Comments on: Second Chance

By: schuyler1177

schuyler1177 — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 08:01:11 +0000

I would agree with you on what you said in home. This is indeed an inspiring article. Good luck in all endeavors you face.

By: FEMAELSTROM

FEMAELSTROM — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:45:54 +0000

Ollie, I had never read or knew your history. I’m in so much agreement in what you say here. It is an extension of us and an ability to be free in so many ways. Of course I am so glad that I have come to know you and that we are friends. You are never far from a joke or trying to help others,and that is what makes you one of the good folk of home. Great read and very touching.

By: nastysmurf408

nastysmurf408 — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 11:50:26 +0000

all i can say is,”wow.”. i’m glad i read ur article & i’m glad that i have the privilege 2 hav u as a friend, as well. i agrred w/everything u sed & i think ur grandfather is a wise man. those r words of wisdom that everybody shld hav in their memory banks. i think that ur a very talented writer. 8)

By: Godzprototype

Godzprototype — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:11:09 +0000

Your Grandfather taught you well. It will help many noobs in their Second Chance. I loved the truth you spoke and hope people that read this article will understand how important Home is to others. Respect life, virtual or otherwise.

By: NorseGamer

NorseGamer — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:31:38 +0000

“Virtual reality is virtual only from a visual point. What we do on home, what we say and how we generally behave is still very much real. We are talking to real people, and having real conversations and experiences. As long as we are not superficial, since that is the trap many people seem to fall into, how we treat others is very much real.”

Amen.

By: gamefnatic436

gamefnatic436 — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:13:46 +0000

You Speak nothing but the truth!

By: Ro-Schro

Ro-Schro — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 07:47:19 +0000

Olivia, I remember the first conversation we had you told me some of that story. It is interesting reading the more detailed version of it. There is an anime cartoon that your story reminds me of in a way. If you get a chance to watch it, the .hack series is something you may wish to watch. It is about a fictional MMORPG game, but in this futuristic game players log in virtually. They actually immerse themselves in the game, so they truly are in a virtual reality. There is one main character who is permanently trapped in the game, and the story revolves around him and the players he befriends to help him survive in this make believe world. I find it way easier to approach people in home and talk to them than in RL. I guess because there is that level of disconnect that everything I say and do is filtered through a level of surreality that gives the illusion of confidence. I feel like I can say whatever and what is the worst that can happen? While I still try to remain civilized and good natured, will completely embarass people who are deserving. I don’t suppose there is much of a point in all this, but if I had to leave one thought it would be this. Virtual reality is virtual only from a visual point. What we do on home, what we say and how we generally behave is still very much real. We are talking to real people, and having real conversations and experiences. As long as we are not superficial, since that is the trap many people seem to fall into, how we treat others is very much real.

By: Olivia_Allin

Olivia_Allin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:49:14 +0000

Thank you so much for your kind words… I am basically a modest person so such high praise is somewhat uncomfortable for me, but appreciated to no end. I am also hoping that the main thing that is absorbed from my writing is not that I when through some bad stuff and made it through… I had no choice and anyone would have done the same. But the message that we have in the same hands that we hold our controllers in, the chance to do it right. To make a world for ourselves and others that doesn’t revolve around building yourself up at the cost of wearing someone else down. Thats what gives me hope! My wreck happened seven years ago. And while I still have the scars and suffer on a daily bases, I still am doing better than many. I have the love of my soul mate, friends to numerous to count, a roof over my head and I need not go hungry. Add to that the enjoyment that Home brings and I conceder myself quite a lucky person! All that being said, I feel I owe it to both worlds (real and virtual) to give back and do my best to give more than I take. If that sounds a little Polly Anna then I am guilty as charged. And people like you that love Home like I do already know what I am talking about and are doing what you can to make our Home, everyones Home. You write and spread information not because you will get the Noble Prize but because you care enough to put into words what you know and think and feel so others can make better decisions, and in doing so, they have better experiences. That is a noble cause and I for one appreciate it. So thank you Burbie52! And add me to the list of people that want to meet you.

By: Olivia_Allin

Olivia_Allin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:18:34 +0000

Hun, you bring as much to the table if not more in our friendship. You have never let me down. Anytime and every time I have turned to you, you have been there. Anything I have ever done for you, you have given back three fold. You look out for me and I can’t thank you enough for that! Avatards Unite!

By: Olivia_Allin

Olivia_Allin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:46:43 +0000

I am the one that is blessed. The best part of everyday for me is spending time with xx96791DEATHxx. She is my rock! I may come off as someone that has my act together but she knows the truth because she is the one that holds me up! No one makes me laugh harder, no one can make me cry faster (from her sweet comment and concerns). If I could wish anything for the whole world to have, it would be to enjoy the honor of having such a wonderful friend! I think in pictures, and when I think of the words friend, family and love… I see her. We are two of a kind and home means so much to me because not only does it give me such freedoms but it also gave me Sue. That is the best gift anyone could ever hope for! I love you Sue!!!

By: xx96791DEATHxx

xx96791DEATHxx — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:25:09 +0000

Really?? The writings of Teilhard de Chardin….lets see you discuss that while your button smashing at Ratchets disco..and while your admiring the artistry of peacocks…bring back the superferry…you Kauaians think you control the universe…..

By: Burbie52

Burbie52 — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:09:43 +0000

Olivia, I was very impressed with your candor. Fighting your way back from such a horrifying and devastating experience is not an easy thing and the courage and tenacity you have shown is commendable. I totally agree with your assessment of Home as a social environment and I hope as you do that the people in here come to realize that there are real people behind those controllers with feelings that can be hurt. I have helped many of my friends in here through tough times and though they might not know it they have helped me as well. Just knowing that I can come here and enjoy a good conversation ans many times a good laugh has sustained me many times. Thank you for this article, I hope it opens up a few eyes to the “reality” of HOME.

By: VeronikaFox

VeronikaFox — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:50:21 +0000

I met Olivia in real life a few years ago, and I can honestly say, without her I may not be here today. When I first met her, I was going through some tough times. Here was a girl that loved to play video games, as do I. She always had the greatest advice too. She has a Zen quality about her. I have been able to absorb some of her Zen and it has had a calming effect on me and my life. PS Home gets only a fraction of just how truly wonderful Olivia is to this world. I am so very fortunate to have her in my Real and my PS Home life. Love you Sue. Avatards Unite!

By: xx96791DEATHxx

xx96791DEATHxx — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:35:13 +0000

Truly an amazing and inspirational person you are Olivia. I met Olivia in the poker rooms and we have been Avatards since.(Avatards Unite) This venue brings together people that might not ever connect in real life. I can say I was truly overwhelmed at first but now I consider myself a veteran of Home. I remember the giddiness I felt when we met NJRAMAL and DOD..I remember the nervesness of being put in a thyme out by a MOD.(even if he was in the wrong) I remember the feeling of power as I ran a “Home Family”. Now I have the pleasure of being a model with PS Talent. This place takes the phrase” the world is your oyster” to a new level. I have met some very wise people and some well…. I am truly blessed to be able to call Olivia(a true bionic woman) my BFF and Norsegame( a truly gifted orator) my friend.

By: Olivia

Olivia — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:55:45 +0000

I mentioned that I use a word… some may say I over use the word… but it has never been more appropriate than now.I am HONORED that you have read my story! You may not have special needs on Home but you sir are indeed special! I choose my words very carefully just then…in deeds you are special. I must admit that I don’t read that well I had not spent much time on forums or reading posts or learning the who’s who on Home. After writing my story I have been told over and over about you and your story. Now I have read more and know that you don’t just enjoy Home but you strive to make it better. You have my utmost respect and appreciation for who you are and what you do! I understand that what we deal with outside of Home is just that… outside of Home. And I am speaking as one that is inside of Home. I find myself star struck from time to time on home. I remember meeting a Godfather for the first time when I was more of a noob than now.I curtsied and stumbled while typing, thinking I was next to some great power. I am still amazed and feel out of my class knowing that NorseGamer is my friend. And now I am fumbling around trying to explain how honored I am that you posted on my story. Before I make to much of a fool of myself, I will just say thank you again and truly hope to meet you in our Home!
Peace,
Olivia

By: Jersquall

Jersquall — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:36:20 +0000

Hi, So i’m a bit late but wanted to say hi. Again I find another who has been to the brink and yet found their way home. I am so wrapped up in home and enjoy it so much that I sometimes forget that Neo wakes up and has to face the world of nonpixels. but then again I am happiest in home as many others know. I’m no one special, no one who has special needs. i’m just Jersquall and thats perfectly fine by me. -smiles-
Awesome story. be sure to say hello in home. i’m sure our paths will meet.

jers

By: Olivia

Olivia — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:31:16 +0000

I am still mourning the loss of the EA poker rooms. Threads should sell a black EA arm band and we should set a day aside to recognize what a loss we all suffered. Okay, maybe not, but it was a great place and a great time.
I agree that is the social networking that makes Home home. But, the game play doesn’t really have to be a separate, stand alone thing. The poker rooms are the perfect example of that. What made those rooms so great was the balance of game play and socializing. The games were great but lacking if there was no interaction and the socializing was epic but would have been less so if the common thread that the game brought wasn’t there. I liken it to an egg. There are 3 parts to an egg, all of which make it an egg. Without one of the 3 parts it isn’t the same. Home is a hybrid and designed to be a hybrid, and by design it works very well as a hybrid. But it is the interaction in this hybrid that is what stays with you after the sun comes up and you go to bed…lol. I didn’t see or feel my stack of virtual poker chips till I logged back on. I felt and retained the laughs, fights, victories and losses and still do to this day. So yes the social side of Home is what makes it home but not an egg…lol. Did that even make sense?
This message was brought to you be the egg counsel, reminding you… The incredible eatable egg, its not just for breakfast any more…lol

By: Aeternitas33

Aeternitas33 — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:15:56 +0000

Ever since the EA poker rooms shut down, I’ve been hearing amazing stories about that place. I guess I really should learn how to play poker. lol

I hear what you’re saying, “Heed the message, not the messenger.” But without you, the messenger, the message would never be heard, would it? Unless people like you have the courage to tell their stories, those who can’t look past the mini-games and the pixels will never understand how wonderful a gift Home can be.

It’s stories like yours that convince me that Home’s true strength is, and always will be, as a 3-D social network, not a gaming platform – although the gaming aspects are wonderful in their own right. Home allows us to connect with people whom we would otherwise never have a chance to meet, yet may have a great deal in common with -- now how can any mini-game compete with that?

Like you, I understand very well what it’s like to sleep at dawn. I do hope our paths cross some day.

By: Olivia

Olivia — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:14:51 +0000

Wow… thank you so much! But honor dictates that I be truthful… even though I am responding to each reply from my heart and because I am flattered at the responses…my comments count towards the comment count…lol. Just full discloser. No really I am touched that anyone would take the time to read this and even more touched that y’all take the time to reply. I am no writer and may never write again but each of you have made this a wonderful heart warming experience for me that I will alway be proud of… Thank you… thank all of you!

By: Olivia

Olivia — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:06:42 +0000

I have made some friends with mental challenged people on Home in the past. They were just look for some friends. Sadly the abuse they had to put up with ran them off Home. There is no real way of protecting them. One of those friends wanted to be in a family so badly and when the “troll sharks” figured it out, they made him pay with PSN cards to be able to join. He did so gladly just to be excepted even though I told him that friends you have to buy are not real friends. I guess he found that out on his own but at a cost much greater than the out of pocket money. The challenges of real life don’t always stop when you come to Home. If you have a weakness that others see and can exploit, odds are that someone will… that is true everywhere though I guess. That is why I spend some of my free time while in Home at Central Plaza. I can sit in the same place and people needing help always seem to find me. I wear the “pencil sketch” outfit that I have never seen any other woman wear. It helps cut down on the trolls and it starts conversations. I answer questions about Home but more importantly, I try and help with what ever someone may be going through. Even if it is just by hearing them out and letting them vent. I get the feeling that I am coming off as self righteous but I hope not. I spend most of my time trying to have fun and make people laugh. But when I can, I try to give back to Home for all it has given me. That doesn’t make me better than anyone, it just helps me sleep… I was going to say sleep at night but I seem to always stay up all night and sleep in the morning…lol
Thank you for your comment and your good points.
Peace,
Olivia