shoemaker: Oh ho ho! That sounds about right for Ms. Alexander.
(02/08 19:54:37) Lensy: Why, Mr Engberg or how?
(02/08 19:54:40) BrettM: Was she that irritated??
(02/08 19:54:42) Shoemaker: She's not one for social disobedience, of course.
(02/08 19:55:18) BrettM: We're very sorry that we had this effect! If we had known of your efforts ...
(02/08 19:55:23) Jinglish: How does Cate feel that we should get information?
(02/08 19:55:37) Michael Engberg: I've been talking with her about them for about two hours since the sit-in. I think we are close to a compromise again.
(02/08 19:55:55) J'mee: Good news
(02/08 19:55:56) Whilyam: Anything we can do to help?
(02/08 19:55:59) Lensy: She doesn't understand the passion of us, the explorers, for this place and these things
(02/08 19:56:03) Shoemaker: What concession does she want, then?
(02/08 19:56:14) BrettM: Mr. Engberg, aside from the forums, I am concerned that the site is significantly less information-rich than it was before the redesign.
(02/08 19:56:18) Lensy: Why should there be concessions
(02/08 19:56:39) Shoemaker: Compromise requires concession, Lensy. Let's hear what the good Doctor has to say.
(02/08 19:57:03) J'mee: Originally, one could select a year on the site's main page (on the timeline) and see old progress reports. I liked that.
(02/08 19:57:05) Whilyam: Perhaps this: The DRC has their private area. The DRC also has an area where minor updates (like when you placed Nexus terminals in the Ages) can go. The explorers have their public area.
(02/08 19:57:44) Jeremy: Mr Engberg, I'm sure you understand that we have a different perspective on this endeavor from some other people. I am not one to say that anyone's thoughts are more or less valid than anyone elses... but that there is value to be gained from understanding the thoughts of the other side, whichever side you happen to be on.
(02/08 19:58:06) Whilyam draws Mr. Engberg's attention to the group surrounding them.
(02/08 19:58:28) Jinglish: There should be a central information resource...KI mail alone can't do the job.
(02/08 19:58:32) Jeremy: Those forums gave explorers a chance to get a look at the thoughts of those in, and involved in, DRC.
(02/08 19:58:52) Michael Engberg: Yes, Jeremy, I understand that.
(02/08 19:59:19) Jinglish: So what is the next step with Cate?
(02/08 19:59:59) Michael Engberg: For now, just give me a little more time.
(02/08 20:00:07) Jeremy: If Ms Alexander is concerned with inappropriate content from explorers being posted on your "professional" site, I can understand, but wouldn't a fair and vaild compromise be to allow anyone to read, but only authorized personnell to post?
(02/08 20:00:15) Whilyam: Have Cate count these people, Michael. And they're still only a small portion of those who enjoyed those forums.
(02/08 20:00:44) Curty: yes Michael we are patient:)
(02/08 20:00:52) Whilyam: Aside from letting you have more time, is there anything we can do?
(02/08 20:00:59) BrettM: Can you tell us anything about Cate's vision for the site?
(02/08 20:01:00) Michael Engberg: I would hope so, Whilyam, or there reallly isn't a reason to put them up again.
(02/08 20:01:13) Lensy is liking Ms. Alexander less and less all the time
(02/08 20:01:18) Jeremy: I'm not even concerned with social, or civic, disobedience. I am merely here to express my thoughts and concerns. Take them for what they are worth, and use them as you see fit.
(02/08 20:02:10) Michael Engberg: Thank you, Jeremy
(02/08 20:02:12) BrettM: I would really like to understand where she's coming from. It would help us to deal with her better.
(02/08 20:02:13) Curty: Yes we really do miss the old DRC posts It really helps to give us Peace of mind...somewhat Michael :)
(02/08 20:02:29) Jinglish: Well, part of this is that our time for direct communication has been short...with the DRC, with Cate...all of which underscores the need for the site as a way to communicate
(02/08 20:02:47) Jinglish: But we appreciate you being here tonight!
(02/08 20:03:03) Jan Stepmeir: it was a simple power play, she needed to come in and exert her Authority over us protesters
(02/08 20:03:04) Whilyam: Cate should also know that, regardless of what she percieves as worth, the loss of those forums will make her VERY unpopular and could sway minds not made up.
(02/08 20:03:18) Curty: Helps us to be more patient cause we know more of what is going on as we should helping the DRC and all.;)
(02/08 20:03:19) Lensy: I hhave to agree with Jinglish. We don't really have a way to communicate with the DRC now
(02/08 20:03:33) Chimaera: I agree with Jinglish
(02/08 20:03:39) Jeremy: In any relationshop, as I'm sure you're aware, there is always a need for communication. Even employers must communicate with employees. Definately not on the same level as friends, but it is a flow of information none-the-less.
(02/08 20:04:06) Michael Engberg: BrettM, part of the problem was the lack of moderation. That will be addressed.
(02/08 20:04:07) Jeremy: And we explorers are certainly in a relationship with the DRC.
(02/08 20:04:07) Shoemaker: Hm. That is a valid point. If Alexander doesn't plan on restoring the old forums, does she intend to find / use another output?
(02/08 20:04:35) Whilyam: I think I understand what she wants to do as well. She wants to make sure that people in the cavern actually want to read the forums and stil lcome down here.
(02/08 20:04:36) Jan Stepmeir: the D'ni left many modes of communication ... the KI, the community center, the imagers etc.
(02/08 20:04:43) Lensy: Yes, moderation was a problem, but many explorers would make good moderators
(02/08 20:05:19) Jeremy: I hope that you can impress that upon Ms. Alexander. We are not her adversaries... we are allies in the common goal of exploration, discovery, and restoration of D'ni
(02/08 20:05:20) Michael Engberg: Hello, Kato.
(02/08 20:05:28) Curty: i do like the controled authority of the DRC ...I do think we need to know what direction this train is going :)
(02/08 20:05:28) J'mee agrees with improved moderation.
(02/08 20:05:52) Jinglish is fine with that.
(02/08 20:06:20) Whilyam: Cate may also want to know that there are some who depend on the forums for information regarding the restoration when they are away on vacation or at work.
(02/08 20:06:36) Curty: It would be nice to know where Cate is going with this Restoration so we are not walking blind....
(02/08 20:06:38) Loganblue: Well then do they need new liasons or something? I mean, they old ones were done away with.
(02/08 20:06:40) Michael Engberg: I believe she understands that.
(02/08 20:06:43) Lensy: Yes, most of us can't be here 24/7
(02/08 20:07:21) Lensy: And I perferred the DRC forums over some of hte other ones
(02/08 20:07:32) Lensy: for all its warts and such
(02/08 20:07:41) Whilyam: Also, sure, anyone can make a forum. But it's the fact that the DRC have a forum that makes it more appealing. It also educates explorers about the DRC.
(02/08 20:07:43) Jan Stepmeir: Michael keep your eyes on Cate, don't let her boss you around and use your work to make profit by selling artifacts and technology
(02/08 20:07:46) Michael Engberg: I did too, Lensy.
(02/08 20:07:49) syzen Susan agrees for the need for the forums
(02/08 20:07:53) Jeremy: I think it would be unreasonable to ask for daily Ki-mail updates... the forums are much more concise. And less intrusive for those who would rather not have their KI flashing constantly
(02/08 20:08:06) Jinglish: There are so many forums...DRC felt more "need to know" sometimes
(02/08 20:08:14) Lensy: or who can't be there to get KIMail
(02/08 20:08:21) Jinglish: Right
(02/08 20:08:43) BrettM: I feel that the problem is more than just the shut down of the forums.
(02/08 20:09:00) Jinglish: What, Brett?
(02/08 20:09:01) Whilyam: Yes, it's removal of the Sights and Sounds and other info as well..
(02/08 20:09:12) Michael Engberg: Well, I need to be getting back to work, just wanted to give an update on the forum progress.
(02/08 20:09:12) Shoemaker: General attitude of Alexander towards the explorers, Brett?
(02/08 20:09:15) Curty: i think we need to trust Cate a little more.....
(02/08 20:09:22) Whilyam: Such as the results of many of the contests.
(02/08 20:09:23) BrettM: We seem to have lost a lot of history. Where on the site is John Loftin mentioned, for example?
(02/08 20:09:23) Lensy: Yes, BrettM I think it is. It is not having been asked first if this was a valuable resource to the explorers or not
(02/08 20:09:26) Jinglish: Thank you, Michael
(02/08 20:09:27) J'mee: Thanks, Mr. Engburg!
(02/08 20:09:34) Whilyam: Well thank you for the chat, Michael
(02/08 20:09:35) J'mir claps his hands
(02/08 20:09:37) Jan Stepmeir: ...just a word to the wise...
(02/08 20:09:37) Whilyam thanks you
(02/08 20:09:37) Jeremy: I am willing to trust her. I wish that she would have trust in me as well.
(02/08 20:09:38) Chimaera: Thanks for dropping by, Michael
(02/08 20:09:38) BrettM: Thanks for your time.
(02/08 20:09:38) brobitail: ty Mr. Engberg for your time
(02/08 20:09:39) Lensy: Thank you Mr Engberg
(02/08 20:09:40) Michael Engberg: Take care, everyone.
(02/08 20:09:42) Jason Lindon claps his hands
(02/08 20:09:42) Whilyam bows
(02/08 20:09:43) brobitail thanks you very much!
(02/08 20:09:44) Shoemaker: Roger that, Mr. Engberg. Do tell your new master that if she continues to constrain the explorers, Yeesha has a history of overriding that sort of behavior.
(02/08 20:09:46) J'mee waves hello
(02/08 20:09:46) Michael Engberg waves hello
(02/08 20:09:53) Jason Lindon waves hello
(02/08 20:09:59) Jeremy: Thank you for your time Sir.
(02/08 20:09:59) Lensy starts to laugh
(02/08 20:10:00) Curty: bye:)
(02/08 20:10:13) ...Chat.log stopped.

The Sit in

From: Eder Delin

Missed the sit in. Doesn't look like I could've gotten in anyhow. Apparently all the people who wanted the DRC forums shut down crowded the city so only 8 pro-DRC forum people could get in! I wish the DRC hadn't shut down forums that only needed better moderation. I can understand they want their own private forums, but I, at least, enjoyed posting on that forum, debating and speculating on new areas in an official forum. Another thing I liked was the small bits of minor info given out (nothing critical like "Engberg got stuck in those new D'ni toilets we found" or "Man, those explorers suck" but small things like "The Nexus pedestals have been put up in the Ages"). I think I know what Cate is doing, trying to separate the "real" explorers from the "forum lurkers" those that don't come down, but who just sit on the surface waiting for a new log from somewhere. But she should do this in a better and less divisive way. Some people HAVE to stay on the surface for jobs or because they're from other countries and can't get up at the same time people in New Mexico do.

Every year, Art goes up for Christmas at his folks' place and his Aunt Klara brings her special pot pie he really likes. "Nobody makes that pie like Aunt Klara," he says. And it's true. The DRC forums were like that pie. If one year, Klara didn't bring a pie, people would be sad. It wouldn't make a difference if Uncle Boris made a pie, he sucks at making pie, besides, Aunt Klara's pie had something extra brought just by her making it. She had no special ingredients or anything, it was just that SHE made it and that she had always made it that made it that little bit more special. Sure, some parts of the pie tasted bad, but that was mainly because Klara had less time recently to make sure the ingredients mixed well.

Now if you excuse me, I need some pie. I miss it.

Whilyam

Incredible...

From: Gahreesen

I don't believe it. More things are missing. A box of nails and a small piece of sheet metal this time. I can see the vice grips in the forest below, but I'm not going there to retrieve it. Who or whatever is doing this apparently couldn't make off with it. I'll have to call Art and have him get replacements. Until I find out what's causing this, I'm moving supplies inside the second building. It'll be a tight squeeze for some of the metal, but I think I can get some of the lockers working.

At least there's SOME good news. Michael was in the City today and a lot of us expressed our anger over the DRC forum shut down. Amazingly enough, he agreed. Said it was counter-productive or something. Big thing is, he's telling Cate. He's going to leave out that I think riots will start if Cate doesn't shape up, but the main point is still something he's going to talk about. Apparently Cate wanted the forums gone and got some support. Now she thinks no one cares about them.

Engberg looked around the Library for a while. Final inspection he said. Odd thing was that he didn't actually OPEN the Library. People were so used to DRC showing up, "inspecting" it, and opening it that it came as a sort of shock when he said he couldn't. Few days he says. He's going to write up an informal report on it. I asked him if he'd make future reports public so we could see more of the process. I don't think he answered that. He seemed to have problems as he was inspecting. Maybe his KI was going funny.

Whilyam

Sidetracked

From: Kadish Tolesa

Met the funders again today. I took them around Kadish for a few hours, they seemed amazed at the natural architecture of the Age. Aside from the constant chatter about the merits of modern deconstructivist architecture (aka: I kicked your sand castle and it looks better) it was a good trip.

I heard news from the City that the DRC forums are not coming back. This is quite possibly the stupidest move the DRC has made yet. The DRC forums are necessary to keep tabs on internal status reports and are a valuable resource. Speaking of resources, I also noticed almost all the Sights and all the Sounds have been taken out of the DRC site. I was really looking forward to sound tests and pictures from Kahlo or the other Ages.
After the meeting was over and everyone went home, I went to Myst. I kept a linking book to the Age when I went on the Journey to release the Tablet and go there to marvel at the Age. Back in the 90s when I played Myst I just thought, like everyone else, that it was nothing more than a quirky and interesting game by Cyan. But to walk around the Age, decaying as it is. To see the sunken boat, the gears, the rocketship, the tree, the clocktower... it makes it all strange. It makes it real. To walk where people you thought were only characters walked. Despite the death and destruction there, the Age still has a stunning beauty and a wondrous nostalgia.

Whilyam

Surface Trip

From: Uru Obsession's Bevin

Whil:

I'm planning a trip up for supplies we need before the Cavern opens fully. I've already got a partial list based on what I got last time, any additions? Put it on the imager in Bevin, though, my KI doesn't appear to like getting messages. I'll be leaving on Monday.

Arthur

Moi Moi

From: Uru Obsession's Bevin

Why did I get this thing? Sounds like a pack of toddlers saying nonsense. Vid?

Arthur