WHAT IS A DURDEN MAIL?

If you don't know... anyone listed in the VIP top 15 (see bottom of page on any forums page) can send mob mail as if they were a member of the Tyler Durden gang.  I've used these in the past to razz friends, to further rp storylines, and more.  

THE DARK SIDE OF DURDEN MAIL

I've also been the recipient of some messages sent in very bad taste... things that were raunchy or offensive in the extreme.  In most cases if you send a note back saying - ooc: dude not cool... folks tend to stop or apologize.  Truth is that most RP'ers are typically a friendly lot and they are just looking to share their fun with others.

However... in this game when it comes to paranoia and preparation for war that could come without any warning, #TheStruggleIsReal  People CAN take what you say in Durden mails wrong and there can be GRAVE consequences for that.  

TWO WAYS TO AVOID ISSUES

You can't control how people will read into your mail, but you can take steps to try to avoid issues. 

1. The first step that I ignored today (and it's why I'm here talking and sharing - cause when I learn shit, I like to share) is only write Durden mails to people that your 110% sure will share the laugh or story with you.  Just beause someone is into RP doesn't mean they know what a Durden mail is or won't misunderstand your intent.
2. The second step could be something I'm going to do from now on... a disclaimer of sorts.  I know, it's a bit of a buzz kill to reveal who is sending the mail and kills some of the immersion but if it saves you and your crew from death... probably worth it, right?  From now on all my durden mails will include the following message...

The proceeding message was written by Frankie-Messina as an in character message from a Durden.  It is not an actual threat towards you, your character, or your city.  Should you be concerned about anything stated in this letter - please reply back with a OOC note and I'll be glad to clarify any points of concern.

In closing I'd like to encourage anyone who gets a Durden Mail that bothers them to write back and be CLEARLY out of character (use the words "Out of Character" or "OOC") and ask either for the person to stop what's bothering you, express you have no interest in rp with a durden or via mobmail, or ask for a clarification "is this for real - cause if you don't talk to me as yourself right now and not as a durden, I'm moving forward as if this is a serious threat."

Durden mail is a FUN RP tool and it shouldn't go away... but it also should be respected.  People shouldn't have to receive shit they don't want to be a part of, don't care about, or don't like via mail.  That's spam and that leads to the way of the dark side.  It also can lead to misunderstandings and tragedy for you, your leaders, and fellow crew members.

No one is perfect and, as for me today, I would again (here publicly) like to apologize to everyone that I may have inconvenienced (direct or indirectly) or upset.  It was never my intention to worry any one or cause problems.  I sincerely sent messages as a Durden with the intention of being entertaining and creating RP situations and unfortunately I failed.  The good news is that I learned something and maybe, by sharing this, I will help someone else avoid issues too.  Rest assured I will do all I can to ensure such confusion/issues do not happen again.

Thanks!