In thinking about SL7B (yet) again, I had to think about Harper Beresford. Harper was really the one stuck between the rock and the hard place of Rosegate. The Lindens wanted to assert their TOS, and Rose wanted to assert her artistic freedom. The Lindens got an event that conformed to their TOS/Ratings, Rose got free publicity, and, as a volunteer, Harper got a ton of shit and not nearly enough thanks for her seemingly round-the-clock efforts to get everyone set-up, accommodated, and happy.
Harper -- as she looked the first time I met her -- and I, on the roof of the VB/CO Pavilion @SL7B
Like Rose and others, I think Harper was truly hurt by the divisiveness. When people actually care about things, conflicts shouldn’t be surprising, still, can’t we… can’t we find a way to integrate massive efforts by multiple parties without crushing anyone? …can’t we all just get along?
Meee, trying to play chess, with Red staring at me from the pavilion walls. How's a girl supposed to get naked in a PG Sim with Red constantly watching you and ready to give stink-eye to the slightest infraction -- seesh! -- she's unbearable!!! 
Whether you’re the one writing the TOS, or the one exerting your creativity, I think we all need to pay more attention to details, outcomes, and consequences. Our carelessness, or even just our trying to cope in the face of overwhelmingfulnessness, can’t be the cause of the collateral damage of amazing, dedicated peeps getting dumped on as their thanks. My own experience of SL7B was that Harper was always there, always helpful, always working hard, always gracious.
Typical of her dedication, she posts a new entry on her fashion blog every day at 10am SLT. You can read it here:
http://slfashionpassion.wordpress.com/
Thank you Harper, it was a privilege.
Great post, Vaneeesa!
I was one of the sims coordinators and the Auditorium speakers organizer during SL7B, so I had to work with Harper very closely on a daily basis. She is extremely hardworking, very efficient, productive and knowledgeable AND she expects exactly the same from others. Sometimes it is not easy to work with people like that – especially if others don’t share the same level of work ethic and passion. Personally, I grew to respect Harper and admire her ability to pull things together despite extremely unfriendly circumstance and unpredictable environment. The event wasn’t perfect, but like someone who actually WAS in there I must say if it wasn’t for her hard work it would be much worse. This is just a fact!
And to those who criticize some mistakes Harper made – go ahead and actually try to create something of the same level of complexity and see what YOU are made of. She did a great job considering what she was given.
I am glad you pointed it out, Vaneeesa
Oh hahahahaha. You got me on the day I wore that. Ha! Dressing up as a cranky old man was the best way to find laugh that day. Thanks for reminding me. (Sorry for the ash I dropped in your parcel and the general stink that trailed around behind me.) Serving my fellow SL residents was a privilege and most times a pleasure–especially with all the new people I met, like you, Vaneeesa
Harper SCORES with her intellect, kindness and skill. Others score because they are friends who have friends and fail miserably at the expense of people like Harper. More Harpers, please!
Thank you for your gracious comments, White. And as always, Eshi <3 <3 <3