Psstt...*Whisper Whisper*:The Rumor Mill

John Lifeglen here to talk today about rumors.  I'm taking a few minutes between lunch and next class (because my time is incredibly limited these days :/) to say hi and discuss an issue that I see growing in our fare game.  I'm sure we've all heard things similar to this:

(Note, this is a hypothetical conversation, not one that actually took place)

--------------------
Person A: Pssttt......Hey did you hear about the [insert epic items here]??

Person B: Um, no...what does [item] do?

Person A: Well, it looks REALLY COOL and it happens to do [insert string of stats].

Person B: COOL, where can I get one, and can I see it?

Person A: Well...I think it's rare, I may be the only person that has one.

Person B: Please tell me, but let me see!

Person A: You get it as a drop from [insert obnoxiously tedious boss].
--------------------

What you have just witnessed is a very meanspirited prank pulled by players all over the internet.  Usually, the item doesn't exist and is only advertised to make players waste their time hunting for something fake.  Recently, the Triton pet rumor began.  A lot of players were really excited at this prospect.  This rumor has been shut down by the lovely Professor Greyrose.  In the past, rumors of a Kraken, Ice Kraken, and Fire Kraken were all started by an unknown entity on Wizard101 Central.  These rumors have never been confirmed, and follow a similar format: "My friend told me in whisper he got [pet] on a drop, but he isnt online and it hasn't hatched yet.  He said he got it [boss]."  The player who posted this was told a dirty rotten lie and was the victim in this scenario, and his reputation could have been hurt because of what his friend told him.  His so-called friend wasn't playing very nice.

The rumor mill in games isn't quite as big of an issue with people getting hurt in games, at least not on the pets/loot topic.  However, starting rumors can hurt credibility and cause mistrust.  Also, rumors about other people can hurt friendships, feelings, and have extreme consequences. 

Long story short, rumors are bad.  Let's try to confirm our facts before telling even one person about them.  Asking a person to confirm the truth in it and telling someone that something is true are not the same thing, and asking questions is always a plus.  Ask questions about rumors, don't just pass them off as fact until it is known for certain.

Your Friend Always,
John Lifeglen

Student Teacher?!?

So, uh...most of you probably knew this before I did, as I wasn't aware that I was on the ballot.  Apparently, I was nominated (and elected) Balance Student Teacher.  I guess this means that I now need to try and magically expand the day into 30 hours.  I'll do my best to get a guide up and mod and this and that and everything else that comes with it, but it'll take some time.  Thank you to all who voted for me and who have stuck with this weary sorcerer through it all.  I'll try and meet with the other student teachers to see if we can't throw something together in the ways of a party soon.  No promises, as I'm sure everyone has busy schedules.  I guess this also means I should be working to legendary a bit faster...oh my what a work load I have just accumulated.  It'll be a fun ride, and I can't wait to work with you all!

Your [Stunned] Friend Always,
John Lifeglen

Stayin' Alive

Hey gang! John here again with a few more updates.

First off, sorry about the extended absence; homework, work, and free time (+SLEEP) don't come easily in college.  This being said, I haven't yet worked on Celestia. 

Main purpose of this post: I have added a Ravenwood Radio countdown as a minor contribution to the community since I cannot be around to give tips or help people myself.  It is located in the right column at the top, along with the Bloggers' Club party one. (We have something in the works right now coming soon...sort of. Give it some time!!)

So, that being said, the black countdown leads to Ravenwood Radio.  Feel free to use the "Get Widget" button and repost it, I will be keeping it updated as best I can and much like Hermione's Magic Galleons or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's tattoos, my master countdown will update everyone else's! (In theory...still working out the kinks.)

And now I'm off to math.

Your [Incredibly Overworked] Friend Always,
John Lifeglen