To elaborate on the comment here about people thinking we were a cult, here is a prime and definitely favorite example. [link]

At the time of SL's popularity boom, it was just an alternate reality game.

Now let's debunk the myth:

I'm worried about my friend. Ever since he discovered this playing card with a website address on it he's been obsessed with this group called "The Silverladder."
Viral marketing - it works!

Evidently they've got some kind of crazy website about mind control and all kinds of garbage.
Oh come on, that was never part of Silverladder and was only mentioned in a few places in Bad Scary Place. Work on those researching skills, brohamulus.

There's literally hundreds of them all over the country.
Hah! Hundreds? We wish. It was more like an active almost-fifty, maybe near a hundred if you included those who just stalked the game.

He spends all his time talking to them online and evryone in the group has this "worshipful adoration" of the leader who's either known as Jonah or Shane.
Err... so yeah, there were a few that competed for Shane's attention - some a bit desperately - but really Shane's just that kind of guy that's easy to be friends with and enjoyable to talk to. Also, not everyone liked him.

Evidently the guy faked his own death and got all these people to go out and recruit more members.
Ooooookay, as cult-leader-looking-to-recruit as that sounds, he had two good reasons for it. Firstly, he gained a stalker. One of those with "worshipful adoration" for him, I suppose. Secondly, some players were pretty intent on "peaking behind the curtain" and uprooting Shane's personal info. Phone number, address, etc. Had to try and put an end to that.

I've been to their website myself (it's all my friend has talked about for months) and it really spooks me out.
I bet Shane loves hearing that.

There's a lot about religion and stuff and the government and how its evil.
Not a whole lot about religion. A bible verse here or there, a few biblical art pieces. And there was never any government bashing, just ideas about what our government should never become.

I'm really worried about my firend though. Whenever I suggest that maybe this "Silverladder group" isn't good for him he FLIPS OUT! All he can talk about is how it "opened up his eyes" and how he's "a better more awake person" since he's discovered the group. Should I plan an intervention? We both live in L.A. Are their any counselors in this area who deal with this kind of thing? I just don't want to see this whole thing go "Jim Jones."
I'm super curious about who this friend of his was. He said they interacted with is a lot, but I can't recall anyone that obsessive amongst our group. There was a rather... erm, special individual invloved before the game launched, but we really didn't see him around much afterwards. Considering many did think we were some anti-government cult on the rise, we did attract a few interesting (or off the wall bat shit insane, whichever) characters looking to "join the cause" and whatnot. I'll post an example of that one later.

I can't believe he never mentioned how we were called Passengers - because we were on a journey notacultnotacult - and the tighter of us the Core. C'mon, that's some primo cult material right there.



EDIT: Woot, found it. SL has a "transmission" page where you fill out and submit a form. It was basically to give Shane the idea of who was interested/participating, sending packages/letters, and to have your e-mail address for when he sent out mass e-mails. Or personal ones if he felt so inclined. Shane got a ton of these early this year.

--

first name: Amber
last name: Feutral
primary nickname: Alice...... Neo
alternate nickname: 2 of Diamonds
email address: n/a monitered by pigs
primary website or myspace: same
alternate website or myspace:
address #1: (censored)
address #2:
city: nocatee /Arcadia
state: Fl.
zip: 34268
phone: (censored) don't call big brother has me surrounded under absolute observation
art, information, chaos, or love: Love- I'm sorry Trinity that I've only been using my oppurtunities to discuss buziness but I was'nt sure how many chances I'd get before they shut me down as usual. Truley sorry Babe!! I talk 2 you every day non-stop in my head in my heart. DiD that girl Aeryhime (Aerynhime is one of the aliases of a Passenger, who has no idea who this Amber chick is or what she's talking about) say our daughter is pregnant???Anyways, she also said she gets email from me.Bullocks! I can barely get thru to you guys.
expectations: I'm waiting paitently so DON'T make me wait 2 long huh.haha! i'm Not joking. but this letter is for you.You must have been pretty sick and tired of not hearing from me to go thru the trouble of complaing to some stranger. oh. I didn't know shes been your BFF . just caught up in the same fucken recycling cycle as me....yeah..ok. small talk......I love ya!! Wish I was between your thighs right about now verses serving time in this prison of sorts . Thanks 4 helping me re-member some more. This fucken shell is just like oppiates .you drift in & out of consciousness but the shells level of consciousness is on VERY dim. then you forget all over again. I guess these guys are alot better @ remembering their program than I AM @ remembering me. Do you have any EXPECTATIONS: do you want : art, info , love or chaos ? If I've made you feel neglected I sincerely do apologize. I do find it hard to believe though becuz I speak to non-stop. Yeah , I do fuss & cuss quite a bit too this is true. I already explained how that works though.it's in the small ,very small print @ the bottom of the relationship contract we agreed to. It's how it works Babe... Anyways I'm getting off this now before they have enough time to tap it . I love you always.

--

... She gave driving directions to her house on another one.