Today I started talking about a game (Shadow Complex) and it's ties to a homophobic writer (Orson Scott Card). Rather, his personal views. I found quite a few articles on the subject and while the game is 'loosely' based on one of his shitty novels he did not write it. The storyline was written by a gay friendly comic writer (Peter David). The game itself has NO stance on gay rights. Homosexuality is never brought up. The story is 'loosely' based on a novel. Same universe, some of the same characters but predating the novel itself. The issue revolves around if Card will be getting royalties and therefore buying the game is supporting someone who is homophobic. So far the only article I found about him being paid is that he was given a lump sum for using the characters and that he he may or may not get money from it. It's a tough call since the guy's name is there but he had nothing directly to do with the game. So the question remains... Do we boycott everything that has something indirectly associated with people who are anti gay/racists/bigots/etc...? Do we try to silence those as they have tried to silence others? You can't demand freedom of speech if it only stands for ONE cause. It's like boycotting a bookstore that has his books. Sure, you aren't giving them your money... but you are also silencing the authors who work to support you. To enlighten those who don't know both sides. To educate those whose ignorance can be changed.

I think the good part about this debate is that it is opening up discussion about gay rights and homophobia. Positive discussion is always good. Just remember that people of opposing views work together for something completely non related. It doesn't make their views any more valid or vile... but the outcome is something that makes no statement on either side. Who loses out in the end?

**Totally swiped parts of this from a response on FB. Deal with it.

To my dear friends: No offense, really. I am just tired of all the random requests to join something I have no interest in. I get them from sites I really enjoy and it's getting on my nerves. I've blocked the application. I've blocked the random people asking me to join. It's just... dude. It's an application. A game. *sigh*

The worst thing that Facebook (and now Twitter) could have done is allow the status to be manipulated to show causes/games/applications. I get embarrassed when Raptr posts too many of my updates. To have something post every movement is just ridiculous. I use these sites to keep in touch with friends, chat and occasionally meet new ones. I DON'T use them to announce that I've bit someone's neck, took a hit out on another person's status or dug a garden for my imaginary farm. I don't announce that I've saved a tree, supported a cause (except once... and that was by accident) or even made a vote. While you may be assaulted with descriptions of my phlegm, my emotional status during PMS or what XBox 360 game I beat (WOLVERINE FTW!), I draw the line at using my status to tell you about something so obscure that you will have to join it to understand it. Except PMS. I don't expect any of my male friends to understand it. Fear it? Yes. Understand it? That's what chocolate and roses are for.

There seems to be a rash of "OMG! Join my Mafia" on Facebook lately. It's not my cup of tea but more power to the people who enjoy it. That being said I put up a snarky remark to my friend's request (who I think is an absolute doll by the way... so don't kill me!) saying, "Join MY mafia. Call Guido at 1800 W-H-A-C-K E-M." I even topped it off with putting that as my status. I immediately got two requests to join random people's mafias. *blink* I don't want to be some rude assed bitch (even though I AM PMSing and could totally get away with it) but I was being sarcastic. As in... kinda sorta maybe a little making fun of it. Oy. I reaaaally need to stay off of Facebook when I'm PMSing.

Guess who I got addicted to Facebook? Yeppers, Mr. Nosy himself. Now he's spending the day chatting with childhood friends instead of peeking over my shoulder and getting into my business. While I am still uber careful around him it's nice to be able to joke around and even the playing field. Now he's uploading pictures, chatting with friends and generally doing anything besides work. Works for me!