Torley myths debunked!
Posted on: August 28, 2008
It's time to debunk the mindjunk and chop the slop… about me!
Torley paints a happy spin/fluff on everything
What kind of crap is this? This criticism is functionally useless.
And you now have a choice of how you want to hear me:
Normal Torley
Not-Normal Torley
To put it more diplomatically: read back through my blog posts (both personal & professional), Issue Tracker comments, forum posts, etc. and you'll see 1,000s of times when I not only acknowledged problems (from little UI bugs to critical crashes/content loss), but actioned them onwards.
After you've read all that, or even an ample portion and made the connections, then you have a solid base to work from. But people who go, "Torley's just in lala rose-tinted neon land!" would benefit from doing research. This isn't a SL problem. It's a human problem which speaks more about the person saying it than me. (E.g., someone has a problem with being happy, or is intensely suspicious of exuberant enthusiasm and wrongly perceives it as being "fake".) And it's often paired with passive-aggressive behavior, because I hardly ever get those questions sent to me personally; they tend to be scattered comments on blogs and whatnot, where I'm unlikely to see them.
Simple: if you have a genuine concern I can help with and want to collaborate on advancing it, contact me directly. Ask questions, don't make unfounded assumptions, and it's likely we'll do great things together.
Furthermore, when stuff bothers me, I bring it up. How about this old post from 2005? No, it isn't hard to find my complaints. What you won't find is irresponsible venting and Idiocracy-like behavior from me, and that, you'll agree, is a fine thang. The world has enough problems and we don't need more.
Yet I understand if my overwhelming positivity blinds that: humans only have so much sensory bandwidth to go around, and we all have filters (excellent article by Dustin Wax, read it). I may make a post on why the human race are horrible communicators, from the perspective of hypothetical aliens. But we do the "best" we can.
Yes, being me, I'm bound to express things uniquely.
Torley is crazy
Crazy about Second Life? Yes!
There was a time when I was very depressed. This was 2003, when my Dad died, and due to other self-esteem and personal struggles at the time. No kidding. Unthinkable now, but that was my day-to-day existence. On top of that, I also was afflicted with hyperacusis, and ended my career as an electronic music producer.
As the story goes (as told in past blog posts), I read transhumanist and cyberpunk literature. Got interested in the future. Found out about Second Life. Met Lindens inworld, too… wow, they're nice!
From late 2004 onwards — discovered myself and re-discovered hope in SL, made many friends. Got a job at Linden Lab, found love (we're living together in first life now). Continue to get joy from helping my fellow Resis.
Very much living the dream but more adversity to conquer and dreams to come.
So, with that backstory, it makes sense why I'm so happy and emotionally secure now.
Both on and off the job, I'm here to inspire and give hope! If a guy like me can do it, you can live your dreams too.
Torley shares his frailties because he wants sympathy
No! I have enough sympathy for myself, thankyouverymuch.
I share my hardships & struggles so you can understand where I'm coming from, and how much I've achieved despite them. This isn't just about me: it's about empowering others, so I don't "take it personally" as the parlance goes.
If a high-functioning autistic (Asperger Syndrome) like me can become a beloved social pillar despite the handicaps I face compared to most, then others in situations who can relate will also be empowered. It also speaks to what an awesome company Linden Lab is: we hire diversely, not as token, but because there's excellence across genders, cultures, and neurodiversities!
I am living proof of what I believe in.
Second Life is a transformative tool and we've had key communities like Dreams and Wheelies who've supported each other by sharing experiences. You always put yourself at risk because someone will mock you for "being different", but just remember: they're wrong and you're right for being strong.
It's true as a business professional, it's not appropriate to encumber you with details of my private life, but when they're important to comprehending my motives affecting you, not unlike how game god Shigeru Miyamoto turned his hobbies into smash-hit games or how Steve Jobs' health as it relates to Apple's succession is of public interest, then I'll share as-requested.
Here was started because of [silly speculation]
In Bizarro-World, maybe! Read the real story of Here, here.
Torley runs the official blog and the forums
Not anymore. I was one of the first Lindens to champion using the blog and teaching other Lindens how to blog, and I was forum admin for awhile after Jeska passed the torch. Currently, communications tools like this are overseen by Marketing/PR, with our Communications Manager Katt Linden happy to hear about your ideas. Let her know!
My current role is Resident Enlightenment Manager: I spread knowledge about Second Life which increases understanding, particularly as it pertains to enjoying the inworld experience. My emphasis is on practical, everyday usefun (useful + fun). As such, my communications are focused on this, not on policy changes and other subjects.
Torley is not a "real person" but a manufactured character, like Stephen Colbert, Perez Hilton, or There.com's Aral
It's certainly true by virtue of having an avatar, some traits are exaggerated while others aren't mentioned.
I don't express opinions that aren't my own.
I really do love life, wife, and watermelons.
And I am a human being behind the screen. Thump!
There's a lot of wild speculation and stories about you
That's not a myth. No colorful character, obscure or famous, has ever been free of this. People find me intriguing, and rightly so. (See Seth Godin's Purple Cow for the simple principles.) Remember, the watermelon & neon colors are a gateway to deeper substance, "visual catchphrases" that help me transmit ideas.
I wouldn't be so effective otherwise, and what's more important to me is hearing how my personality has encouraged you to express yourself, whether it's creating clothes & content in SL, being bold to ask a date out, or going on an adventure you didn't think possible before.
I don't comment on speculation unless it's substantiated, and especially, would broadly benefit the company (Linden Lab) and customers (Residents) I'm responsible to.
And being an idoru/folk hero/mythical legend/Internet celebrity (lulz), that's something I'll have to live, and have fun with. As Morgana Skytower wrote:
Torley Linden is awesome.
I don't just mean he's a great guy, or that he's nice to old people and small animals, and regularly gives candy to small children. Maybe he does, I don't know. I've never met him. He's so awesome I bet he eats rainbows for rbeakfast and drinks lightning. He's just that WOW. What do I mean? I mean Torley Linden is Cool amplified by the square root of badass times pi.
Excuse me, I'm going to take a break, have a bite out of the ol' Roy G. Biv, and wash it down with some thunder smoothies.
I'm also going on vacation — but I'll return, rocking and rolling on!
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August 28th, 2008 at 11:23 AM PDT
I don't have a personal opinion about Torley (I don't know him personally and neither do his critics). I do have an opinion on his impact on SL - from a personal perspective.
I submitted a jira related to the underwater settings on Windlight when it was in a first release viewer. The default settings basically ruined the underwater atmosphere at my club that I had worked over a year to create.
Torley picked up the torch on this issue and really championed the cause. The default settings were changed within a matter of a couple of days and in a new updated version of the viewer.
Thank you Torley!!!!!! mwah!
August 28th, 2008 at 11:29 AM PDT
Have a great vacation. I know it sounds cliche, but I think people do envy your ability to stay positive while dealing with what many of us see as "the immovable wall" of Linden Lab, and even harder, throwing yourself into the no-man's-land that exists between the Lab and the community.
I know I can't manage to be that positive. I generally shoot for at least staying constructive, because my frustration level on any given day with Linden Lab usually is way past the point where I can stay positive.
But I'm still here. I still want to make Philip's dream of "bigger than the web" happen. If it got to the point where I couldn't even be constructive, then I don't see why I should continue in this line of work.
August 28th, 2008 at 12:12 PM PDT
I love this post and really admire the way you put it all out there. Keep it up!
August 28th, 2008 at 1:08 PM PDT
I endorse this Torley and/or service. ^_^
<3
August 28th, 2008 at 1:41 PM PDT
Mahalo nui nui for amplifying some of your story! Now THAT is awesome
August 28th, 2008 at 1:46 PM PDT
you have always been my favourite linden for several reasons. first and foremost you're probably the only linden that shows that they enjoy sl! i seriously cannot find any other lindens with blogs or flickr accounts who post non stop and show all the fun there is in second life.
your way of bringing excitement to everything you do puts a smile on my face and encourages me to run around and seek out new things in our world. i would much rather hear your positive way of thinking as opposed to the boring dull "professional" way.
August 28th, 2008 at 3:03 PM PDT
Hi Torley… Those of us who have learned from your videos and writing are out here in the real wordl in large numbers. I a Torley Linden fan and know many of supporters.
Here is an often forgotten law of the physical universe: As soon as you stick your head above the crowd, there is always someone waiting to knock it off with a brick. But all you have to do is duck once in awhile.
Hugzzz, Yordie Sands
August 28th, 2008 at 3:21 PM PDT
Thank you each & all for your comments, I'm very appreciative and thrilled I could share more of my story.
I could insert some things which sound like cliches here, but I won't. Just know I'm grateful you took the time to share with me — Jen, Gigs, Thau, Timeless, Sahoni, Nimil, Yordie — as I can learn from your experiences, and there surely will be more awesomeness to come!
August 28th, 2008 at 3:59 PM PDT
You have taught me more than I could ever learn on my own. You always put a smile on my face every time I open one of your videos. You give me hope that someone like me, who has no training in computers, tech and graphics, could still make something of myself in SL. Stay true to you and never change to please anyone, you are great just the way you are, an awesome teacher, wonderful communicator and the best Linden out in the Metaverse. Luvs you Torley!!!
August 28th, 2008 at 4:37 PM PDT
You've got to have a dream, if you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true.
Your videos work well for me, as did your recent presentation in conjuction with other team members about abuse reports.
Enjoy the holiday.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:08 PM PDT
I love Torley's enthusiasm. Generally those people that come across as sounding happy and cheerful choose to be this way - it's much easier to be grumpy, negative and moan. I commend anyone who makes the effort to give their words a more positive spin.
Positive does not equal fluffy or brainless - it just means that you are looking for solutions, not problems… and shows you are genuinely interested in communicating and improving things.
Personally, I like the regular Torley, though - the other one amused for novelty factor.
August 28th, 2008 at 6:20 PM PDT
I only know Torley from his videos ( i will visit his Office Hours some day) but i always loved his style. Okay sometimes it sounds a little bit artificial but you always know what is intendet.
Torley is certainly the right kind of person to represent Linden Labs to the public.
August 28th, 2008 at 7:43 PM PDT
Torley,
I was not very familiar with your backstory because I don't read your blog regularly, but malburns from Twitter pointed me here. Thank you for being so honest and open about your disabilities and how they affected your second life. You are really a positive example for those of us with disabilities who want to go into online community work.
In addition, I'd like to invite you to attend the public events of our in-world disability organization, Gimp Girl. I can't invite you to our weekly meetings as those are for women only but we would love to have you at our parties or larger events. And I am not saying this because you are a Linden. I am saying this because you are a person with a disability who is doing good advocacy work.
rock on.
Muse Carmona
Gimp Girl Community Liaison
MS student, Digital Media, Georgia Tech - Emergent Game Group
August 28th, 2008 at 7:43 PM PDT
Hi Torley,
I'm not trying to beef you up, but you do an awesome job, including the good with the bad, and honest. Keep up the good work, it doesn't matter what you do, if you're out there and putting yourself on the line, the bad press will come. Just keep on stepping!
Sierra
August 28th, 2008 at 9:27 PM PDT
What's wrong with frailties, anyways?
I like em. They're human. Water one today.
Wait…Stephen Colbert's not real?? Waaaah.
Truth: Torley killed my Santa Claus.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:42 AM PDT
I will admit, when I was first exposed to your high-octane levels of extreme euphoric exuberance, I was suspicious. NO ONE is *that* happy. Not without the drugs, anyway. Then I read about you, and read more about you … and I've come to realize, holy crap, you really ARE that happy! So, have a good vacation, we'll have buckets of awesome for you to amp up when you return.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:07 AM PDT
Torley, i really love how you wrote this. You are as you are, two years in SL shown me that, and I (and most of us) respect you because of that.
I just can say you thanks for many things, you helped me to learn a lot of things with your VideoTutorials and posts in the Official Linden Blog, you were always listening and answering in the times i visited your Office Hours, you helped with what you can to fix the issues in the first versions of Windlight.
You always bring us a smile, even in the worse times, and even we may be (sometimes) really upset with Lindens (for diverse reasons) is not easy to be upset with you.
I don't think you are perfect, but who cares about being perfect? I don't want to be perfect, i want to be myself.
You are that, YOU.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:28 AM PDT
You just Rock….periode..enough said..
August 29th, 2008 at 6:43 AM PDT
I've noticed that in your videos, you explicitly state when something is broken. You don't try to hide it. I've always respected and admired that openness and honesty.
And I love the bubbly joy that overflows in your videos. Hearing that always makes me want to smile
August 29th, 2008 at 7:09 AM PDT
[...] Lately some "critics" against Torley appeared in blogs, forums and other places. They criticise his apparent… how to say it?… "fake happiness". He wrote a really interesting post about that. [...]
August 29th, 2008 at 8:03 AM PDT
ENJOY YOUR VACATION 'AWESOME TORLEY'… you enlighten me!
August 29th, 2008 at 8:06 AM PDT
Eat lots of watermelon and enjoy lazy hazy days and sultry sexy nights!!! You deserve it Torley! just for being YOU and sharing with US!
August 29th, 2008 at 9:52 AM PDT
There are those who are born with a talent, and do what they do so naturally there's little need to work at it. Then there are those (without inborn talent) who WANT to do something — so they work VERY hard to learn and practice it. Because of the ongoing effort oftentimes this second group surpasses the "natural-born" talent.
This happens to those subject to acute (for me, cyclical) depression. I wrote a paper one time to answer those aggravated by my "constant cheerfulness" and "unrelenting 'looking for the bright side.'" Those individuals didn't understand someone who WORKED to make it an unrelenting habit It can be fatal if I don't.
Besides — life is just plain more fun with the attitude I've required of myself.
So, kudos to you, sir! It is useful to let people that adversity doesn't have to result in sour outlook.
August 29th, 2008 at 10:03 AM PDT
Amphithetre Andalso also wishes to add her endorsement of Torley.
August 29th, 2008 at 11:27 AM PDT
[...] origen de esta vara que suelto es su último post, donde ya se le nota quemado por el comportamiento de unos cuantos estúpidos (por no poner otra [...]
August 29th, 2008 at 10:25 PM PDT
I guess you must be having some impact Torley if some people feel the need to try to put you down.
I know you've had an incredible impact on me and people I know and care about and work with here in SL.
Your attitude ot life, love and SL is simply inspirational. I'm not ashamed to say I thought of you when I named my sim Inspiration. I hope when it is completed soon you'll come visit and consider it worthy of the name.
August 30th, 2008 at 3:54 AM PDT
Torley,
I really hafta say–after going to just one of your office hours my opinion of you totally changed (for the better ^^)–mostly because of your first point (even after reading this blog post in which you attempt to humanize your persona ^^).
Amidst the chaos of your office hours you managed to not only keep track of everyone's questions and feedback, but also respond to each and every single query with seemingly super-human dignity (really!)–concisely, respectfully, yet (above all) not mechanically.
I don't know how you do it–and I really can't figure it out (I'd really love to know how, but alas…). Sure I can accept that you're not super-happy/spin/hyper all the time, but also I think it lends some credence to the fact that you choose not to dwell on the negative. I'd assume that it's just some kinda "zen" thing that either you've grown accustom to or discovered–but yet at the same time it's also so contagious that I think it really inspires others to make SL (and the world) a better place, rather than simply ranting about the negatives.
-Thanks for just that little bit of awesomeness!
Eloh
August 30th, 2008 at 10:22 AM PDT
Torley I think you and the work you do are absolutely awesome! Let me expand on that as my admiration isn't just a "Wow dude you're awesome" type of fandom. I'm new to SL (about 50 days old I think) and your tutorials have enlightened, encouraged and inspired me in this game. You have pointed the way to things like the Ivory Tower of Prims and the Particle Factory and shed light on the dark arts of the Sculpty and generally shined a happy and positive light (in pink and green) for me to follow. I have a 'differently abled' brain which for the most part keeps me a little isolated in that I absorb information extremely quickly and want to move onto the next thing. This is a pain for anyone else in a classroom with me and also for me as I get bored and restless learning at a slower pace. Your Tuts are filled to the brim with useful information and overflowing with creative inspiration! So even though I am new to the game (but is it really just a game?) I have settled into a home on my own land, started a little roadside stall, am making lovely things with and without scripts, - I have built: - flowers, clothes, textures, a small building…its amazing truly amazing. I am 'unleashed' as it were, and only limited by my imagination! Also having a 'differently abled' brain makes me very empathetic to the situation you face with detractors! It is the barbs of jealousy from others that keep me for the most part isolated, as I do not handle criticism and in fact feel crushed when undeserved negativity comes my way. In that way you are also an inspiration as you have faced them (detractors) head on in a very Torleyesque manner - lol @ the listening choices you included "Torley" and "Not Torley". Keep up the fabulous work - you rock immensely!
August 31st, 2008 at 7:07 AM PDT
Well, I don't know which malcontents believe the hooey you had to debunk above (although I think the one about you being an extension of a First Life person is *very* amusing), but nicely debunked!
With that said, I, um, may have contributed to certain wild rumors about you recently, but I think they're too ridiculous for them to actually contribute to the Misinformation Cloud. But I can definitely take down the watermelon kajira picture if it offends in any way…
Oh, did you come up with the term "First Life"? I've always liked that one, and learned it from you, and I wondered.
^^^\ Kate /^^^
August 31st, 2008 at 7:08 AM PDT
Oops, I mean
"The one about you not being an extension of a First Life person."
August 31st, 2008 at 8:17 AM PDT
Looking beyond the watermelons and the colors and the "craziness" one thing I have noticed about your work in particular is: If there is a problem, you solve it. It sounds simple but bringing about efficiency like that isn't simple at all…and believe me, I know because I'm German and efficiency is what we do on this planet
Sometimes it seems like "Torleyness" is the oil that keeps the gears of the Second World spinning. Personally I think that's exceptionaly awesome…
So yeah:what kind of crap is this? I don't think you (or anyone for that matter) have time for functionally useless criticism clogging and obstructing our channels of virtual enlightenment and creative growth.
Chop the slop!
September 1st, 2008 at 9:20 AM PDT
Am feeling a crossover of worlds from your influence!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 AM PDT
I've been following your tutorials and blog for a while now. My life went all to hell for about 10 years or so (depression, severe social phobia & substance enjoyme…errr, I mean abuse) and a couple of years ago I had to give up playing guitar due to RSI so I feel like I have a few things in common with you (not the watermelon fetish though - those things taste like armpit sweat to me 8-P)
Just wanted to say; keep up the awesomeness and don't waste time on the haters. Instead, pity them for being so motivated by their inner demons. Also, thanks for the inspiration.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:04 PM PDT
No, I don't think "Torley is crazy" is a myth, actually. You are crazy. But it's the best kind of crazy you could ask for.
Enjoy your vacation.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:37 AM PDT
WOWZA!!!!!!!! (OK, can't use enough exclamation marks there, but you'll have to count on me to be even more boosted by this.) I'm DEEPLY GRATEFUL for your supportive sharing of experiences. On a personal level, it feels wonderful. And on a professional level, it helps me focus and do my job better. It still blows my mind that we can connect on the Internet like this.
Thanks to each & all of you… I am so moved and touched! (I don't know how else to say it right now.)
I emphasize, if you hadn't shared with me here, I wouldn't know. It's so important to me to be aware!
I have a passion for showing when things are imperfect or aren't working right, and demonstrating how to make them better — as Raul and Quaintly both astutely pointed to. Coverups and unnecessary slickness don't help with understanding how our virtual world works.
@Judee: Glad to hear about who you are, and your continued march towards the positive! Have you seen http://www.mindhacks.com/blog/2006/04/gladwell_on_lateblo.html ? It relates to what you mentioned about talent, and is quite fascinating.
@Eloh: Awe! And rock on with your skins too ( http://github.com/eloheliot/another/tree/master for anyone who wants to check 'em out ) what you've done is fantastically exceptional and has benefited creativity in our community OODLES… and that is deliciously awesome. Looking forward to the next-gen!
@feeli0: That's a wonderful story; I hope you'll keep being imaginative, and as you continue on, inspire others! I, too, get rather restless quickly, and love to absorb knowledge and then apply it.
@Kate: OMG, that's a hilarious picture. No offense at all, just a smile — that's the first time I've seen a watermelon kajira! Hmmm… is that available in avatar form already?
@Case T.: Some problems do take longer to solve or make progress on than others, but that's the whole point of a journey: being in motion, traveling, going onwards. As you already know I think, 'tis Perefim's creation, the big sword I wield I've nicknamed the "Slop Chopper"! OMFG indeed. For anyone who hasn't seen it yet, http://www.flickr.com/photos/torley/2705188205/
@jim-bob-cletus-bob: I'm inspired to hear of how you've gone through the tough stuff and keep on going. That's great. Hee, blueberries taste like soap to me!
@CyFishy: I'm locationally back from vacation (meaning I'm at home now) but will play Second Life for fun over the next few days until I'm officially back at work! THANKS FROM A CRAZY MELON-MAN!
September 17th, 2008 at 5:08 AM PDT
Keep up the great work Torley, your tutorials have taught me a lot and your pics and vids on flickr have made me burst out laughing at times. Ignore the detractors. :))))))