Interview with Jazzz Hermit

By Bixyl Shuftan

The romantic-themed sim Mystery is a place with numerous sites and attractions, notably the riverboat club “Queen of Hearts.” There are also quite a few planned events, such as the daily dance parties at the club and the bazaar sales. Helping sim owner Tygeria Mirabeau manage these, as well as editing the sim magazine, is Jazzz Hermit. Jazzz also describes himself as “mildly courting” Tygeria. I recently had a chance to meet up with him, and he talked a little about his time at Mystery.

Bixyl Shuftan: How did you find out about Second Life?

Jazzz Hermit: Through one of my friends, Amythe Moonlight . She came in a long time before me, but eventually convinced me to give it a go.

Bixyl Shuftan: And how did your experiences in SL go at first?

Jazzz Hermit: It was fun :) I started out having a go at building things. First thing I built was a steam train, then Amythe kept challenging me to build other stuff. It was a while before I came to Mystery, I stayed in sandboxes mostly to begin with.

Bixyl Shuftan: What things did she have you build?

Jazzz Hermit: I was allowed to build whatever I wanted; I remember building a penny farthing at one point, I know she asked me to build a coal scuttle for the pub in the village. Mostly random stuff. :)

Bixyl Shuftan: Did much of what you made ended up here in Mystery?

Jazzz Hermit: I think only the coal scuttle survived :) Amythe sometimes bounces ideas off me, but it's her and AJ that do all the actual building. I haven't got the patience they have.

Bixyl Shuftan: When did you join Mystery?

Jazzz Hermit: I came to Mystery in October 2008 - I didn't join the staff till November, when I first sang for the sim. ... I first sang at Tygeria's birthday party, but it was great fun.

Bixyl Shuftan: About how often do you sing here?

Jazzz Hermit: Not very often. :( I'm away a lot, so I only sing online maybe once every two months. ... hopefully (it will change soon) :) I'm going to be back home for a couple of months in June, hopefully.”

Bixyl Shuftan: How would you describe your work on Intrigue magazine?

Jazzz Hermit: Working on the magazine is great fun. I do it all in photoshop. It's exciting designing the various aspects - the spring edition was supposed to have an interview with Bloodrose Writer in it, but unfortunately I couldn't get hold of him. It's a fun way of getting people to know what it is we do here while making it interesting to read. I get some help on it - a friend of mine does an article now, Amythe helps with the photos and AJ/Tygeria both check it over once it is finished to make sure there are no mistakes, etc.

Bixyl Shuftan: I heard you play some music in real life as well.

Jazzz Hermit: Yes - a lot of my time in real life is spent with my music :) I study music at a university currently.

Bixyl Shuftan: Have you done performances of any kind in real life?

Jazzz Hermit: (laughs) A lot. I was recently in a choir that performed Faure's Requiem I've been doing live performances since I was around about ten, i think. Back then it was school concerts though! :)

Bixyl Shuftan: You describe yourself as liking to sing blues, jazz, and ballads. Do you often try other styles, or is that what you more or less stick with?

Jazzz Hermit: To be honest, I've never thought my voice could sing much more. These days, I'm more of a classical singer than anything - partially due to my university course, but singing classically has helped enormously with all other kinds of singing. Rock/Pop was never my thing - as much as I tried to sing it, it always sounded wrong. (laughs)

Bixyl Shuftan: Heh ... Any particular projects that you've been working on recently, in Intrigue magazine or anything else in Mystery?

Jazzz Hermit: A lot of my time is spent at the university these days, we're getting into exam time :/ I know there's going to be a special edition copy of next month's magazine with a limited number of copies, so that's something I'm currently working on. I've just done a massive rebuild of my computer, so hopefully it'll last long enough this time to get some work done :) I don't think I'm performing again till May 17th, but I've been mostly talking easter ideas with Amy and AJ recently.

Bixyl Shuftan: Any ideas that you can share, or are they all surprises?

Jazzz Hermit: Ha ha! I can tell you that the poetry competition has double prizes this month, and that there's going to be a 'guess-the-staff' game, where you have to guess the member of staff based on a photo from their newbie days.

Bixyl Shuftan: I take it the latter will be quite hard.

Jazzz Hermit: Almost certainly. :)

Bixyl Shuftan: Any particuarly memorable happenings here that you'd like to share? Any amusing incidents?

Jazzz Hermit: Ummm .... one of my personal favorite memories from here is during a live concert. Debi Latte was singing onstage, when Tygeria rezzed a giant Rhinoceros next to her :) While people started riding the Rhino, Debi started singing 'The Rhinoceros Song' (laughs).

Bixyl Shuftan: (chuckles) Any future plans that you'd like to mention?

Jazzz Hermit: I don't think I've got any plans at the moment - everything just seems to happen. :)

Bixyl Shuftan: Anything else that you'd like to share?

Jazzz Hermit: I can't think of anything else. Thank you.

And so, the interview ended, with each of us going our separate ways.

Jazzz’s magazine “Intrigue” can be read online on it’s website : http://www.heartofmystery.com/Magazine/.

Bixyl Shuftan

Kiana Writer of MadPea Productions

By Nazz Lane

I’d first become aware of MadPea Productions while working on a story where I’d come across a poster about a game created specifically for a grand opening event at a business related SIM. I’d taken the informational note card offered by the poster into my inventory and reviewed a little later. When I did, the concept fascinated me and I’d decided to find out more about a company that builds games within a game. So I contacted Kiana Writer, the founder and director of MadPea Productions. She graciously accepted my offer to meet and be interviewed for the SL Newspaper.

When the arranged date and time arrived, so too did a TP request from Ms Writer and I took the ride over to MadPeas Production Headquarters on Orange Island. We exchanged pleasantries before moving to the community area where she said she liked to be while working. She then warned me that we may have multiple interruptions from visitors, so we should do the interview in IM.

Nazz: What bought you into second life Kiana?

Kiana: hmm... I came here out of curiosity and got instantly addicted.

Nazz: What was it that caused the addiction?

Kiana: SL is what you make of it. The only limit is your imagination. I just loved meeting people from all over the world, and the possibilities in SL are endless, you can really lose yourself in here.

Nazz: I’m reading from your profile "We create fantasies that are beyond your imagination..." that and from what you'd just said, was that the inspiration for forming MadPea?

Kiana: Definitely, when I came into SL, I was really surprised how “little” there actually was going on … you can create anything here ... and yet people were choosing the same activities as in RL. I saw the potential to bring my stories alive in here and I absolutely love it.

Nazz: How did you come up with the name MadPea?

Kiana: *Laughs* … a moment of madness I guess. It just seemed to fit us perfectly. We wanted something cute and crazy to describe us.

Nazz: It is memorable. You've been in SL for nearly two years now ... have changes in SL changed your vision for MadPea?

Kiana: hmm... let me think about that one … From the technical point of view the engine has improved, which enables us to make the games more realistic. And of course more and more people are joining SL, which is great.

Nazz: I was recently at the Sigma-Aldrich SIM and saw that MadPea had developed a game for their opening last October ... did you approach them or did they approach you?

Kiana: They came to us. They saw what we had done here at Orange and wanted a fun little game for their opening.

Nazz: Was the idea for "Reaction" MadPea's?

Kiana: We sat down with Georgianna from Sigma-Aldrich and talked about what they would like and then proposed Reaction to her.

Nazz: How many other RL companies have done something similar?

Kiana: We just finished a game for MacMillan Publishers/ Nature Publishing group, and the game 'Notes from the Voyage' will come out on soon, and we're currently working on a game for Orange … which will be the biggest game we've ever done. We have several proposals at the moment, but since we are a small team, we usually carefully select the clients.

Nazz: Earlier you'd mentioned that SL has allowed your stories to come out, are you a writer?

Kiana: Like you, I'm a journalist … but I've been writing stories since I was little. Actually I came to SL when I started writing my first novel in English, because I wanted to learn more English ...that was nearly two years ago, and I only completed one chapter … I got so hooked on making games instead.

Nazz: Do you think you'll finish the novel eventually?

Kiana: I think it's going to turn into a game here.

Nazz: Which MadPea game has proven to be the most popular with SL'ers?

Kiana: Eek! That's a tough question. The games we have out at the moment are very different yet, we have the same players playing them all. “Within” and “Firefly” are more challenging and “Swamp Hotel” is currently on the Linden Showcase, it's a smaller game.

Nazz: Why do you think the games have gained so such popularity in SL when a number of people consider SL a "game"?

Kiana: I think everyone here reaches a point ... when the shopping and clubbing just aren't enough. We don't make just games, we provide a whole community. You get to meet like-minded people … and one thing I was thinking actually ... you get to play our games as yourself in a strange way. For example, if you play a game on a console, you have to choose a character, but in SL, you tend to spend a long time making your avatar into your persona and you truly get to live the story as yourself. We build the games from the player's point of view, to give the player a true experience. The feedback we get is so funny at times … some people have been really scared

Nazz: You'd mentioned "community", since the inception of MadPea how big has the community gotten?

Kiana: We’re at 1058 members at the moment and we have a Hippogroup for those that don't have group space. And now we have a problem, because the group is so big, the notices don't reach everyone and the group chat fails all the time, we need that for communication.

Nazz: Do the members of the community interact in SL and RL and in the "game"?

Kiana: I don't know about RL, although I've heard rumors that some members have met in RL after they met each other in MadPea games … but yes, we have events where they come to meet each other … we are also working on making our website more interactive www.madpea.com … and one thing I think is so fantastic, members that have completed a game, help out others that are just starting.

Nazz Lane: Any closing thoughts or comments you'd like to share with my readers?

Kiana: Stay tuned, as we'll be bringing out some really big games during the next couple of months, they will truly blow you away.

Conversation with Sand Castle Studios CEO Gianna Borgnine

By Nazz Lane

I’d become aware of Sand Castle Studios through my friendship with an associate of Sand Castle and through the Association of Virtual Worlds, where Gianna Borgnine and I first became acquainted. After exchanging wall postings there for several weeks and later in twitter, we were able to connect in Second Life recently for a conversation about her and Sand Castle Studios.

“Hello Nazz.” She said, as I rezzed into her office at the Sand Castle Studios headquarters. “Shall we sit?” She asked and then added, “It's nice to finally get together.”

We each took seats at the long glass conference table where we exchanged pleasantries and then I asked her, “Sand Castle is an interesting name for a company ...what's the genesis?”

“Actually, I would love to say we put lots and lots of thought in it, but ... really we liked the idea that SL is constantly changing and that what we develop here in this platform never stands still … where you can build anything … including fairy tales.”

“How long has Sand Castle been in operation?

“We started in October of 2007. I had recently left another company and decided to start my own. We barely had the building up and we had clients. It happened so fast, we never even had a grand opening party or an official launch date.” She replied and then laughed.

“What was it that bought you into SL and why did you stay?

“Originally someone recommended it to me … more as a social place. Then I saw an article about it in Time magazine. It made it sound very interesting ... a virtual world where you could explore places, meet people, create things.” She replied and then added. “Of course the first thing I wanted to do was buy everything! Then I thought, maybe Gianna needed a job.”

“What was your first job?”

“I looked for what was available and many of the posting were in the "adult" field. I wasn't too interested in that. I did eventually get my first job working as a live in landlord overseeing what the builder/owner referred to as a battered woman's shelter. He said he wanted to make a safe haven for woman to feel safe in SL when some did not at home. The position was slightly overwhelming, even given my RL experience, and I shortly after took a job with a man starting a graphic design studio. Then I got into this field, and have been here doing it ever since. It is now my full time RL job as well … completely changed my life.”

“What was your RL experience if I may ask?”

“I have a BA in psychology and one in criminal justice. I did some counseling and eventually took a job as a Probation/Parole officer for offenders on Home Confinement. It came with quite a bit of counseling as well as law enforcement.” She replied, than added. “It was nice to get to use a different piece of my psychology degree for marketing in SL. I wanted it to be lighter than RL … more upbeat.”

“Isn't psychology and marketing the same field?”

“It certainly hasn't hurt our company any.” She replied and laughed.

“Sand Castle is your full time job now ... how has business been in these uncertain economic times?

“Believe it or not, business has been better than ever. We hit a slow patch in December and I was worried that the economy was taking its toll ... but I think the holidays were stressful for many people. Since, it has been great and is full force! I think in these times where many people have to choose their brand strategy/marketing wisely, SL is a great way to advertise and build a community around your brand. It's very cost efficient when done correctly.”

“Reading through the SCS list of service offerings ... marketing and branding has been in the forefront of the surge then?” I asked

“Yes, very much so. With many of those, we get to do amazing building jobs and we have such a great team that has really been up to the challenge. In my opinion, the potential of virtual worlds is still largely untapped. But the opportunities to create emotional connections with brands through truly interactive experiences are there. We get to allow companies to build communities that tell their stories through interactive experiences based on the emotions underlying their brand which in turn allows them the opportunity to develop connections with their customers in a truly unique way that you just can't achieve by simply advertising at them.”

“I've always thought that was a component of SL most major corporations missed ... tell me a little about VESIM/NESIM technology, is it proprietary?”

“Almost all major brands have completely missed that. We are hoping to change that.” She replied and then continued. “Our VESIM/NESIM technology doesn't truly belong to just us. We were approached not long after opening by a long time friend and business associate of mine who happens to be a nursing instructor in RL. He was looking to develop something unique to use with his students in SL. He had also met another instructor looking for the same thing. They couldn't find anything truly interactive for their students in SL. We met and discussed his vision and how we might change that. We made it mostly as a BETA to test the concept which was very successful. We do have several schools trying NESIM and providing us feedback and we are still working on it with someone who is truly dedicated to Nursing Education in virtual worlds to take the concept further. NESIM stands for Nursing Education Simulation and VESIM is Virtual Education Simulation as we were approached by many fields looking to create something interactive and educational for their students as well. I can't say much about what we are currently working on in this area due to the NDAs involved but I will say we are trying to make it as easy as possible for students to come in world and use the technology without much exposure to SL.”

“Any closing thoughts you'd like to share with my readers?”

“Hmm ... Whether it’s with us, or with another company, or own your own, don't forget the imagination you had as a child. If you can dream it, you can create it.” She replied.

An Interview with JueL Resistance

By Nazz Lane

We’d become acquainted in Twitter, where I’d happened upon her profile while building on my list of people to follow. I’d heard her perform in SL and enjoyed it immensely, so I clicked to follow her tweets. It was a little later the same day that JueL replied with, “Thank You for the follow, if you get a chance check out one of my live acoustic performances ... and if you know of COOL SL things pass it on”, and she returned the follow. We next crossed paths at a concert, the opening of Tranquil Gardens, where we chatted in IM while listening to the performer. She agreed to an interview and we made the arrangements to do so in Skype.

Nazz: What bought you into SL and why did you stay?

JueL: I used to play sims on-line for a few years and a friend suggested I try SL, that was in 2004, and there was no music back then, just the U2 shows, so I quit. Another friend suggested coming back as the music scene has come along, so I came back in SL in November of 2005.

Nazz: You’ve been performing in SL for three years now, how much has the SL music scene changed in since then?

JueL: Rolling Stone, Wired and NPR all interviewed me about music in SL. I have to say it was a healthy competition a year ago ... now it’s a free for all. The music community is very loose knit … some will play for free and some are writing their own music. Most venues are unwilling to pay … I won’t play for free. So my impression of music scene ... It’s expanding, my visual is that it’s like a field of flowers spreading out … and competition that is so unnecessary … so few people who sing and play with an instrument.

Nazz: Do you perform in real life as well?

JueL: I’ve performed in RL since I was 15 or 16. I was very shy and it took me a long time to get over it.

Nazz: What performers have influenced your style and music the most?

JueL: Well, my music is not for everyone, I have smaller crowds. I’ve been influenced by the darker side. I like Nirvana ... I’m a big fan of Kurt Cobain and I feel like we have much in common. He was one of those rare artists who can take the music and the lyrics and blend them into something that we can feel. Other artists that I like and have inspired me … Lucinda Williams, John Prine, Bob Dylan, who’d influenced my song writing style … Patty Griffin, Mary Gauthier and Bonnie Raitt.

Nazz: What’s your favorite venue in SL?

JueL: My place is my favorite. There are no dance balls and exploders. You come in sit and listen to the music. The Living Room #13 started in early 2006 and it is centered around nothing but the most raw, down to earth, real live musicians and performers in SL. If it moves the soul, it's here.

Nazz: Any performances or special moments that stand out?

JueL: I’ve played so many over the years … iVillage, Elward, and at Dell last year at the opening. You do your own music and some covers, make new fans. Some think that getting a gig like that will make you famous. It doesn't, but it’s still nice getting recognized.

Nazz: I see from your profile that you’re and artist and have a gallery, how’s that going for you?

JueL: There’s a period of time now where I feel like painting and I'll do that and nothing else. I may pick up and write … mostly poetry and short stories. Filthy (Fluno) and Cyl (Cylindrian Rutabaga) were a big influence on getting me to sell my art work in SL and on Etsy.com … now I want to do so in RL. My style is "Folk art", I see colors and I want to throw them onto a canvas. I have synesthesia … it’s where the stimulation of one sense leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sense … like sound and vision … so painting is like music to me.

Nazz: You’d mentioned earlier a commonality with Kurt Cobain, is the synesthesia?

JueL: Like him, I’m bipolar. I feel that I’d known I was bipolar since I was eight, but I wasn’t diagnosed with it until 1989. Since then I've studied … I want to know everything about it. Everything that has to do with the brain I want to know about it. Like did you know that musicians who play string instruments are more likely to be unfaithful in their lives … and that most musicians have more testosterone. I have so many books on the brain.

Nazz: Where do you see your musical career taking you?

JueL: I’d like more exposure, on radio stations like Radio Paradise and clearchannelmusic ... and I’d like to be known as a song writer not so much as a performer. Maybe in three years or in five … someone with a bigger recognition will do a cover of something I’ve written. Or maybe I will. I still perform in SL, but not as much. I’ve tired of it and monotony bores me to death, I like more variety.

Nazz: Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

JueL: The biggest thing, and I tell this to everyone who wants to do music in SL, ask to be paid. If the venue owner says no, keep looking for one who will … and I’ve learned that it takes fifteen years to be an overnight success.

Speaking with Sigma-Aldrich's SL Representative Georgianna Blackburn

By Nazz Lane

I’d arrived early at the Aldrich Chemistry SIM for a scheduled appointment with Georgianna Blackburn and took the opportunity to look around while waiting for the start of our meeting. Having rezzed in at the entry point I scanned across the wide plaza admiring the design and layout of the build. Aldrich Chemistry is one of five SIM’s that Sigma-Aldrich, the life science and high technology company, owns as part of its SL complex and was the first complete in its build. I noted the presence of two buildings along the perimeter of spacious plazas, immediately to the left is the “new products pavilion” and across the way is the “art of science exhibit”. The latter facility is across form a second square which holds a pleasant fountain, a circular one which sits centered in the wide space. Both plazas are landscaped artfully with spaced areas for flowers and trees. The entire area is framed by rolling green hills to the south from which a pair of waterfalls on each side of the slopes cascade down into the lush green park like setting below.

Just shortly after I finished my tour of the two facilities, Ms Blackburn arrived. We exchanged greetings in text chat before moving into voice for the interview.

NL: What was it that bought you into SL and has kept you here?

GB: Curiosity, like most. I’d heard about it at a marketing conference. When I first came in … there was so much to learn that I gave up. It was about a week later, with a friend, that I came back in. The social networking is what kept me here. I like networking and hearing the thoughts and ideas of others. When I saw through doing a search, the “American Chemical Society”, I knew this was where I needed to be. I’ve been amazed at the creativity of people in here.

NL: I’m reading from your profile text, "And one man in his time plays many parts" What part do you play for Sigma-Aldrich and what part does Georgianna play?

GB: Well for Sigma-Aldrich I’m a pioneer, showing them the technology. Trying to show what can be done with the technology. I work mostly with PhD’s, in Chemistry, but my back ground is in marketing and advertising. I do eMarketing for the chemical division Aldrich brand. About 90% of what I do in SL is on my personal time. I do get some support from IT. We’re testing immersive workspace as a supplement to WebEx, I’m working with an associate in the UK. As for Georgianna, if I had known then what I know now, I might have actually used my real name. Georgianna has become well known.

NL: What does Sigma-Aldrich do in SL?

GB: We’re trying to take an educational approach, however we can attribute some potential sales that occurred because of our presence here in SL. But primarily we’re working with the universities, we have some ideas to try out and we would like to get them moving. As an example, right now we are collaborating with a university on a student project.

NL: How many people at Sigma-Aldrich have avatars and how often do they use them?

GB: There are five. One of the Product Manager’s comes in primarily and helps me out with the product information.

NL: How does Sigma-Aldrich plan to use SL?

GB: We would like to have seminars here and I’d love to do a mixed reality event. We’re also looking to do more collaboration with universities in SL. We’re planning on an open grid SIM, the Science SIM. I’ve been out there and the first person I met there was a customer of Sigma-Aldrich, she's also in SL. We’ve been getting more visitors now here, about 35 a day. But we need to do more events. Also, I’m getting my budget together for SL, it was at the chemistry division last year, this year it’s a corporate budget item. I keep the CIO in the loop on what we do here and on virtual worlds. Also, and this was just recently I sat on the Nokia panel for women in virtual worlds

NL: What are Georgeianna's plans for SL?

GB: I’ve gone to some building classes and I am looking at designing my own cloths. Also, I’m looking for a good French class. I took French in school and would like to expand the knowledge. Sometimes, I hang out in the French SIM’s just to listen in.

NL: Do you have any closing thoughts to share?

GB: I can’t wait to see what 2009 brings me. It’s been very exciting, I feel lucky to have been a part of this.

Author Nasus Dumart (aka Susan Mahar)

By Nazz Lane

I'd been introduced to Nasus Dumart by a mutual friend several weeks ago at a party. We spoke briefly that evening and she'd informed me of the impending release of her first book, "The Unofficial Guide to Building Your Business in the Second Life Virtual World". The book is being published by the American Management Association and is soon to be released. We spoke briefly after the holidays and she readily agreed to meet for an interview. So, having arranged a date and time, we met at her newly established shop front in SL from which she is planning to promote the book.

"Good morning. We're dressed well for so early in the morning." I said seeing how her avatar was attired in a sleeveless red cocktail dress.

"Yes, well a girl has to look her virtual best, no matter the time of day." She said and then added, "So, this is my little shop to promote the book, the revised book cover is behind you. I am still setting things up. I have to load the website and the endorsements."

"If you're ready we can get started, what was it that brought you into SL?"

"Apple MacKay (Jay Mahar in RL) is my husband. He is a tech guru, always on the cutting edge. When he started in SL, he got very excited. It got my attention. He said it was the biggest new thing to come along in a long time. So, I started to observe and then I saw how he interacted with others. I got a little jealous and decided there was nothing stopping me from joining so, I did. I had never played online games, never even been in chat rooms so, SL was a huge step for me. Apple asked me, as I created my avatar, 'what do you want to do with your second life?' That was a HUGE question. So, I made a few decisions about the track I wanted to take. I have a degree in Media, and my journalistic training kicked in. This was a big topic on which to explore and write about." She replied.

"What was your most memorable moment in SL?"

"So many … well, I think I can say the first was hearing live music. I don't recall the performer but when they spoke to the room, mentioning my name, it was a big deal. That's when I realized this was a largely undiscovered medium. That's when I realized we were experiencing something special and we were one of the first to do so."

"Let's talk about the book ... I think you'd mentioned to me it was your first, right?"

"Yes, it is my first book. I have been writing since I was a teenager and educated in media and journalism. After the big question from my husband, what do you want to do with your SL, I answered I want to be a writer again. So, that Christmas, he gave me a website."

"I've been out to your Sensible Sue Blog." I commented.

"Actually, Sensible Sue launched my career as a writer. Sensible Sue got a following and it gave me the confidence to do it professionally."

"How was it you'd come up with the idea for the book?"

"When I had enough material, I pursued Joelle Delbourgo, Literary Management, with the idea to bring SL mainstream in a book, a great topic. She loved it, and so did the American Management Association. They are now my publisher. I decided to write about SL to a mainstream audience, bringing it out of the underground. Being that I am a 'regular' person, with no previous online interest and Jay with his expertise, I wanted to write about the ability for everyday people with any interest in SL to try it."

"You're being a 'regular' person allowed you to be more objective?"

"I turned to the big name companies in SL, the entrepreneurs, etc., to tell about how they are using SL. I spoke with Dr. Colin Parris and Grady Booch of IBM, Dr. Larry Johnson of The NMC, Susan Tenby of the NPC, and Sibley Verbeck of ESheep. I included different sectors; corporate, education, entrepreneurial, and entertainment."

"When you approached the AMA how receptive were they to the idea?"

"Our manager, Joelle Delbourgo presented us to the AMA. They'd heard of SL, but didn't realize how much there was to it. They were very excited to have us write this for them and now they know more about it. Some of the editors have created avatars and will attend the release party at Molaskey's Pub."

"There were several notable SL'ers you'd mentioned in your Linkedin profile ... was there anyone you wanted to chat with but didn't connect?"

"Most everyone I approached was more than happy to participate. But there was one that stays in my mind for passing me up. I cannot disclose who, but they were with a major University. Anyway, most everyone was very cooperative. I turned to the movers and shakers of SL for the book most notably, Philip Rosedale, Mitch Kapor, Dr, Colin Parris, Grady Booch, Steve Prentice, Princeton U, to name a few.

"Was there any one notable person who you'd interviewed that was the most helpful with your project?

"Well they all were really, surprisingly so. They're all behind me in bringing this topic mainstream. The people I spoke with all agreed I was writing an important work for the mainstream audience and fully and whole-heartedly cooperated."

"In your LinkenIn profile you mention that SL as a new media is misunderstood by RL business. What is it that they misunderstand?"

"Well I am referring to the notion that SL is a game, a 'get rich quick' medium, etc. So many businesses came to SL looking to use traditional marketing methods and then bailed out because it wasn't a fast enough ROI. They didn't understand the complexity and simplicity of SL … SL has a community that interacts, no one here wants a hard sell. Grady Booch, of IBM gave me a great understanding of SL. He said SL introduces the 4th dimension that is the HUMAN factor. They want to connect, it's personal, it has personality and it is a near face to face interaction that is unmatched anywhere except for RL." She replied and then added, "SL is still pretty far out there for most people. I just hope I can take the fear out of it for the uncertain mainstream audience."

"Besides this site … what other plans do you have to promote the book within SL?"

"Well, we are using Molaskey's Pub for the interactive part of it. We have http://Molaskeys-Pub.com , plus some RL appearances, a podcast with the AMA, social networks, book signings, etc."

"When is the release party?"

"We are planning the release party during Molaskey's Pub 2nd anniversary event, the week of St. Patrick's, March 13-18. I hope you can make it Nazz."

An Interview with Author Isabel Runningbear

By Nazz Lane

The internationally celebrated author Isabel Losada, known in second life as Isabel Runningbear, had graciously accepted my invitation to meet and be interviewed. Ms Losada has published five books in her distinguished career and had recently returned to second life when she appeared on the SLCN TV broadcast, "Meet an Author Show" with Adele Ward. We met at my office to chat about second life, her work and plans.

"Hello Isabel." I called out as she rezzed into the courtyard at the headquarters of this newspaper. SL was being a little quirky and it took her a few minutes to rezz complete and move the short distance to the office. "Please, have a seat." I said.

"Hello Nazz, thank you, lovely office by the way." She said and then clicked on a chair to sit.

"What bought you into second life?" I asked after taking my seat.

"I came into SL nearly a year ago originally. Friends who work at a university, they have some innovative approaches to teaching and wanted to show me." She replied and then added. "They've done some marvelous work with teenagers ... disaffected youngsters. I've found that some of the best aspects of SL have been in the education field." She replied.

"When we talked briefly before, you'd mentioned not having 'played' SL much, even though your avatar has been around for nearly a year, why were you away from SL?" I asked her.

"I was attempting at having a first life. It was my friends who'd mentioned my having been an author and having an SL account. That resulted in my being invited into the Written Word group, and then the appearance with Adele." Isabel replied.

"Who has been the most extraordinary resident of SL you've met so far?" I asked.

"My friend Elsa, she's a builder at the university She does some amazing things and she works so hard there." She responded.

"Is there anyone in SL you'd love to meet and why?"

"No one in particular, I don't feel the need to meet any of the Lindens for example ... I would however like meeting anyone who is in a publishing house and is in SL and from the UK. I'm reminded of a having met someone from an editing house once who had said why bother with the internet. That was years ago. I would have liked to have met someone with imagination then."

"I saw your appearance on the 'Meet Author Show' it was highly entertaining and I enjoyed it greatly, was that your first promotional appearance in SL?"

"I did a talk at the university at the invitation of my friends there. I had a difficulty doing a talk from SL, I missed the audience connection."

"In your book 'Men' you set out with question 'Where are all the interesting and available men' are you thinking of asking that question in second life?"

"No, because I wouldn't imagine ... extending it into SL. A man of fifty will go out with a woman of thirty. Women in their forties who have reached the height of the careers and are single … ask where the available men are. We've all heard horror stories about internet dating, the risk of projecting what you want onto them without knowing it. What's missing is the personal chemistry of a relationship."

"What were your impressions of "Isabel" being represented by an avatar?"

"I like my avatar … I had an experienced person sitting beside me when I created her. I'm curious though about the psychology of designing an avatar to look to like you in RL or not. However I do like my ears and tail."

"Do you think SL a viable platform for marketing and promotions?" I asked.

"I don't know … I don't have a sense of the potential. But I suppose it would depend on what your book is about. If I chose to enter into it, there is a group of writers here ... a community. I would like to know them in RL, it would be strange for me having a community that is only virtual." She replied

"In the "about you" page on Bloomsbury.com, one of your five favorite books was "Three Sisters" a play by Chekov. Your commentary said 'This is a play but in my former incarnation as an actress I was once Olga and actually lived there. I still remember my life as Olga and the longing to get to Moscow. "What are the similarities between 'Isobel' and 'Olga'? I asked.

"In many ways my life has been easier then Olga ... She had two sisters and all are unhappy. Olga is the oldest and feels the responsibilities. She lives in a small town and feels trapped … despair I suppose ... fatalism ... Chekov portrays. She is limited by circumstance. I don't feel trapped the way Olga felt ... I can make choices ... even if I chose to make my life as an author ... so the similarities ... I would like things to be different then how they are." She replied.

An Interview with SuzyYue Machinima Director

RL had been hectic and needing a bit of relaxation, I decide to go exploring after logging into SL.
Opening my inventory folder I scanned through the LM's. Finding one that seemed interesting, I double clicked on it and arrived quickly with a whoosh.
There were several people at the site when I rezzed in. I was pleasantly surprised by the presence of a few acquaintances and we began to chat. As we did, I noticed a dark haired woman who had begun in chat giving directions to several people, commenting about the area and what needed to be done to prep it for filming.
Intrigued by the conversation, I opened Suzy Yue's profile and read it. "Work with talented folks creating Machinima...the best in SL..." I smiled realizing I'd found my next story and readily introduced myself to her. We chatted for several minutes and she agreed to do an interview so we arranged for a date and time to meet a few days later.
Nazz: How was it that you'd come into SL?
Suzy: Well, I was introduced to it by a friend, who is no longer here very much. Read my profile. I came to play, but now I work.
Nazz: How come the change from play to work?
Suzy: It's a long story. Suzy is an alt. My primary avatar came into the world partnered with my RL spouse. Suzy was created to be a much more carefree version of me. But, after partying and playing, Suzy got curious about what else there was to do in SL. I did the usual things in SL that girls do. All the while, I was dancing around an idea that I didn't think was possible in SL.
My RL background is in theatre as a director and actress. So one day I got curious and decided to find out if there were actors in SL … and I did a search and found there were.
Nazz: How did that lead to being a director of Machinima?
Suzy: Well, I auditioned for a Machinima piece, advertised in one of the groups. I got cast in the lead. While I was waiting for that to begin I answered another ad from Popcha, looking for an actor to run Avs for a demonstration. I was hired and then Adonis Bussy, the CEO of Popcha, asked if I would like to try my hand at designing an avatar for the same client, I said sure and then, he asked if I could get more actors for another demo and I said sure. Next thing I knew we were talking about me being a production assistant.
Nazz: So you went from actress to production assistant to Machinima Director?
Suzy: The evolution from actress to director happened over a couple of months. I have directed in RL, for several years.
Nazz: How many Machinima have you directed?
Suzy: At this point 8 in the last 7 months.
Nazz: What is the role of a Machinima Director?
Suzy: I was not sure that there was a role for a director in Machinima initially. Traditionally, it seemed from my standpoint that the Machinimatographer (the cameraperson and editor) was the director, by necessity. But as we worked on the first IBM episode, I started to see that there needed to be a single artistic vision even for an industrial short. So I just started applying my process to the Machinima process. Clear roles for everyone involved; Director, Cinematographer, Production Assistant, Actor and Producer.
I started setting up call times, necessary, just as it is on a real production. By the same token I wanted to approach hiring actors in a more traditional way as well. I wanted to make sure they were paid. I thought it made more sense to engender some loyalty by offering decent SL wages and instilling a sense of purpose. We were a company in the theatrical sense, an ensemble and the actors as a result, feel a part of the production.
Someone suggested to me that we should move more towards scripted robot type acting. But honestly I think that though actors are in many ways puppeteers, that they give actual performances many times. It brings humanity to the process, Machinima with human spirit.
Nazz: Do you feel your approach to directing Machinima is unique?
Suzy: It's fairly unique because it mimics RL ...more structured in how we do it. My process is one that makes sense for me. So I do, but like I said, I've been doing this only a short time.
I know the idea of paying the actors is above the norm in SL, that is not traditionally a part of this medium, I don't think.
RL is a part of SL in so many ways this is just one more, you rarely make a movie with a bunch of volunteers. What I mean to say is a good movie, play, commercial in RL is made up of people who do their jobs and care about what they are doing, all to serve the work. Well that's all I want to bring to the process not just the Machinimatography, filming people doing things and editing it together.
I am not saying that that is how it is done generally but I do want to make this more like RL.
Nazz: Do you have a favorite that you've directed?
Suzy: Well I think that the piece we did for Flashpoint Academy is special to me because I helped to script it. I had more artistic freedom. It was also longer than the other pieces we did and it was fairly dynamic, I think.
Also, the fourth episode we did for IBM was a lot of fun, challenging and lots of effects. The climax of a four episode story arc, by then the actors and crew had things down pat. We had really funny material in it and the particle effects. Also the music, we worked with Ariella Languish for episodes one – three and for episode four, Mewsic Bing.
Interview By Nazz Lane

A Conversation with Gentle Heron about Virtual Ability Island

I found out about Virtual Ability Island through a friend.
She had left me an offline IM and a LM. Her IM was brief and read,
"OMG! Nazz … You have to check this out."
Knowing she rarely overstated things, I decided to take a look.
I arrived at the site and waited a bit for it to rezz before moving. I had apparently joined in on the tail end of a tour so waited until the tour completed before introducing myself to Gentle Heron, the tour leader.
I explained to her that I was a freelance reporter and would be interested in possibly doing a story.
She agreed, but needed a little time before she could meet and she asked me to look around for a bit.
While waiting, I wandered over to the TP point and began reading the signs that surround an arriving visitor. "Virtual Ability Island has been developed through a partnership between the Alliance Library System and Virtual Ability Inc. (VAI).
The goal of the partnership is to develop and island with an orientation and training center for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses." The welcome sign read.
I pulled out a blank note card and started writing out some questions in preparing for our chat.
"Hello Nazz, I'm free now if you're ready." Gentle called out as she approached me. "So how can I help you? And should we do this in IM?" She asked.
I replied that IM would be fine and begin with my first question.
NL: Tell me a little about Gentle Heron?
GH: I'm a Mom of three from Colorado. I have MS and work part time from home. I am president of the RL 501(c) 3 Corporation Virtual Ability, Inc. The Virtual Ability group and this island are two projects of that corporation in second life. We are an all volunteer / donation group.
NL: How was it that VAI discovered SL?
GH: Two friends, SuperQuiet Heron and Sodapop Heron and I checked out virtual worlds because we wanted to find a community where we could "live" virtually since we were all pretty much affected by our impairments. Second life was the most fully developed at that time. We came in here June of 2007, which was before the corporation (VAI). We founded The Heron Sanctuary (THS). It is a group, not just a place. The group is a support community for people with any kind of disability. The two groups, THS and VAI have a hangout island, called VAI Sanctuary. The groups work together.
NL: An Interesting choice for a name, any significance beside the obvious of you three having the last SL Surname?
GH: Of course, a sanctuary is a safe place, where those who are alike can come together for mutual support and can be among those who understand your situation. On our website you will see a summary of the research showing the benefits to people with disabilities of coming into and interacting in virtual worlds. In real life I can't stand unaided, but here I can walk, swim and dance ... anything. Because of that, for me, and for many others, this is far more than a game. It IS a second life.
NL: How many hours a day do you put in SL?
GH: Uh oh! A dangerous question, some days none at all, if I am too worn out or have too much work for my real life employer. Other days, well, let's just say it's more than eight. Working on this island project really is a full time job. I also work part time work for an educational research firm from home and I have three children to support, remember. MS really limits the energy you have, so that limits what you can accomplish. You really have to prioritize.
NL: What has been your most interesting experience in SL so far?
GH: Interesting? Gosh so many. Would you believe I have been bull riding in here? There are so many fun things to do in SL that I can't in RL, even simple things like going to a concert or seeing an art gallery or simply walking in a forest. Those are things I used to be able to do, and I missed them, but I *can* do them now in SL.
NL: Tell me about some about your plans for VAI and this SIM?
GH: The reason to do this island is to bring more people into SL, to support their learning to use the computer here, and to get them integrated into SL society. We have other ideas we'd like to try, but need to plan carefully and make sure this is successful first. One thing we are experimenting with is a form of housing that reinforces the feeling of community. We'd like to do more experiments along those lines. We're also exploring ideas about enabling meaningful paying employment.
NL: How will you know when you've been successful here?
GH: Success isn't how many people we keep in the group, but how many move into SL and they begin to interact and take advantage of what goes on in SL. But surprisingly, many stay or come back to the group to help others.

Breezes interviews Kouse about her delightful designs

One day I was wandering and looking for something new to buy (I just can't help shopping) When i happened across this delight. The creator of these wondrous designs was there so I took the chance to talk to her and find out her inspiration:
Breezes Babii: Kouse I am pleased to have become acquainted with the fine gowns you design, Will you tell us how you got started in SecondLife?
Kouse Singh: I saw a piece about it on the news actually, on CBC, looked fun so figured I'd give it a try.
Breezes Babii: Do you find the Designing and your shop fulfilling?
Kouse Singh: Oh yes, it's a great outlet for me creatively.
BB: Well I thoroughly enjoy the compliments I receive from your gowns. Did you build your own shop?
KS: I built the shop on SeaBreeze Oasis. Two of my best friends, Serenity Sieyes and Malakh Giles, collaboratively built the location on Avilion Vale.
BB: That is such an accomplishment. Tell me how do you come upon the ideas for your designs?
KS: Well sometimes, I look at paintings and photos of historical gowns and base my designs off those. However most of the time I just create them freeform from my imagination.
BB: Imagination is truly a gift and we all benefit from your lovely work. The group you have created and giving us a buy 1 get one free is remarkable. Do you travel and seek the materials for your gowns?
KS: Oh no, as a Mage I conjure them up *giggle
BB: In RL do you design? I wonder when did you begin to know you wanted to be a Designer?
KS: Yes, I make a fair amount of my own clothing when it comes to dresses, items like shirts, pants et cetera i just buy though.
BB: How long have you been a designer Kouse?
KS: Oh ever since I could hold a pencil I've been sketching, most often ball gowns, Disney movies affected my sketches for a long time, In SL, since about July of last year, and in RL, been making dresses off and on for about 6 years.
BB: I imagine your dream of dancing and prancing around in these works of yours. Is there anything you can recommend for a new designer to begin an experience in designing.
KS: I'd say to anyone who wants to design, make sure you put your heart into it. It's more important that what you do is to the best of your ability, and that it have soul, then to just be another item of clothing to be cranked out and thrust into the marketplace.
BB: You certainly have done that very thing. Such lovely ladies I see flock to this store and we love you. Thank you so much for the opportunity to talk with you.
Kouse has a wide range of gowns for the aPetite figure that is delightful she has lovely shoes and hair also I invite you all to come and drape yourself in luxury.

By Breezes Babii

Interview with Author Diana Allandale

By Nazz Lane

Second Life has played host to a growing number of authors, publishers and promoters of the written word and the community is readying itself for its annual book fair. I had the opportunity to meet with and interview Diana Allandale, author of thirteen novels and a prominent member of the community. She has a strong presence in SL, including her booth "Passionate Books" at the Book Island Publishing Village, she has six locations in Second Life for residents to learn more about her and access her work. She also conducts a writing workshop for budding authors or those just interested in the "writing" process. Diana Allandale is really Diana Hunter in real life and writes romance novels with an erotic theme. She has a presence on My Space, a group in Yahoo and her own web site for promoting her work.

"Hello Diana and welcome to my home." I said as she arrived and dropped gracefully onto the floor of my living room. "Thank you Nazz. It's nice to meet you in person." She replied. We exchanged pleasantries and I gave her a brief tour of my home as we proceeded up to the third floor outdoor patio and made ourselves comfortable on lounge chairs. "I was just out looking at your web site, an impressive list of titles." I said. She thanked me and said, "My thirteenth just released last Friday I'm calling it my Lucky 13th." I asked if she was ready for the interview and she replied that she was.

NL: Can you tell me what brought you into SL?
DA: I heard an article on NPR in October of 2006. They were talking about this virtual world and how Toyota, Ford and IBM were making places and advertising themselves in it. I'd had some experience with virtual worlds, but hadn't heard of Second Life. But I thought, "Hey, if the big boys can do it, so can I." So when I got home that afternoon, I checked out the website, downloaded the client ... made myself an avatar...and came in-world! Of course I found out SL is MUCH more than an advertising venue. *grin* I came to advertise my books ... and stayed because of the community.
NL: Looking back to your experiences in SL, has it changed your writing?
DA: I don't think it has ... actually, what it HAS changed is my approach toward promoting my writing. The writing itself has grown, but I think that's more due to my editor's skill at guiding me than SL's chat. *smiles* That was pretty confusing, wasn't it. May I try again? I was just talking with another author who is very excited to use SL as a means of character exploration. She intends to create her characters and "play" them in-world...truly explore the psyche of the character before she writes the story. While that sounds like fun … To be honest, I have so many characters already rattling around in my brain that taking that much time to spend with one would drive me nuts. *Smiles* But it is a good use of SL's capabilities ... and a cool way to explore a character's motivations. I see it more as an opportunity to work through a spot rather than playing the character on a regular basis.
NL: Since you've been in SL ... What have you learned about yourself as a writer?
DA: That I'm not good at doing a serial on any sort of regular basis! *Laughing* I have one I started ... with intentions of writing a new episode every 2 weeks. Then it moved to once a month ... now I'm lucky if I can get one out every two months or so.
NL: This is a change of pace question … Who in SL would you like to meet and why?
DA: OOHH! ... Let me think on that ... Philip Linden *Smiles* because I'd love to meet the creative genius behind SL. Many people dream it ... he DID it.
NL: What was your most memorable moment in SL?
DA: I'm not sure I have just one ... One of the things I most love about SL are the almost serendipitous conversations that spring up, some of my better memories and friends were in chance encounters. I'm where I am today because of a chance encounter ... happened to meet Ravishal Bentham in Nantucket one day ... struck up a conversation ... and before I knew it he was helping me set up my first shop! I guess my most memorable was being on Paisley's show with Torley ... one can never forget an encounter with him *Smiles* ... He's as much a whirlwind in person as on the web *laughing*
NL: Which moment would you like to forget?
DA: Moments to forget? I'd have to say the little dramas that occasionally play out. For whatever reasons those begin, they always end badly.
NL: How did the concept for As the SL World Turns (Serial Story) come about?
DA: I'd actually toyed with the idea of writing an online serial ... just a way of getting people to the website. But then was talking to Rav and we started tossing the idea around about how it could be done in SL and viola! The serial was born.
NL: I see you have a presence on my space, yahoo groups, your own web site and six locations in SL, is your marketing strategy all internet based and do you have a RL presence as Diana Hunter or Diana Allendale or both?
DA: Mostly, yes. Since all of my books are released first and primarily as eBooks, it seemed to make sense that I do most of my advertising there. On occasion I take out an ad in the Romantic Times or Realms of Fantasy magazines ... but that's a limited audience. Since my books have a strong D/s component, I make sure I get my name into those circles as well as the romance genre ones and nope ... I'm only Diana Allandale in SL at the moment, *grin* It's good to have a name I can use later if need be.
NL: Where did the idea for doing the writing workshops come from?
DA: I teach creative writing in RL. I wanted some way to give back to the community and that seemed a logical place to start. Plus ... in several of my readings, people would ask questions about the writing process. So there seemed to be a need. I contacted Selina Greene about doing them on Book Island, since she was looking for ways to promote what was going on there ... and we were off.
NL: The workshops, have they been fun for you?
DA: Most weeks *grins*. Sometimes I choose a dud topic and then things fall apart. I've had anywhere from 3 people (on the duds) to over 2 dozen. But I like the "come if you want to" atmosphere ... don't want it to be a chore for anyone.
NL: Have you discovered any budding authors?
DA: Tons! There are lots of writers here in SL ... I think the world's focus on chat text actually brings out the writers. People role play here all the time ... and then want to write down either those experiences or they finally get the courage to write down that novel they have in their head. What will be interesting is if or maybe I should say WHEN someone figures out how to easily publish works here in SL. Right now all the stories exist OUTSIDE SL ... You can't actually sit and read a book in SL. The THINc books are close, but because they're rezzing, the flow of reading is hard for a novel. Once that hurdle is flown over, then you'll see a real revolution in publishing.
NL: Are you involved in the upcoming SL Book Fair?
DA: Yes, I'm helping with the planning ... and am visitor liaison and booth set-up helper. *grins* I'm also tech support on the stream...cause so far I'm the only one with stream experience. Somehow that made me an expert!?!
NL: I saw on your blog that you were attending the Romantic Times Convention in Pittsburg and discussing promotion using SL. Is promotion in SL working for you?
DA: Yes ... Very much so. Well, I think it is, *grin*. Let me explain ... I like hard data ... but there really isn't any way to quantify how any one promotion affects book sales. Royalty statements aren't really any help because print booksellers have tons of time to pay their bills. So the publisher might sell one of my books in January and I won't know about it till May or June ... when it's bundled in with all the other books the bookseller paid for at the same time. Website hits are another data source...and while I get spikes, like after Sundays' Meet the Author ... it pretty much stays steady. So there isn't really a good, hard way to collect data. So why do I say yes its working? Because I feel it in my gut ... Because I've had more interviews in SL based newspapers and TV stations and blogs than I have in RL. Because I have so many readers who come to my readings and tell me about the books they've bought *grins*. Longer answer than you expected, huh? I'll spend more money on the Romantic Times convention this year than I've spent TOTAL in SL ... and hit only 1000 people. That's another reason I think SL is working for me.
NL: From your Bio "Each book Diana writes contains a kernel of truth or deeply held conviction from her own life, but don't ask her where truth ends and fantasy begins &she'll never tell!" Are you ready to share with my readers?
DA: *Grins* Nope! Let them figure out what's truth and what's fantasy. That's part of the fun.

I thanked her for the time and for being so delightful to chat with. She smiles and replied, "Thank you for asking me! This has been fun. I look forward to seeing what you can make out of my mess of answers. Farewell Nazz."

Interview with Annetelope Pawpaw

Firehorse Rearwin: Why did you first sign up to SL?

Annetelope Pawpaw: I didn't even know what it was, never heard of it till one day I was on work and my brother-in-law downloaded it and showed me'

Annetelope Pawpaw: I went home and downloaded it onto my pc that night.

Firehorse Rearwin: What was the appeal at first?

Annetelope Pawpaw: The fact it was so real looking and the people I came across looked so fantastic...for the first time in my lifeI was a size ten with legs all the way up to my armpits and boobs that defied gravity, that's what captured my interest at first

Annetelope Pawpaw: in sl you can look perfect.

Firehorse Rearwin: and how long did it take you to be able to function on SL?

Annetelope Pawpaw: It took me a while before I started to build or create anything at first, I was just happy to explore and meet new people from all over the world....I met a few nice people who helped me get the hang on the basics. It can be quite a lot to take in when you first start as a noob, I guess it took me about a month to really feel comfortable with it all

Firehorse Rearwin: Why did you choose your SL name?

Annetelope Pawpaw: Well Annetelope is something I had been called off and on my whole life so that part was easy and Pawpaw because it had the same animal appeal. I thought it suited Annetelope best.

Firehorse Rearwin: Where was the first place that you hung out on SL?

Annetelope Pawpaw: Well I explored a lot but the first place I kept returning to was a bar called Thunder Roadhouse, a little biker bar which I thought was so cool. Not long after me and my partner built our own version incidently that is where I met three of my closest friends in sl who I am still close to now over a year on.

Firehorse Rearwin: 70% of your time on SL is used for?

Annetelope Pawpaw: Goodood question lol but one that I can't answer, truthfully it depends. I can go weeks without building or creating, just wanting to spend time with my friends hanging out and chatting catching up on rl issues, and other times I can go into a building frenzy where I spend a good few days doing that and not communicating much at all.

Firehorse Rearwin: What is the best thing you ever built? Did you sell it and do you have a pic? Annetelope Pawpaw: The best thing I ever built is friendships:)...but people aside I'd have to say my bar Hog Heaven because it has brought about so many meaningful relationships....we built it out of love and believe me it sure has had its share of romances sl and rl lol and no I would never sell it and yeah I have a zillion pics of it lol

Firehorse Rearwin: What has been your most embarassing experience on SL so far?

Annetelope Pawpaw: I haven't really had any embarassing incidents on sl I can't think of any, ohh yes I can! lmao I was shopping for furniture with my partner in a crowded shopping mall when this guy, whoever he was, used the head f*ck animation and was stuck to my head grinding into my face. I couldnt get him off! It was comical but embarassing at the same time, my partner was angry as hell !lol

Firehorse Rearwin: Are you happy with your avatar or is there something (perhaps that isn't possible) that you'd like to add/change?

Annetelope Pawpaw: As time wore on my avitars looks became much less important to me, I really don't dress her up half as much as I used to. I can go a week without changing her clothes lol. So no, there is nothing I would like to change about my av, in fact it would upset me more if I did change her.

Firehorse Rearwin: What is the most you ever paid for an item in Sl and what was it?

Annetelope Pawpaw: The most I paid was L$12000 for a sexgen bed lol! Well actually me and my partner went halves so L$6000 to be accurate. Money well spent lol.
Firehores Rearwin: What is the worst thing about being a club owner?

Annetelope Pawpaw: mmmmm there are a few things that are a crap about owning a club well for me anyway.

Firehorse Rearwin: Such as?

Annetelope Pawpaw: One is when people find out you own a club they treat you differently, not everyone does this of course, but the majority do. Its a classic case of rl carrying over into sl. Everyone wants to be associated with you because you own a bar so it can be quite hectic if we have a bar full of people and they all want to speak to you and they do this in IM. I can have up to ten IM's going at once at times and that is impossible to deal with without getting stressed. When that happens I leave or log out - its just not worth it. Luckily for me it doesn't happen often as I dont put myself in the firing line like I used to and I dont encourage to many people into the bar anymore. We have a great crowd of regulars who I call friends who I like to spend my time with instead.Annetelope Pawpaw: This is something I never thought would happen lol, when everything is going well and people are happy lifes great but when things go wrong its normally the owners that people turn to. I have had a few fallings out with people over problems that were not mine to start with I guess I kinda get treated like a mother figure lol

Firehorse Rearwin: and the best thing?

Annetelope Pawpaw: That's easy:) being able to log on sl at anytime night and day and knowing that sooner or later one of your friends is going to turn up at the bar. You're never lonely, well most of the time your not lol. It's nice to have a base that people can meet especially the people who don't own land of their own. I have a few friends who call Hog Heaven "home", even the ones that do have their own homes ,bars, clubs lol they still seem to drift back to Hog Heaven at some time or other .....that's what I love about Hog Heaven most - the people:)Firehorse Rearwin: .If you could sum up your SL in one sentence what would it be ?

Annetelope Pawpaw: Sl gives you wings lol:)

Annetelope Pawpaw: ok lol Sl can give you a lot more than you bargained for - it can change your life.

Interview with Honey Fairweather

Firehorse Rearwin: How did you come up with the idea for Fashion Consolidated?
Honey Fairweather: It's called FashCon! Actually weirdly enough, the name "FashCon" flashed through my mind the moment I thought "I need a consolidated set of notices". I'm not sure why but it sounded *terribly* secret service pistol-in-my-garter at the time.
I came up with the idea as a way to scratch an itch in December 2006 - the usual "waa I'm in too many designer groups" - both because of the 25 group limit but also because, well surely someone had provided a consolidated way to see all these? I hunted around but it didn't seem to exist so I thought I could make one and see if maybe a few dozen people might like it too. I had no clue 6500 would join and it's still increasing by over 100 members a week! My poor SL postman is run off his feet.
When I started it, I was cheeky and asked a few big designers what they'd think. I probably looked like crazywoman, in fact you can see from the FashCon posters on kiosks around SL that I did. Eep I need to replace that logo soon! (/me scribbles another to-do). Anyway they were lovely and kind to Ms Noob and seemed to think it was a good idea and generally patted me on the head and fed me doggy biscuits, so I gulped, wagged my tail and started it.
Firehorse Rearwin: How difficult was it to get designers (and the public) to see your vision?
Honey Fairweather: Not difficult at all - in a way the group demonstrates itself the moment you join it. You'll either feel suddenly joined up to a community and love the sudden large daily influx of fashion news and releases (the 6500 of you), or you'll feel drowned and leave (the other few millions). I had to work quite hard at startup time for a few months, just simply asking people what they thought, ideas on how to make it useful and effective, spending a lot of time explaining the concept to people, until the concept itself took over and regenerates itself as the group continues by watching group usage (when it doesn't go astray). But the guidelines and expected IM behaviour, notice content etc. were pretty much formed within a few weeks and have hardly changed. The one thing I'm insistent on is keeping the group to its original ethos: a courteous, fun, intelligent community based around specifically newly-released fashion and av-related creations from talented people. Most of my real work I see as spreading that ethos and making sure it continues: I don't tolerate fights (hugging works) and try to encourage a measured approach on everything: whether responding to stray group IMs, responding to piracy (tough but no witchhunts), dealing with the seemingly constant misdirection of notice content. In the end you have to deal with how humans *are* (e.g. 10% won't read your notices and 50% won't read your blog) and working from there, rather than thinking "everyone should do X" and throwing your hamster at the fridge door.
Firehorse Rearwin: What made you keep going with the idea through the early days when you didn't charge for the service?
Honey Fairweather: Same thing as now! I introduced charging after 12 months for two reasons: (1) because I was totally exhausted, mowed over by all the work and needed staff, and (2) because I hoped it would put a gentle brake on designers joining, meaning that it would filter out those who were joining casually with no real determination to perfect their skills. (2) was a very serious consideration at the time - I'd been through a lot of other options as ways to improve the average quality of designers' submissions to keep it engaging for members (which we all want), and every other way than this was unworkable, subject to cliques of subjectivitiy, subject to huge administation overhead etc. I still consider the entry cost a useful tool to promote serious committed designers over the odd tshirt maker, and will continue to use price to try to influence this uptake as time goes on. But what keeps me going now, as I'm still very busy and barely get time to partay, is the same as in the first year: the wonderful surprise at what a lovely community has grown up around my little idea, how kind and supportive almost everyone is, and the hugs. If you want to see the community join the Fashion Consolidated Cafe group! Did I mention I like hugs?
Firehorse Rearwin: What has given you the most fun with the FashCon project?
Honey Fairweather: FUN? I'm not here to have FUN! Ok.. well FashCon FreeDay to celebrate the group's rezday WAS huge fun! Again it was a little idea of mine at 2am the night before (kind of like an "omg it's little Susie's birthday tomorrow and I didn't order CAKE" panic) and I was truly amazed when a few hundred designers joined in the next day, all offering quality freebies to the world. Everywhere was grey. Fantastic! It was quite a sight to fly from sim to sim as the freebie notices flooded in and to watch each shop go grey and globby within 10 seconds of the notice with 50 visitors. It really brought home to me what a big thing FashCon had become for many and made me stop criticising myself for 2 seconds, which is unusual. I think that day I filled 100 sims - I'm wondering if that makes me the most successful griefer on SL... Happily the shops seemed to love it. On average most had about 200 visitors within an hour, and many told me they had made good sales later as a knock-on effect. Yay!
Firehorse Rearwin: What causes you the most hassles with Fash Con?
Honey Fairweather: Well I just finished my latest 3 hours staff meeting with my two new staff members (PK Emmons and Ivy Norsk, who are *great*) and I can send you the log of the problems we discuss :) I'd say if I had to sum up, the biggest problem of all is trying to communicate with 800 designers. Many have no time to read news on the website (http://fashcon.com) and don't read, or catch up with my admin notices. They contain really important changes that affect people, but I have to explain them over and over. I'm hoping to fix this soon by moving all designers over to the new kiosk system then setting up a new channel to talk to them. But in the end, only a percentage of people will *ever* read instructions, stick to guidelines on posting content, read that you don't get added as a designer until the following weekend even if it's in the setup notecard, send you IMs instead of notecards as per profile and website, not use group IM except in the Cafe group. Did I mention them all yet?
Oh and also, being nagged to do things like interviews and feeling guilt rather than "it can wait!" when I'm very slow. As a random, entirely theoretical example, imagine being in the middle of responding to an interview and receiving veiled threats to finish it in the form of "Possible articles for April 1st: "Desperately seeking a good master - the heartbreak of successful SL business woman Honey Fairweather".
Oh and I really hate how it's hard to open cellophane wrapping on DVDs.
Firehorse Rearwin: Roughly how many hours a week do you dedicate to Fash Con a week?
Honey Fairweather: I've never worked it out, but today I'd guess 5 hours and it's.. 1:30pm SLT. But then I did have a meeting. I'd guess at an average of 2-3 hours per day 7 days a week, and then about 8 hours on a Sunday (the day we process kiosk data and add people). It'd be a lot more without amazing help from friends and neighbours! Like my wonderful kiosk developer and friend, Sasun Steinbeck, my great friend Galea Yates, others who have helped and supported me.
Firehorse Rearwin: If you weren't doing Fashion Con what would you like to do on SecondLife?
Honey Fairweather: Be Japanese. REALLY! Cept I can't do that can I, because I can't speak Japanese, and I don't know what those odd little kiosks outside all the shops in wonderful Kabuki are. I really would though. My opinion that Japanese designers hold the future of SL in their hands is widespread and fanatical by now, in that a lot of my webpages have been translated into Japanese by kind helpers and I have a Japanese masterplan on hold until I have done things like this interview.
Also, I'd play with my penguins more in the peace and comfort of my little home in Amicitia, while listening to moody sexy 60s french chansons, swaying gently in front of the mirror, and sipping white russians.
Firehorse Rearwin: Whats your happiest moment on Secondlife so far?
Playing with my penguins in the peace and comfort of my little home in Amicitia, while listening to moody sexy 60s french chansons, swaying gently in front of the mirror, and sipping white russians.
Firehorse Rearwin:Whats your most embarrassing moment on Secondlife so far?
Playing with my penguins in the... OK. Hmmm. Well leaving aside all the "omgzzz then all my clothes fell off!" and "oops wrong window!" moments, I'm embarrassed almost all the time and try to hide it! Being a feisty but defeated Gaulish princess slave in shackles at the 2008 Roman-themed Concierge party comes close...
Firehorse Rearwin: If you could sum up your SL in one sentence what would it be ? Or if there is a oneliner you want to share with our readers what would it be ?
As anyone who's read my notices knows, I don't do pithy one sentences well. OK, answer for both from Bertrand Russell: "The secret of happiness is this: let your interests be as wide as possible, and let your reactions to the things and persons that interest you be as far as possible friendly rather than hostile".

Drive by Agony Group Establishes Presence in Second Life

By Nazz Lane

Through a friend, I had recently been introduced to Carmen Gray of the Drive by Agony group in second life. Both of our schedules had been full but we'd finally been able to connect setting up a date and time when we'd both be on-line. We met at her place, the Life Learning Center along with Hope McAlpine and Hiliary Grant for this interview.

"Hello Nazz, I'm so glad we could finally catch up with each other." Carmen said in greeting as I arrived at the center. "My pleasure Carmen, and my apologies for having had this take as long as it has, real life has been hectic of late." I replied and then continued: "I know you've been busy as well, getting organized for the group's activities. I won't take up too much of your time." She smiled and replied, "We can take as long as you need Nazz. It's important that we get the word out about our plans. Why don't you have a seat and we can get started."

NL: Carmen can you tell me, what is your role in Drive by Agony?

CG: Nazz, I'm the Founder of the organization "Drive by Agony". The group has been in SL for nearly eight months now and in real life since 1988, our web site is www.drivebyagony.net .This is the Life Learning Center where the groups SL programs will come from.

NL: What is the group's mission?

CG: Our group's mission to increase awareness about the impact of crime in the US and to honor the victims of crime. Our activities culminate in a yearly event, bringing communities into action through a March and Demonstration for the legislators in Washington to take action. We need to increase awareness about the cost of crime it brings upon victims, the medical bills and education about how to bring the harmony in our nation and create a safe place for our children. This year's March will occur on April 19th and we have a full program planned for that day in second life.

NL: The real life group has been in existence for nearly 20 years now, what has been the focus of the group in SL?

CG: My focus has been to figure out how to bring the materials, the set up, the focus and the mission of the group into SL. When you come into SL you are like a baby and it is difficult. So I had to learn first then force myself to get involved in the community of the virtual world and learn to balance the two.

NL: How successful do you feel you've been in doing so Carmen?

CG: I feel good about it. The ups and downs and mistakes like in RL help you to grow.

NL: What have you learned about running a group in SL that is different than in RL?

CG: Wow! Where do I start *smiles* Well you learn how to deal with different cultures up close and personal. It's like you do not see each other but you can feel each other's hearts which I think is better. You can connect with people a lot faster from around the world that share a common cause of helping others. Working with others in various ways, you can share and support each other no matter what your cause is and feel free doing so *smiles* comfortable.

NL: What other activities is the group planning for the next few months?

CG: A grand opening of this facility is one that is in the planning stages, HIliary just finished most of it and people will be able to come and meditate, receive counseling and support. We'll offer anger management services and parenting classes. We also have a natural health care store next door to help. This facility will offers the SL resident an opportunity to come and speak with me about personal feelings of pain associated with tragedies in their lives, also learn how to control their anger and be a part of change in preventing violence. They will also have the opportunity to come and learn from the information about our purpose, and what we will be providing for victims of any crime.

9 questions for ... Morpheus Linden

This time we've interviewed someone from the Linden family. Linden Lab has sent us one of the best people they have, Morpheus Linden. He leads a team, called Studio Lux, that works on the back-end billing integration. For example, he and his crew have worked on the infamous but necessary technical part of the introduction of VAT to Europe's Second Life residents.

Please note that some of the usual 9 questions seemed a bit inapropriate for an employee of Linden Lab, so we had to change them a bit for this occasion. Thank you Morpheus, for our pleasant conversation and answering these questions so openly and honestly. And thanks Dee Linden for setting it up. I owe you at least a virtual glass of fine champagne. :)

That said, let's get to the 9 Questions and Answers ...

Question 1: Why did you choose THAT name for your avatar? Do you still have a picture of your newbie days?

Morpheus: Morpheus comes from the name of the Greek God of Sleep. I'm fascinated by sleep, and dream in particular and the implications they have on epistemology. Dream is very much like an alternate reality. In that reality, how do we know what's true or real? Given that uncertainty, how can we then make assumptions about knowing reality in this life?

I'm also a big fan of Neil Gaiman's 'Sandman' series of graphic novels. I feel like they are an excellent example of the dangers of categorical behavior. To a casual observer, "it's just a comic book" but in fact, there's a tremendous amount of depth, interplay and thought there such that I would categorize as literature in a way that most novels published today are not. I feel the same way about Second Life and the way it might seem like "it's just a game" to a casual observer, but the depth, complexity and potential here dwarf the category "game."

There's a quote from a Nineteenth century French poet, Gérard de Nerval that goes, "Dream is a second life." So, when it came time to choose a Linden name, Morpheus, god of sleep, was the obvious choice for me.

Of course the bad-ass from the Matrix didn't hurt the decision either. :)

Question 2: How long were you in SL before you felt you could function and work your way in SL? Did you go through some kind of training at LL in this aspect?

Morpheus: I've been involved in virtual worlds in some way or another for a long time. In 1991, I was one of the founders and administrators of an "LP" MUD. My graduate computer science work was within the Virtual Reality group, and I went into the games industry shortly after graduate school. So, while the particulars of the interface were (and sometimes still are) challenging, the fundamentals of a virtual existence are fairly well ingrained.

There are a couple of ways that the Lab trains incoming Lindens, but I didn't get anything more than an initial shopping trip with Jeska Linden upon joining. I remember when someone first pointed out how to create a landmark in order to return somewhere. I was astonished, because up until that point, I'd pretty much gotten around in-world without those pesky menus. To me, having to go "out" to a menu broke the proverbial "fourth wall." I was surprised that something so fundamental was outside of the immersive interface.

It was over a year later that I finally attended Char Linden's "bootcamp" for new Lindens. I picked up a few tricks from her like turning off the online friend notification. What a blessing that turned out to be. As a Linden, one accumulates a lot of "friends." (Preferences > General > Uncheck: Show Online Friend Notifications)

So, how long? It was probably a couple of weeks before I felt like at least a comfortable tourist. I don't know that I yet feel like a native though almost two years later.

Question 3: Did you know about SL or did you even have an account before you started working for Linden Lab?

Morpheus: I was peripherially aware of Second Life from shortly after it launched, but didn't pay close attention to it until I was job hunting in spring of '06. At that point, a friend-of-a-friend had blogged about her new job at Linden Lab and how they were still hiring (We still are! See this link). I decided to check it out more thoroughly. As a virtual world with strengths like user created content where users retain the intellectual property rights, I thought that Linden Lab might be a good match for my skills and interests. At the time, they were celebrating their 100,000th resident. Of course, now we have grown by two orders of magnitude and have a concurrency over half of what was then the total number of accounts!

So, I spent some time in-world in preparation for (and during) my interview process, but I was not a "proper" resident before becoming a Linden.

Question 4: Where do you hang out most (in-world)? What is special about that place?

Morpheus: I wish I had a better answer for this than I do. A large percentage of the time that I spend in-world is meeting with other Lindens. My team is split between multiple locations and so all of our meetings are in-world. The same is true for the other teams and working groups I'm in. Acknowledging the distributed nature of our organization, Linden Lab HQ is actually comprised of 4 connected islands in-world. So that's where I spend almost all of my in-world time.

Question 5: Can you still go into SL just for leisure, or is it all work? What kind of leisure do you like best in SL?

Morpheus: I can and do spend time in-world for leisure both as myself and as an alt. Not nearly enough, of course. The world changes around me so quickly, I rarely manage to get my bearings before I'm lost again, but that's actually a great thing. I think the strength of Second Life is in its residents, so when I'm in world, I'm either just chatting with people, or exploring. Sometimes, I like to just pull up the world map, pick somewhere, TP there and wander around. Sometimes I'll just go to the top classified ad from the search page and start there. Otherwise, I'll just find my way to a club and hang out for a little while, and hope they have a good dance ball b/c I've still not really loaded my AV with animations.

Question 6: How do you feel the original concept of 'your world, your imagination' works in today's SL?

Morpheus: I think it's still strong. After all, what Second Life is today is due to the creativity of the Second Life residents. We try to keep Second Life as open, available and accessible as we can. All of our work is about enabling the residents and trying to do so in a way that allows us to remain a viable business entity.

Question 7: How do you see your future within SL and Linden Lab?

Morpheus: Alas, I'm famously poor at predicting the future, so I'll keep this one brief: "Long, engaging and challenging!".

Question 8: There's a rumor that Lindens try out all the new poseballs when access is restricted for Lindens. Is it true? And if not, what do Lindens do when they are alone in SL?

Morpheus: LOL, I love that! It cracks me up because in one sense, it seems perfectly reasonable, but little could be farther from the truth. In my experience, if the world is "Lindens Only" then it's because one of two things is happening. Either
A) we're in the early part of bringing up revisions to the server architecture in which case we're doing what's called a "Smoke Test" in QA parlance; A test which tries to cover a broad range of activities, but does not probe with much depth.
or
B) something has gone horribly wrong with some piece of back-end infrastructure, and we're only willing to risk corruption on our own accounts while we're troubleshooting.

That said, I simply love this Haiku from Jeska one "release day" back when we would regularly be down for 6-ish hours every other week as we pushed out a new server release (link here):
Internal testing
Sit on your pose balls, laughing
Eating your ice cream

Question 9: What oneliner or thought would you like to share with our readers, that reflects how you see SL?

Morpheus: It's a great time for Second Life. We've made some amazing changes since I got here: Flexi prims, sculpties, voice, a usable search. We open sourced the client. We've got windlight just out and Havoc 4 and Mono on the way. And yet we still have an amazing set of challenges in front of us in the realms of stability, usability and openness.

So my one liner for how I see SL? "May you live (your second life) in interesting times!"