This discussion is important. And while it involves many deeply held feelings and emotions, I am delighted at how reasonable and reasoning it has been to this point. Again, it is now time to pause, reflect and let tempers cool a little to continue this extremely worthwhile discussion. Did I say "worthwhile"? I meant "vital" because it cuts to the core of what The Real is and how people perceive it. As has been shown, The Realm is many things to many people. For some it is a fantasy world where you escape from the hassles of real life and live a life where perhaps you have a bit more control, a bit more chivalry, a bit more romance... but it is escapism and fantasy. That is The Realm to some. To others it is an extension of their lives. They have a chance to meet people, chat, relax, make friends and perhaps even fall in love and get married in real life (like Joruus and LadyGreensleeves). It is as real as their day. That is The Realm to some. Bear this in mind that people have different views of The Realm. No-one's view is more valid or true than any other person's. Like life, perception depends on where you stand. The curent debate here seems to focus on three areas of thought: 1. People who feel that commemorating friends in the Realm who have died in Real Life is a good idea. 2. People who feel that The Realm is an escape from RL problems and so RL deaths should be kept outside. 3. People who feel commemorating is OK, but not a sound idea because of problems associated with it, such as precedents etc. I honestly believe that all these views are valid and I could be easily swayed any way. But right now, for what they are worth, here are my thoughts: The question about whether "real life" people should be commemorated in The Realm is not really the issue. We are talking about a loved person who was also a character in The Realm. A character that will no onger be with us. The name to be commemorated is "Skywise" a Realm character. The product of an imagination and a person who is now lost to us. So I believe the credibility of the "fantasy" remains intact. I can really understand the point of view of people who say that the Realm is outside of our lives. It is a valid view and important. However we cannot ignore the fact that the people we play with and against are, in essence, human. Whle we should not (and are not proposing to) erect tombs to individual "real world" people, we should mark the contribution of their characters and their imagination to the whole of the Realm.. I think the "real world" people would like that.
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