Z pops his head out of the hole he'd been dug into for the last few weeks. Slowly he emerged from out of the hole and found himself a crowd of people staring blankly at him. Now was a better time than ever, he figured, so he cleared his throat and began to speak.

 Lately I've been thinking, waiting, debating amongst myself, and today I decided was the day to finally come out and say my part.

 Every day members of our community are out here in these streets, whether it's to listen to eachother's rants and raves, enjoy a story, keep up on the latest news of our organization, or partake in a debate or discussion. My point is, the streets are a vital part of our way of life, how else would we be able to communicate so quickly? How else would important information be announced to the public without the streets?

 We have two types of people in this world, the people who are working in the streets, day after day after day, gracing us with their presence. Stopping at every single corner and bulletin board and putting in their two-cents. And to these people, thank you for that, without you, these streets would not be what they are now, which, compared to many many months ago, are thriving with activity. Then, we have the other group of people, the type who spend their time alone or with their tight-knit group of friends, stopping in the streets only to congratulate a friend on branching out into their own crew or offer their condolences to a city or family in grief. This group of mafiosi typically dont give a rip about the state of the streets.

 Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with these people, in fact, I am one of them. My bloodline has never been one to voice it's opinion in the streets, something I plan on changing, I am not saying that I'll be out here day in and day out like some of you, however I am saying that I'll try and be out here more often, stopping by when I can, and, perhaps, with time, I may gain the skill, time, and will to be out here every single day on every single corner.

 Anyway, back to my question. To those of you who are like me, avoiding speaking in the streets at all costs, why do you do that? Is it because you havent got the time on your hands? Are you worried you may say something that will get you fitted for a new pair of cement shoes? Or is it that you fear the inevitable criticism you know is coming your way? Whatever your reasoning may be, I urge you to come out of your shells and join me, speak up! Make yourself heard!

 My own personal reasoning would be that I am feared of being criticized on my lack of street speaking talent. But I have come to understand that even if I may not be the best communicator or speaker, atleast I am attempting to help out our streets, and I am trying to better myself every day. So tell me, brothers and sisters, why do you(or why do you think that others) avoid such a crucial part of our community; the streets?

Kanye applauds for Z as he finishes his speech. Then he sparks a joint, before he talks

I agree with you on this. Some people do not talk here in the streets, because they either do not have the guts, or the skill. I am not seen much on the streets, but I plan for this to change. I refuse to be a person who fills the streets with bullshit, so until I have something valuable to talk about, I will continue to just listen. 

To be honest, it's MUCH easier to just coast along without exposing yourself. Unless you have a very thick skin, which unfortunately I don't have.

I used to spend hours upon hours trying to make a name for myself and some people only seem to be able to remember when I made fun of a lazy -48 for making a one line speech. So before having to put up with people defending a -48 over somebody that invests HOURS in the streets, I say "fuck it" they aren't worth my time and I just go back to lurking.

I am the kind of person who likes to share my reactions, always. If you come out with a well thought out speech, I'll give you the best reply I can possibly think of. If you're a lazy fuck that only wants attention, then I will give you a reply with the same amount of effort.

So basically, all your options are true for me.
I don't have the time to spend here just to have to defend myself because I'm not the perfect gentleman with lazy fucks. It is also tiring to have to think twice everything I say because I have to think how people will react to it.

Luckily, this break is proving to be making wonders for my mental health.

I cant say the streets centre round my universe, however i try to drop by when i have time from other often more pressing matter and only if i can contribute to something.  I often find whats needed to be said in a debate is done and dusted, so I simply move on to find something more fitting or where my opinion may hold more value.

The truth is the streets have been in a dire state for a long time as often rehashed arguments, rants or slander have appeared and most of the time I look upon things and some of the childish rants of some and am happy to avoid it as is no gain to be made just lowering my own image.

Z nobody should fear being critised or ridiculed for speaking in the streets, I for one would never tolirate that kind od behaviour from any of my crew members though Z just remember for every clown that comes out to ridicule someone there is half a dozen more that will gladly jump to the defence of the person.

(OCC We as a community know that not every person here has English for a 1st Language or has had the luxury of a good education)

Chris, you are right. They should not fear it but I am sure several do. It is a shame. It took me awhile to say what I thought in these streets. No one's comments will stop me now. We are all entitled to our opinions whether they like it or not and no one should be ridiculed for their English.

Aye, I agree with you 100% Chris, it is truely sad that some people are frightened to speak, nobody should have to feel that way.

Abel, your work has not gone unnoticed, its a shame that some individuals make it same that way. You are actually one of the few people I spoke of when it came to street activity. You should not let the few people who only seem to notice the bad things(their words, not mine) you've done and leave all of the positive things unnoticed. You have certainly earned a break from the streets although I hope you can return as soon as possible.

Z, I like your topic and I could go on and on but I won't. My primary reason why I don't speak in the streets much is because of lack of role-playing. We do have another forum, which is OOC, but that doesn't matter anymore....both seem to be the same. Perhaps I am the only one who truely feels the importance of this?

I have officialy given up! I will try to step it up with stories but that's as far as it goes. I fear nothing but I just don't have the motivation or the will to get things back the way they were, I tried...funny how many agree with me in private but as far as public goes...

Good luck to everyone!

Oh Abel. You just cannot let it go can you? Never mind. You're having a break and got the rank you wanted so it's all good.

See I am a trusted man now by the way? no need to congratulate me.

As for the topic in hand. I post in the Streets usually only in debates or information threads. Usually to have an opinion, sometimes to stop people attacking others when they should know better and to defend my family.

You are right. I do not care about the Streets. Its much more serious than that. But I will say this. You cannot force people to post. You try and do that and they will be uncomfortable and arkward. You have to let them come here of their own accord then try to help them. As you say. Being worried of being criticised is a massive thing in these streets. Old speakers should expect it but new ones should now. Regardless of how much a 'fuck' you think they are

Batman stalks the streets and notices a crowd of men and women around a young man who is giving an interesting speach. He decides to make himself un noticed and sneaks his way to the middle.

I would like to thank you Z for taking a stand in the streets and bringing a topic many bloodlines have over time. But you have used it and turned it around encouraging others and giving your reasons while curious to others. I would say being worried of people watching your every move waiting for you to slip or ridicule you is the main reason why most don't come out and show their true colors. Or maybe they are affraid to voice their oppinion thinking when they do they will be swimming. I worry about these things aswell but try to spend time visiting new auth celebrations or a good ole speach,story.

Looking forward to hearing your future speaches Z :)

Z, I must say that your speech brings up some very valid points with regards to the speeches now being conducted on the streets.

In this thing of ours, or rather, in any environment of the entire world, there is no opinion or statement that will pass without someone objecting to it or ridiculing you for making such a statement. However, even within our world, crude language and posturing is not looked up with favor. Most of the time, debates do occur in orderly fashion. Personal vendettas do come into play some of the time, but those do not usually target the speaker himself. The only times when a speaker is practically chased away from the streets is when he/she also indulges in vulgarity, coarse language, or something along those lines.

I know for a fact that many of my associates are a little intimidated by the streets, at least at the beginning. The thought of sharing what they consider to be their 'insignificant opinion' among people who are much more experienced and wiser does daunt a few. But that is where the ones who have walked these Streets for a considerable amount of time come into play. A person may feel impatient with a speech, or sneer at it for its naivety, but that should never let that person stop or discourage another from sharing his thoughts on the matter, so long as courtesy is observed. I myself have seen new mafioso sharing tales of their exploits on the Streets. To us, it may seem juvenile. But the one sharing is full of excitement, wanting approval from those he knows are his betters. I would not want to deprive any such person of that opportunity.

Well Z I agree with many of your points. But I have another view on things just as everyone has views on this topic. 

The streets is a topic that comes up time and time again. There are those that will come and share what they think and those who will want to but don't and those who don't care.

But I also think that some people go through cycles of being active in the streets and not being so active. I for one am one of those people. I think the streets do the same as the people of the game do. It goes through cycles of having tons of threads posted to barely even able to hear a pin drop, so to speak.

This is just the way things are and always will be with the streets. It is hard to control, but we can all do our part in order to keep the streets alive and active. A role play here, a story there and a speech every once and a while.

The streets will always have these fluxuations. I just hope we have people like you that add a little something to it when it is needed. 

See what I mean, Z? It would have been much, much easier for me not even to hear you speak so I wouldn't have to think of the response you deserve. Yet, here I am, exposed again, having to put up with somebody that must have some sort of infatuation with me to make his comment partly about what I am or I said.

Jim, I did let it go. That's why, even though I could have said many things to you or Romeo, I just dropped it as I said I would. Z asked why people were avoiding the streets and I told him why *I* am. I don't believe I was talking to you and I don't believe I asked for your opinion. Anything besides your reasons to avoid the streets were unnecessary and pretty much a provocation to hijack a street corner so you can continue your petty disagreements with me. Because you know that I will most likely reply, anything you say to or about me is an invitation to go off topic. If that's the kind of attitude you wanna have... well... that says something also.

Senka listens to everyone else before speaking up.

I can only speak for myself not for everyone else. I tend to not say much in the Streets not because I dont have anything to say or am avoiding it.  I don't feel the need to restate an opinion that may have been stated already so I continue to read and lurk until I can bring something new to the table. Just because I don't speak in the streets doesn't mean I am not observing them at all.

Let's be honest Abel, you clearly didn't let it go. The last time the issue was addressed prior to this was five days ago. To me, that seems clear to the point of blinding obviousness that the issue had been dropped.

And yet, you arrive out of your self imposed streets exile to bring the topic back up in a speech which has little to do with it; and then have the audacity to berate others for commentating on a topic that you and you alone have brought back up long after it stopped being a talking point. Ridiculous.

"I don't have the time to spend here just to have to defend myself because I'm not the perfect gentleman with lazy fucks. It is also tiring to have to think twice everything I say because I have to think how people will react to it."

To be honest, I don't know where to start here. If you don't have the time to pick your words carefully or defend yourself; you're in the wrong career. Uncertainty, cunning, deviousness are all central parts of our life, not just the streets.

You need to be prepared for the fact that someone else might misinterpret what you say, you need to be prepared for the fact that someone else might take offense to your words, you need to be prepared for the fact someone else can and will disagree with what you say and above all else you need to be prepared for the fact that when these things happen you have to clarify what you said or defend what you said.

If you can't do this, I would personally suggest you go back to your 'break'; it wasn't just your mental health it was doing wonders for I can assure you.

The streets are a vital part of this thing of ours. I am at a loss as to why anyone would be encouraging someone to continue a break. We are a ll entitled to voice our opinions here.

What Sprozz said. Can I really add anything?

No. I don't think I can. But you continue to believe I have some sort of infatuation or agenda against/with you. Until you realise I don't you just really won't get 'it'.

Let's be honest, Sprozz, I had let it go. That's why like I said before, I didn't continue that conversation even though I will always have something to reply if you decide to attack me. But since I realize that letting it go doesn't work because one cannot even answer somebody else's questions without being harassed about the same thing why stay silent?

Yes, you're right, the exile was self imposed, because I can't really tell another human being how much of an asshole he is being by bringing the Gods in the mix and saying I should be demoted for making fun of a one line speech without having to worry about repercussions. See? He is all shiny and bold and he can run his mouth while I never can. Nor my ancestors ever could either. I am sorry I am not of the elite that can afford to be outright assholes (not saying anybody here is, but we have had examples in the past) without having to deal with this shit.

You think it's better to defend a lazy -48 that comes with one line speeches and chase away somebody that when faced with a good speech trues his best. You try to teach me a lesson and tell me not to make fun of people and harass other. Then what is your opinion of Jim's profile when he says:

"Status: Chasing forum trolls away from the Streets. I am currently: Chased 1. Made cry 1."

Chased, yes. Cry... please, don't flatter yourself. You still can't get over me and the things I always have to say about how you attempted to bring justice to the streets by making fun of me to try to teach me a lesson about not making fun of others. Well, my point remains the same. Lazy people DESERVE the bad feedback. If they come to the streets and try to draw everybody's attention in the laziest and stupidest way possible, they DESERVE to be made fun of. They don't care anyway. If they had the self awareness to care about my meanie comments, they wouldn't be so bold as to come out with such lazy speeches in the first place.

Sprozz, you say my issue had little to do with the topic of this speech? I guess you didn't understand the question then. Z was asking why people stay off the streets and I explained why: because since I'm not the perfect gentleman, I don't want to have to ut up with this kind of attacks when I'm such a meanie that I make fun of the poor little lazy babies.

I do pick my words carefully, but when I'm replying to somebody who ALSO picked his words carefully. I never made fun of people with poor grammar or speech impediments of any kind. I only made fun of a one line lazy attention seeker. That was it. That was all it took to bring some people out of their shell just to attack me and defend a lazy -48.

I'm not sure I have an issue with somebody misinterpreting what I say as long as there is respect involved. I would never be rude or disrespectful with somebody who is putting a minimum of effort in here so I would never talk to any Made Man, let alone a boss that way. Hell, I wouldn't even talk to a Wise Guy that way, but I was attacked. Yes, that's another one of my faults, I react when attacked. Shame on me!

"It wasn't just your mental health it was doing wonders for I can assure you." Not sure exactly what else it was helping, but I have the feeling you only confirm what I think: it's far more profitable to be a mute jailbreaker than to have to deal with this kind of scrutiny that some people are afraid of. In my opinion, THIS is the kind of scrutiny and criticism people are afraid of. People who put in effort to be scolded at the sign of first weakness in the eyes of the people who think are perfect (or at least so much better enough to scold and use so many words to criticize one action).

Oh, and Jim, congratulations on your new rank. I know you said it wasn't needed, but I can't help but feel it is no coincidence that it took you over a month to get there and just as somebody touched a nerve and questioned your efforts you decided you give it the little bit that was missing to get there. I feel proud of myself.

You got a tattoo to be smart. I'm not having you didn't get inked for any reason other than to try to make a point over the arguments that were had. You have taken offence when you have received the same back.

Get over you? I've never been in to you. You don't like being attacked? I doubt others do. But you felt the need to take the attack to poor old Dutch. Think he enjoyed it?

As for feeling proud of yourself. I hope you do big boy. The fact my progression in this family I will attribute entirely to you. For I felt the need to show that not all trusted member of this thing of ours attack those who are new to our shores. That and i'd be on business away from these shores. Working 14 hour days and not having much time to check up on family back here in the promised land. Those days are over for now so you'll just have to put up with my mug for now.

I won't hinder your discussion anymore Z. It's a valid point. Something that needs discussing. I am sorry to take this much of your time. I promise you I will only return to address points made in accordance with your original speech. I am a man of honour and will keep my word.

Hmm... perhaps I misjudged you, Jim. Maybe you are not rude, you are just naive. If you think "poor old Dutch" is new, then I can see why you would want to defend him. Never heard of a new bloodline that would come shouting conspiracy theories by pointing fingers at specific people, though.

Good to know Dutch has a champion willing to step up for him. I surely hope his son, or grandson or whatever looks you up in the future. He could have no better sponsor than you.