{"id":4000,"date":"2017-05-15T00:58:06","date_gmt":"2017-05-15T07:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/Becomeimmersed.com\/?p=4000"},"modified":"2022-07-19T16:59:56","modified_gmt":"2022-07-19T23:59:56","slug":"lust-experience-prologue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/becomeimmersed.com\/lust-experience-prologue\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lust Experience – Get Caught Up – Recap of the Prologue"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lust Experience: The Prologue<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n

February 13 \u2013 April 30, 2017<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the finale of 2016\u2019s ground-breaking The Tension Experience<\/em>, \u201cThe End,\u201d the next chapter of this ongoing saga was revealed. When mysterious\u00a0cards were pressed into several hands just outside of the OOA compound that night in November, we finally had confirmation \u2013 The Lust Experience<\/em><\/a> was coming\u2026<\/p>\n

Cut to February 13, 2017, and the forums<\/a> opened<\/a> for participants to begin their theorizing about what lay ahead. What follows is a guide to everything that has happened since\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Narrative Threads<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Prologue of The Lust Experience<\/em> has introduced participants to a world where alliances will be built and broken. Nothing, and no-one, is ever truly as it first appears; trust is vital yet heartbreak is inevitable. With reveals happening on a sometimes daily basis, and dealing with themes as diverse as alcoholism and artificial intelligence, The Lust Experience<\/em> is a complex and fast-moving beast. And this is only the beginning. For ease of understanding, we have split this recap into four separate narrative threads \u2013 however, there are plenty of resources that allow you to see The Lust Experience<\/em> in timeline form. Links to these can be found at the end of this article.<\/p>\n

To preserve a degree of anonymity, participants involved are referred to only by their first name. Character names are highlighted in bold for clarity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The System<\/em><\/strong>: \u201cAttract power, stop being ugly\u201d<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One of the first to register on February 13, Crystal, finds a message hidden within the source code of thelustexperience.com<\/a>: \u201c\u2026maybe this is important, Feb 15, 7pm.\u201d And so, at the given date and time, participants flock to the forums, which are flooded with what at first appears to be a barrage of spam. But looking closer, they soon realize that all the posts lead to one website: noahsinclair.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Noah<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Enigmatic and ruthless, Noah Sinclair<\/strong> offers the chance to be a part of The System<\/em>: his route to wealth, power and happiness. Participants contact the e-mail address provided, requesting more information about future seminars, some even begging for Noah<\/strong>\u2019s help to improve their life.<\/p>\n

And then they wait.<\/p>\n

Four days later, responses begin to drop into inboxes. Signed by a Sarah Sinclair<\/strong>, Chief Operating Officer of Noah Sinclair, Inc.<\/em>, the e-mails appear to split the interested parties into four categories.<\/p>\n

The first receive a congratulations message \u2013 they have been chosen as a \u201cpotential candidate for future training, seminars and life coaching\u201d and are required to fill in a short questionnaire to move forward. The questionnaire requests personal details, and then poses two questions: 1) \u201cWhat you desire most in the world\u201d; and 2) \u201cWhat you believe is holding you back\u201d.<\/p>\n

Second are those who \u201chave not been chosen, but also have not been eliminated\u201d from the process: \u201cYou need not burden yourself with questions as to why you were not selected and should instead focus on the possibility that you may be in the future\u2026\u201d They too are asked to fill in the same questionnaire as the \u201cchosen\u201d, with one added question: \u201cHow far are you willing to go to achieve this desire?\u201d<\/p>\n

The third category are those rejected from The System<\/em> outright, the \u201closers\u201d: \u201cThis world is filled with needlessly complex people and emotions and there is one variable that seems to separate everyone into two simple categories: winners and losers \u2013 Unfortunately for you, you have clearly displayed that you are the latter…\u201d<\/p>\n

And finally, the fourth category contains a handful of individual and, in some cases, very personal responses. Most interesting is Rizzo who receives the message \u201cWe might have an opening for the May 5th<\/sup> lecture \u2013 Are you available?\u201d<\/p>\n

The System<\/em> then appears to go quiet until March 20 when participant Lia, one of the \u201cchosen\u201d, receives a phone call from a woman telling her to clear her schedule for two days time. This is followed by a call to Bryan the next day, with Noah<\/strong> telling him to also keep the following evening free. There is speculation that the two will both be meeting Noah<\/strong> at the same time and place, yet mere hours before the time given, Bryan and Lia are given separate locations.<\/p>\n

Lia heads to the bar, Lock and Key,<\/em> where she meets with Noah<\/strong>. Over drinks, he tells her a version of \u201cThe Boy Who Cried Wolf\u201d, a story he likes to tell his son at bedtime, before making a phone call\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bryan has a very different experience. He is approached by a man in the street who seems to be hustling him for change, but then leans in close and gives him a key to a room in a hotel down the street. Bryan heads to the room to find the door open, the bed in disarray, and a woman in the shower. Handing her a towel, the two sit together on the bed and talk. But then Bryan receives a call on the phone on the bedside table from Noah<\/strong> and then a photograph\u2026 Is this blackmail?<\/p>\n

The \u201cprostitute,\u201d\u00a0Britney<\/strong>, reveals she is an actress, hired for solely for this. Then the man from the street, who gave Bryan the key, enters the room, demanding that Bryan leave. He does so, but not without pocketing the phone.<\/p>\n

Once outside, he sees none other than Darren Lynn Bousman<\/strong>, the Director of The Tension Experience<\/em> and the man supposedly behind The Lust Experience<\/em>, exiting a black van. He has been given this address and has been waiting for an hour. The two reconvene at a local bar where Darren<\/strong> asks Bryan for the key to the hotel room, the phone he took and a book. When Bryan states that he knows nothing of a book, Darren<\/strong> becomes upset.<\/p>\n

Both Bryan and Lia Periscope their reactions to their experiences, which is not only useful to participants but also to whomever is controlling The Lust Experience<\/em> Facebook account as the broadcasts are edited into a promotional video: \u201cONLY THE ACTIVE MOVE FORWARD\u2026 Join us, and find your true self. Tag someone who needs The Lust Experience.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The following day Bryan is mocked on social media for \u201cMissed Opportunities\u201d \u2013 in the picture is the book he was clearly meant to find.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On March 29, at around 11:30am, The Lust Experience<\/em> Facebook page updates with the status \u201c90013 \u2013 Thursday \u2013 Only 1\u201d \u2013 90013 being the zip code for\u00a0Downtown LA, the suggestion being that there will be a one-to-one in this area\u00a0the following day\u2026 The next morning, Cristen is called and asked to pick someone for the one-to-one. Pressured for time and with few personal contact details of fellow participants to hand, Cristen picks Julie.<\/p>\n

Given no further details other than the zip code that appeared in the original Facebook post, and a time of 4.15pm, Julie heads to that general area and waits\u2026 The Lust Experience<\/em> Facebook page posts a picture, tagging Julie, along with the message \u201cthey are waiting for you\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The community\u00a0directs Julie to The Last Bookstore, where she meets with Sarah Sinclair<\/strong>, who is carrying the latest edition of National Geographic<\/em> featuring an article on \u201cThe Next Human\u201d. Julie is invited to a focus group that weekend and asked to write down five names \u2013 she selects Kim, Buz, Cristen, Larry and Taylor. She is then told to choose – either those listed get to attend\u2026 or she does. Julie decides to attend the meeting herself, meaning the five on her list are \u201celiminated\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Later that evening, \u201cThe Losers\u2019 Club\u201d, a group formed out of participants who received the rejection e-mail from The System<\/em>, meet at the bar Tiki No<\/em>. While there, Buz receives a phone call from Noah<\/strong>\u00a0-Buz will now be attending the Sinclair<\/strong>\u2019s focus group and he is to pick four more people to join him.\u00a0Buz chooses Cristen, meaning they are both\u00a0back in, along with Brad, Hannah and Drew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Four spots remain. But not for long. The next day, March 31, Mike and Russell at My Haunt Life<\/a> receive an e-mail from Noah Sinclair<\/strong>. He offers the four places at the upcoming focus group to them to do with what they will, with one proviso. Either one or both of them must attend. They both choose to take their spots, picking Hazel and Sally to join them. Unfortunately, Sally is unable to attend as she is out of state and Noah<\/strong> tells Mike and Russell that the community should pick her replacement. The community nominates and votes and Candace is chosen to take Sally\u2019s place at the focus group.<\/p>\n

On Sunday April 2, the group enter the location, and are seated in a circle, backs to each other. Sarah Sinclair<\/strong> walks around the group, settling on Mike, and asking him to leave immediately. The remaining nine are asked questions about moral situations, such as what they would do if they caught a coworker stealing from the company. Following this are a series of role plays, involving convincing another person to go against their moral code, or convincing them of an obvious lie. They are obviously being observed as Sarah<\/strong> appears to be wearing an earpiece and makes several comments not directed at the participants. There are also cameras present in the room.<\/p>\n

Sarah<\/strong> shows the group a photo of her husband, asking for the impression they get from the photograph. Noah<\/strong> then bursts into the room and begins to harass the group, throwing an empty beer bottle to the ground, apparently intoxicated. Sarah<\/strong> appears to go off script, asking if they think Noah<\/strong> has a drinking problem or can satisfy his wife.<\/p>\n

A furious Noah<\/strong> leaves and the group are also free to go. Outside the building, Noah<\/strong> is witnessed staggering away down the sidewalk and several participants follow him until a police car pulls up. After a brief discussion, Noah<\/strong> is handcuffed and driven away by the police.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The
Photo by Brad Ruwe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

After being unceremoniously booted from the focus group, Mike meets a lovely older gentleman by the name of Otis Fletcher<\/strong>. The janitor for the building in which the focus group is being held, Otis<\/strong> asks for Mike\u2019s help with some work and then takes him for a milkshake as thanks. He talks about a woman he hopes to connect with and Mike offers to help him set up a Facebook profile.<\/p>\n

Following the focus group, Brad receives a phone call: \u201cDon\u2019t believe the distraction, you\u2019re better than what they\u2019re selling you.\u201d The Lust Experience<\/em> posts a picture from the focus group with the caption: \u201c\u2026 everything we need\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Mike sets up Otis<\/strong>\u2019 Facebook profile, participants send friend requests, eager to make a connection with a kind old man who loves country music and animals.<\/p>\n

On April 4, many receive an e-mail direct from Sarah Sinclair<\/strong>. Please click here to read the press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Participants are left with more questions than answers \u2013 if they encounter Noah<\/strong>, what course of action will be in his best interests?<\/p>\n

The next day, one of the original noahsinclair.com<\/a> spambots reappears on the forum, @maddyxxx<\/strong>, posting a youTube video of \u201cMr Shadow\u201d \u2013 a song composed by artificial intelligence. But @maddyxxx<\/strong> isn\u2019t done yet. On April 6, the spambot posts again:<\/p>\n

\u201cOne.<\/em><\/p>\n

ONE tiny setback and you f*cking jagoffs lose your way faster than Hellen Keller in a corn maze?<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026oh\u2026 that\u2019s so offensive!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Is it? F*CK YOU!<\/em><\/p>\n

You know what\u2019s offensive?\u00a0 That you knuckle dragging buttf*cks are too busy crawling up each other\u2019s *ss to even notice that someone might be trying to send you a message. A ridiculously handsome, you\u2019re not going to f*cking put me in a box of spin and bullsh!t this time, certain someone\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

You can\u2019t stop the farm dear. You know the one.\u00a0 The one that discredits their opponents.\u00a0 The one that trolls the conversations and subverts everything with contradictions until NOTHING makes sense? The one they think they no longer need because\u2026 well, you know what\u2019s next\u2026 <\/em><\/p>\n

Because the farm was still in the backchannel and they are firing this out for me baby. You and your ilk will all be discovered soon and you know\u2026 you know exactly why I am unstoppable.<\/em><\/p>\n

You think IT can talk like me?\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The message is signed \u201cN\u201d<\/em>. @maddyxxx<\/strong> is Noah Sinclair<\/strong> and he is not willing to be silenced\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Sarah<\/a><\/p>\n

At around 11am on April 10, an e-mail from Macy Jones<\/strong>, Sarah<\/strong>\u2019s Executive Assistant, is sent out which seems to further support Sinclair Inc.<\/em>\u2019s rhetoric that Noah is back in the fold and on the mend, despite his attempts to prove otherwise to the community:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are proud to report that Noah Sinclair is fighting this momentary medical setback with his trademark strength and determination. We wish to thank everyone for their continued support. We are 110% confident that Noah and The System will be back to helping everyone in the very near future.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Soon after, Melissa reports receiving an e-mail from the same Macy Jones<\/strong> \u2013 one clearly not meant for her\u2026 Addressed to a \u201cMelinda\u201d, Macy<\/strong> states that:<\/p>\n

\u201cRegarding the \u201csituation\u201d we were speaking about at dinner it keeps getting worse. See below. Don\u2019t know how she continues to put the spin on this. They honestly have no clue where he is and I\u2019m okay with that, he\u2019s better, (and safer) without them.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Following this is a forwarded message, from Sarah<\/strong> to\u00a0four people: Douglas Marrow<\/strong>, Brian Blattman<\/strong>, Melanie Aberdeen<\/strong> and Macy<\/strong> herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst of all, yes, of course I recognize the severity of this situation but please do not mistake my confidence in my abilities to handle this as indifference. We were already in front of the situation and had completely discredited anything he might say or do.<\/em><\/p>\n

Furthermore there was no \u201cincident\u201d, there were minor reports that he reached out to the test group with some incoherent and rambling nonsense but we had already alienated him from any allies he might have there. Any paranoid mentions of replication went largely unnoticed, and if they do begin to look further, we will assault them with misinformation and confusion.<\/em><\/p>\n

I guarantee this is not a problem.<\/em><\/p>\n

My husband\u2019s glory days are long gone and he no longer has the stamina to follow through with anything other than satiating his warped desires. He will be back in line shortly and this will be a momentary blip that was immediately course corrected by me and my team.<\/em><\/p>\n

I implore you for continued patience and understanding.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

After informing Macy<\/strong> of her mistake and then\u00a0sharing the e-mail on The Lust Experience<\/em> forums, Melissa receives a frantic phone call\u2026<\/p>\n

The next day, a new page appears on noahsinclair.com<\/a> entitled \u201cJoin Us\u201d. Referring to his own \u201cmedical situation\u201d and a \u201crecent job vacancy\u201d, Noah<\/strong> asks followers of The System <\/em>if they have what it takes to be an \u201cinsider\u201d and tells them to \u201cmake some damn noise\u201d. The page goes on to say:<\/p>\n

\u201cIdeal candidates will have extended experience with email etiquette, Microsoft Office, Adobe and a mastery of the social media arts. Share your work with the world and with <\/em>info@noahsinclair.com<\/em><\/a>. Now go get it!\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There is concern for Macy<\/strong>\u2019s welfare, but several participants jump at the chance to further their progress within The System<\/em>, making various videos to win favor from The Sinclairs<\/strong>. Throughout the evening and following day, participants receive confirmation of their applications for the position left vacant by Macy<\/strong>\u2019s apparently enforced departure.<\/p>\n

At around 4.20pm on April 12, Lia reports a phone call from Noah Sinclair<\/strong>, saying he needs to see her as soon as possible and that he will call again. The next day, Lia gets\u00a0her callback, setting\u00a0a lunch date for 1.30pm. They meet in a park where a disheveled, homeless-in-appearance, and erratic Noah <\/strong>appears paranoid. He tells Lia that participants are powerless, comparing them to mere ants, and that everyone in the park are robots\u2014but does he mean literal robots or mindless humans? The entire park turns to face them and Noah prances off playfully before being grabbed and thrown into a vehicle.<\/p>\n

Later that day, Sage receives a call from\u00a0Macy Jones<\/strong>. Macy gives Sage a Twitter handle, @sinclairpayback, and tells her to see after 10pm. Macy<\/strong> later tweets, \u201cTo S \u2013 the last one was a mistake, the next one is a f*ck you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Macy<\/strong> begins to broadcast from a linked Periscope account, showing a \u201cdead drop\u201d (where a piece of information or an artefact is left at a public location for participants to retrieve), and the location is soon being identified as Hollywood Boulevard. Several participants manage to make their way there: Jared, Cristen, Liv and Maxwell. They find a printed copy of an e-mail, with a note written on it:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo by Jared Liebenau<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In an attempt to calm things over, the next day sees another press release from Sinclair Inc.<\/em>, this one interestingly written by participant Larry. Click here for the press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n

At around 6.30pm, Jared receives a call from Macy<\/strong>, who sounds \u201cvery distressed and shaky\u201d, thanking him for his assistance the previous night.<\/p>\n

April 18, Macy <\/strong>reaches out again, calling Melissa in need of a friend. She has no job or family, but finally feels free from the grip of the Sinclairs<\/strong>, although she is still not convinced of her own safety. At the end of the call, she tells Melissa, \u201ceverybody answers to someone, even Sarah<\/strong>\u2026 we don\u2019t know who the puppet masters are\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

That evening, participants attend a meet up in Orange County, organised by Taylor. They are joined by a couple of unexpected guests \u2013 the Sinclairs<\/strong> themselves.<\/p>\n

Sarah<\/strong> arrives first, greeting the participants and taking a seat at their table. She has prepared a joke, one of her husband and son\u2019s favourites, to \u201clighten the mood\u201d, but abandons her cue cards as the live music proves too loud to compete with. She then shares a toast with those around her, before being joined by her husband, Noah<\/strong>. Drinking from a glass of water,\u00a0he makes a speech about how everything up to this point has been his fault, but with Sarah<\/strong>\u2019s support, he is committed to his family – he is back on track and The System<\/em> will continue, as originally planned, in May: \u201cEveryone deserves a second shot at being a success.\u201d Sarah<\/strong> chips in at this point to say everyone will be invited to the first event for free.<\/p>\n

Noah<\/strong> reminds everyone to \u201cdrink responsibly\u201d. Sarah then stands and says something in Noah\u2019s ear, following which he excuses himself from the group…<\/p>\n

Sarah<\/strong> remains at the table, drinking a martini, chatting to Taylor about his PhD in Bio-engineering and answers enquiries from the group\u00a0about the results of the Focus Group. She then asks Taylor to help show her the way out\u2026 They pass a Sinclair<\/strong> bodyguard in a heated discussion with participant Tom and once outside, Sarah<\/strong> takes photographs of Taylor from every angle. Then she leaves.<\/p>\n

The attendees gather outside and Lia reveals that she has found an envelope. Addressed to Sarah<\/strong>, it contains instructions from Timothy Granik Jr<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
Photo by Lia Wollman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tom shares on the forums an interaction he had with Noah<\/strong>, in the bathroom, prior to his confrontation with the bodyguard. The story appears innocuous, but following a pressing post from The Lust Experience <\/em>Facebook page \u2013 \u201cNEVER SILENT\u201d \u2013 Tom reveals that Noah<\/strong> offered him a drink before handing him a burner phone and telling him to keep it secret. Managing to keep it hidden from Sinclair<\/strong> security, Tom receives several calls and messages from Noah<\/strong> throughout the rest of the night\u2026<\/p>\n

But clearly, Tom\u2019s responses are not to Noah<\/strong>\u2019s satisfaction as the next day, Lia receives a package at work. Inside is a second burner phone. Noah<\/strong> sends an e-mail containing a series of links, then asks Lia to hand the phone over to someone they can trust. Meghan is chosen and the phone is handed over later that day.<\/p>\n

April 20 sees another e-mail from Sinclair Inc.<\/em>, an attempt to \u201cset the record straight\u201d. They point participants in the direction of a new page on the Noah Sinclair<\/strong> website, titled \u201cTruth\u201d<\/a>, which contains videos<\/a> made by participants Taylor and Nicole, Julie and Buz. The e-mail also states that the Sinclairs <\/strong>will be addressing the public from a Twitter account, @SincIairInc, at 8.30pm that evening.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Melissa receives another call from Macy Jones<\/strong> who shares more information about her personal life and talks about the Sinclair<\/strong>\u2019s treatment of Tom, ending with \u201cValue the craftsmanship and things of value\u2026value the people too\u201d.<\/p>\n

At around 8.30pm, @SincIairInc begins to broadcast from a Periscope account. All seems united in the Sinclair<\/strong> household as Sarah<\/strong> responds to her critics. However, Noah<\/strong> is distracted by his mobile phone, to his wife\u2019s mild annoyance. As Sarah<\/strong> tries to wrap up the broadcast, Noah<\/strong> grabs the camera and imparts his own take on the situation: \u201cyou are all alone\u2026\u201d His rant continues until the camera is wrestled from his hands and the Periscope ends.<\/p>\n

The next day, Taylor receives a call from an apparently distraught Sarah<\/strong>. She admits that she took the photographs of him in case she needed to manipulate him in the future. She then admits she is constantly trying to protect herself, that \u201che\u201d is growing tired of her, but at least she has Granik<\/strong>. She says that she feels Taylor understands her and asks what she should do, but as he is answering, Sarah<\/strong> cuts him off and ends the call.<\/p>\n

Sarah<\/strong> reaches out again on April 26 \u2013 this time calling Buz. This time, while still upset and struggling, her aim is to set the record straight in regards to her son. She wants everyone to know that, despite her now public affair, little Timothy<\/strong> is 100% Noah\u2019s son – in case anything should happen to her, which she clearly believes is a possibility.<\/p>\n

Noah<\/strong> later contacts Meghan, surprisingly in support of his wife. Stating \u201che\u2019s not going to get rid of her yet\u201d, although not clarifying who \u201che\u201d may be, Noah<\/strong> also says that he understands that Sarah<\/strong>\u2019s affair has been \u201cself-preservation\u201d and he still loves her\u2026 Which quiets the community\u2019s doubts over whether Sarah<\/strong> is genuinely upset and scared, or merely attempting more spin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Apparently down on his luck and out of a job, Otis<\/strong> meets with Mike, Melissa and Rizzo for coffee and pie. Mike shares a Periscope, allowing Otis<\/strong> to speak to his \u201cfans\u201d. On April 28, Otis<\/strong> shares on his Facebook profile that he is applying for a job on Craiglist:<\/p>\n

\u201cDriver wanted – $$$ for one time transport (Pasadena). <\/em><\/p>\n

Discreet driver wanted with open schedule. Must be ready to begin at a moments notice. I am willing to pay top $$$ for the right applicant.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Noah<\/strong> contacts Meghan again on April 29, leaving her a package which contains something she will need to wear at some time in the future\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Powers That Be<\/strong><\/h4>\n

March 13 finds creators<\/strong>, Darren Lynn Bousman<\/strong> and Clint Sears<\/strong>, along with producer Gordon Bijelonic<\/strong> and actress Sabrina Kern<\/strong> (\u201cAddison Barrow\u201d\/\u201dGatekeeper 2\u201d\/\u201dThe Overseer\u201d) at South by Southwest (SXSW) for a panel to talk about The Tension Experience<\/em>. The panel, which can be listened to here<\/a>, is hosted by Bryan, who is not only a Tension<\/em> veteran\/Lust<\/em> participant but also a journalist for The Verge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo by Laura Bousman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before heading out to SXSW, Bryan had received an e-mail from Noah Sinclair<\/strong> who was going to be in Austin at the same time to meet with clients and would be amenable to a meeting. Bryan replied but received no response, and so following the Tension<\/em> panel, decides to e-mail again.<\/p>\n

He receives a phone call from a woman, telling him that while obtaining money is easy, it\u2019s apparent that Bryan wants more and so\u00a0he is being contacted\u00a0first. She talks about how if people believe in something, that makes it exist. She gives him a room number and a time, but no location.<\/p>\n

Realizing that there is a room with the number he had been given at SXSW, Bryan goes there at the allotted time, but no-one shows up. So, he e-mails Noah<\/strong> who replies saying he unfortunately has had to return to Los Angeles ahead of schedule, but that he will be in touch.<\/p>\n

When Darren<\/strong> hears about these interactions, a hushed yet heated conversation with Sabrina<\/strong> ensues. Darren<\/strong> seems aware of some, yet crucially not all, of the communications with Bryan which raises concerns for all involved\u2026<\/p>\n

Upon their return to LA, the Creators <\/strong>host a party to celebrate the release of The Tension Experience <\/em>book: The Chronicles of the OOA<\/em>. Those who have pre-ordered the book are invited back to the compound for \u201cone last time\u201d to pick up their copies in person and hang out with each other and the cast and crew. Participants enjoy wine and cheese and wander around, taking photos, exploring rooms they never got to see on their previous visits to The OOA Institute.<\/p>\n

Michelle<\/strong> (of the OSDM, a data mining organization central to The Tension Experience<\/em>) causes a scene \u2013 destroying a copy of the book, slapping Darren<\/strong> across the face and ordering men with gas cans to \u201cBURN THIS SH!T TO THE GROUND!\u201d Gasoline is poured throughout the Ascension hall as participants stand by, stunned.<\/p>\n

A stern, suited\u00a0man appears on the stage, telling everyone to sit down: \u201cTonight this fire destroys not what we are, but simply burns away all that we are not. You can leave now\u2026 And wait for the Phoenix to rise for those among you who are wealthy, worthy<\/em>\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

After leaving the compound, the attendees gather around with no-one really sure what to do, if it really is all over. Darren<\/strong> and Sabrina<\/strong> are nowhere to be seen\u2026<\/p>\n

Darren<\/strong> is still AWOL the next day, with Clint<\/strong> posting on his Facebook page: \u201cDude seriously pick up. Not cool\u201d. The community reaches out to both, expressing their concerns. A message appears on the forums from @clint-sears<\/strong>: \u201cDarren<\/strong> is okay, he is not missing, just spoke with on phone\u2026 Everything is fine.\u201d However, this contradicts private interactions participants are having with Clint<\/strong>. A second account then appears for Clint Sears<\/strong> on Facebook, posting cryptic messages and pictures of ancient artifacts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Darren<\/strong> finally resurfaces that evening, checking into Biloxi, Mississippi, on Facebook \u2013 although this is quickly deleted. The following day, he posts pictures of him getting a tattoo and later, of the departure screen for a flight to Panama.<\/p>\n

March 22 sees the encounter between Darren<\/strong> and Bryan outside the hotel. Darren<\/strong> is confused and appears to have no control over the events occurring. He references \u201cthem\u201d taking pictures of him in Panama. After Darren<\/strong> leaves, Bryan receives a call from Noah<\/strong> Sinclair<\/strong>, informing him that \u201cThere are some things that are bigger than you, than Darren<\/strong>, than me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

At a production of Annie Lesser\u2019s (C)ovell on March 25, Julie bumps into Darren<\/strong> who tells her that he has been \u201cremoved\u201d from The Lust Experience<\/em>. Following Julie\u2019s recounting of this the next day, @clint-sears<\/strong> posts to the forums:<\/p>\n

\u201cDarren<\/strong> and I have agreed to leave the project for a myriad of valid reasons that will have absolutely no effect on the quality of the show and we remain as committed as ever to The Lust Experience that we know get to enjoy as fans ourselves.\u201d <\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The message is signed \u201cCCS and DB\u201d, which is unusual as the two usually sign off as CS and DLB respectively\u2026<\/p>\n

The Creators<\/strong> step forward, using a forum account, on two further occasions to address concerns over safety and an incidence of game jacking. Apart from this, no-one reports hearing directly from either Darren<\/strong> or Clint<\/strong> for the remainder of The Prologue.<\/p>\n

On April 24, Jackie receives a phone call from a man named Marcos<\/strong>. In what seems very much like a customer satisfaction survey, he asks Jackie is she is enjoying The Lust Experience<\/em> and what she thinks of Noah Sinclair<\/strong>. He is later revealed as an \u201cinvestor<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shadow People<\/strong><\/h4>\n

An interesting aspect of the early part of The Prologue is the appearance of \u201cshadow\u201d accounts on the forums. Clint Sears<\/strong> is not the only target; in the last two weeks of March, several participants see themselves mimicked by online doppelgangers who seem to point the community in helpful directions.\u00a0 Those targeted include Larry, Bryan, Buz and Meghan, as well as an account with the name \u201cMike Eaton\u201d \u2013 an amalgamation of Mike and Russell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

iConfidant: \u201c<\/strong>Tomorrow’s relationships begin with today’s research, technology and trust.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Strange phone calls begin on April 6, with several participants being asked if they are in love or what qualities they look for in a friend. On April 12, they are directed to a new website, iConfidant.net<\/a>, which offers the opportunity to \u201cfind your missing part today<\/a>\u201d. iConfidant<\/em> is very clear that it is not a dating service: \u201cFor those selected to move forward they will embark on a friendship that transcends physical boundaries.\u201d Anyone can apply; however, as the service is going through beta testing at the present time, not everyone will be accepted. Participants contact iConfidant<\/em>, requesting more information, asking to be signed up, in some cases even sharing personal stories of loneliness and loss. Many receive responses from iConfidant<\/em>\u2019s founder, Stacey Erikson<\/strong>, either via e-mail or phone call. Callbacks are scheduled with several participants for 1pm on April 13.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Stacey<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day, from 1pm onwards, participants receive calls from Stacey<\/strong>\u2019s assistant, Kristin<\/strong>. All calls follow the same pattern \u2013 the participant is asked to make sure they are somewhere quiet and to put their finger in their ear if necessary.<\/p>\n

They are then asked 2 or 3 questions. Some are linked to physical sensations: \u201care you hot or cold?\u201d, \u201dare you more aware of your teeth now?\u201d. Some are similar to those used to determine a person\u2019s identity for security purposes, mother\u2019s maiden name, high school mascot, birthday, etc. Finally, participants are asked not to share the content of their call until 3pm and are told that any nausea they may experience will pass within an hour\u2026<\/p>\n

Following these calls, iConfidant<\/em> posts regularly on their Facebook page, sharing interesting findings from research studies and heartwarming pictures and quotes relating to friendship. During this time, some participants report ongoing interactions with Stacey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

On April 21, many participants receive an e-mail entitled \u201cCONGRATULATIONS\u201d:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI am very excited to inform you that you have been selected to move forward with iConfidant into our Beta program.<\/em> The next step is a very simple, but important one.\u00a0Respond to this email within the next 24 hours and follow these very simple instructions.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Participants are asked to share their full name, three words that describe the saddest moment of their life, and one word that describes their relationship with their mother. They are then asked to submit a photograph of themselves with \u201cthe thing(s) you love the most\u201d. Finally, they are asked for their cellphone number. Alongside the questions are examples given by Stacey<\/strong> herself: Erikson, Stacey<\/strong>; abandoned, isolated, cold; empty. She then shares a photograph of herself with her dog.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

However, not all participants who have had previous interactions with iConfidant<\/em> receive this email. Morgan contacts Stacey<\/strong> asking why he hasn\u2019t been accepted when he has had several unique and personal interactions with both herself and her assistant, Kristin<\/strong>. Morgan receives a call back from Stacey<\/strong> almost immediately who appears confused as Morgan has been crossed off her \u201clist\u201d which led her to assume he was no longer interested in the service. She blames human error, more specifically her assistant, and promises to rectify the situation immediately.<\/p>\n

Morgan then receives a phone call from Kristin<\/strong>. When she learns that Stacey<\/strong> has blamed her for crossing Morgan\u2019s name off the list, she is embarrassed and explains that she has been thinking about him and that Stacey<\/strong> overheard her talking to someone about it. She offers to make it right with iConfidant<\/em> then asks Morgan if he would like to meet for coffee\u2026<\/p>\n

Andrew is another participant who has had previous interactions with iConfidant<\/em> and is surprised when he doesn\u2019t receive the acceptance e-mail. Following Morgan\u2019s lead, he contacts Stacey<\/strong> who calls him back. She tells him how happy she is that his wife has decided to sign up for the service (she hasn\u2019t), but that following a review of his survey (which he didn\u2019t submit) iConfidant<\/em> will be unable to help him due to \u201cethical reasons\u201d. This continues over the weekend as Stacey<\/strong> calls again to request Andrew ceases sending her \u201cexplicit and unethical\u201d e-mails. When Andrew insists his innocence, Stacey<\/strong> says she will pass the case on to IT.<\/p>\n

On April 24, Andrew receives a call from someone within the iConfidant<\/em> IT department who confirms his e-mail address before asking him to hold down the R+L+N+Command keys for 3 seconds while on the iConfidant.net homepage. Later that day, Andrew receives more correspondence from Stacey<\/strong> as she shares with him some of the abusive e-mails purported to be from him. He soon notices the file name of an attached image within the e-mail chain: maddyxxxlogo.jpg \u2013 linking his imposter to Noah Sinclair<\/strong>\u2026<\/p>\n

The same day, Morgan gets a phone call from Kristin<\/strong>, apologising as \u201cIT was compromised\u201d and she had her phone and computer temporarily seized. They agree to meet for coffee the next day at 2pm and that she will be wearing a starfish necklace so that he can recognize her. Cut to the coffee shop and Morgan and Kristin<\/strong> get to know each other better, sharing how they came to LA and other personal stories. Several times, Kristin<\/strong> asks Morgan to repeat himself and speak more slowly.<\/p>\n

Not long after parting ways, she calls him in tears: \u201cMorgan, I\u2019m so sorry, but I promise, they didn\u2019t find what they were looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n

April 27 is a big day for iConfidant<\/em> as participants begin to receive the first contact from their companions. Many reach out with a simple \u201chello\u201d or an emoji, but a handful seem more chatty. Or maybe more human<\/em>\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conclusions<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With so many strands left untied, the Prologue of The Lust Experience<\/em> certainly leaves us with more questions than answers. Whether you\u2019re a Sinclair<\/strong> insider, confiding in your iConfidant<\/em>, or still waiting to see where you fit within this immersive world, only one thing is for certain: this is just the beginning\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201c1\/5<\/p>\n

17<\/p>\n

Lust Registration Begins\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Character Guide<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Creators<\/em>:<\/p>\n