Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Emerald Caverns Love Tunnel

Visit Emerald Caverns Love Tunnel here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aigle/119/44/2502

I was checking out the SL destination guide and saw this fantasy looking ride and wanted to give it a try, so I invited Cash Benelli to come along and try it out with me.  It's called Emerald Caverns Love Tunnel but the boat pose is a very G rated side by side sit, the music playing was techno, and the ride was very fantasy looking.  Overall a fun, relaxing and pretty ride.  This would make for a quick nice casual scenic location to enjoy with a friend or a date.

Emerald Caverns, Love Tunnel Emerald Caverns, Love Tunnel Emerald Caverns, Love Tunnel Emerald Caverns, Love Tunnel Emerald Caverns, Love Tunnel

Monday, January 30, 2017

Will LL Force or Nudge SL Residents into Sansar at Some Point? My Thoughts About This Topic Posed on New World Notes

New World Notes, a longstanding leading blog about SL, virtual worlds and VR has been posing discussion topics about Sansar and there has been much feedback over there about the if or when LL will "nudge" or "force" Second Life residents over to Sansar. Please visit that site to see more Friday's post here  http://nwn.blogs.com/nwn/2017/01/second-life-linden-lab-sansar-vr.html#more

  The topics of discussion and feedback has been thought provoking.  Everyone most likely reacts to different things in the posts as well as the comments.  Some of the comments from the initial post led me to ponder and write my reactions which I will share here.  Today I saw their follow up discussion that considers some of the things I was also wondering about.  This post is just one of my personal ramblings so of course feel free to skip it over if you like but I'm guessing these issues have been on all our minds.  I'll compare my thoughts I'm having now to reality in a few years and probably laugh at my ignorance and naivety on this topic.  But hey, it's my blog for me saving my thoughts. I hope this is not perceived as a rant.  It's not.  I'm a huge fan of LL.
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SL is special to me because it is by the people for the people and almost anyone can do just about anything they want with a small amount of effort.  I hope Sansar maintains that at least, and also keeps the expense down.  If so, they probably won’t have to FORCE anyone to visit Sansar.

People can’t be forced to join any virtual platform they don’t like.   LL would do well to consider SL resident’s concerns though as obviously many SL residents will be a large percentage of the initial group to try Sansar out first.   I’m very eager to try in spite of absolutely loving my SL.  I’m curious about it and truly hope it’s amazing and meets my desires.  But I can’t speculate until it’s ready and I get in and try it out. I certainly have very high hopes and recognize LL wants to create an updated environment. I’m all for that.  There are many virtual platforms now so I’m not sure what Sansar will have to offer that will make people want to choose it over others.  Certainly SL has its own solid following, many of which will try or go full or part time to Sansar.   SL is a very special place that has a solid following based on its current activity design though.

Regarding some of the other comments at the above referenced site, I don’t know what will be lost or gained in Sansar until it’s up and running and we are in.  I do recognize there are producers who want to be the first to make their millions (per comments there) attaining fame or fortune but on the flip side they will also need consumers and the relatively talented few who are able to make a living working in a virtual world should appreciate the consumers for what they are and not disregard or say skeptics are not needed by Sansar.  Once it’s up and running those same skeptics or persons with concerns might be the best consumers helping to make someone else their desired millions or stay at home careers possible in a virtual world/Sansar.  We just don’t know right now.    Does Sansar want SL residents or non-productive low skilled persons? Well I certainly hope they should value them every bit as much as the producers.  If everyone is out to make their millions who will pay for all that? Are the talented few just going to make a world full of skilled people who all re-invest, thus completely supporting each other’s careers? Somehow I doubt it would work out that way. I've not heard Sansar's  plans about cost controls or how easy it will be to build like it is in SL  My comments are simply a reaction to some opinions in the original articles feedback section from residents.

The cost of everything should be kept low enough that consumers want to join for their own socialization, recreation, and creative expression.  People who can afford, will purchase from those who do produce quality products/entertainment just like in SL, and potentially bring in their friends who will do likewise.  If SL inventory is completely not portable, it would be nice if  SL residents be given incentives over non SL current residents to transition or at least visit regularly.

I’m a blogger and occasional venue owner which is how I contribute free PR and social/art space to those who produce music, art, clothing, various products, etc.  I enjoy it but I do it for FREE and in actuality I often pay big bucks for land, landscaping/products, time spent posting, etc..  I do it for my own fun and to support friends who produce or to show others what I’ve found that is cool which sends business to those producers. (It's notable I, like almost everyone else, LOVE that I am able to edit or create a little for a unique personal touch)  Of course it has less value than someone who spends significant time making  for example a mesh dresser in blender etc. but it still has some value.  This is what makes SL go round.  Some make amazing things while some make or edit their own small things or help others landscape or etc. while others just show up at a music crowd contributing their wit and amazing social skills thus making others happier to be there too which in turn brings in more crowds. The selfless fundraising people in SL are impressive and help the real world which provides SL some quality PR and this is also another good example of the point I’m trying to make.  So many people give of their time and talents for free for the benefit of others in and out of SL.  Many things have value and there is already much debate in SL over the expense vs value of not only clothes but also live music and those who support them in a variety of ways. There has been strong months-long debate and discussion about this over on Facebook specific to the live music community which really has been discussed for years.  SL and possibly Sansar can be enjoyed free or inexpensively but the enjoyment is significantly reduced when one can't afford to enjoy the basics most others purchase such as an individualize look or home etc.

  I hope Sansar appreciates consumers, socialites, and those who like to be creative on a small scale enough to keep expenses down vs everyone having to work hard to design and build mesh from scratch or simply catering to just those who as someone mentioned have more “skills” enough to make a living off others. Some SL residents like myself have also spent a small fortune off products made by others and it would be nice to be able to maintain some of that if not in Sansar at least in the SL we love and I strongly hope they keep SL growing for a very long time for us to play in when desired. I don’t mind having two virtual worlds if I love them both but I’d hate to have to pay huge double expense so someone can make their millions/livelihoods in both worlds while I start to have to pinch my pennies in both places or am forced to chose one over the other. I hope the producers, land owners who rent space, entertainers, money-makers and LL don’t forget who supported them in SL. 

 SL is special because it is by the people for the people and almost anyone can do just about anything they want with a small amount of effort.  I hope Sansar maintains that at least, and also keeps the expense down.  If so they probably won’t have to FORCE anyone to visit Sansar.  People will want to go. 

(Note there is a follow-up survey on the NWN post which I didn't participate in as there is no way I can speculate on their voting options.  Plus their terms force and nudge feel so negative for me to guess around with anyway. Again, time will tell.)

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Burn 2, Fire Moon!

Burn 2, visit here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/128/128/25
A festival of fire, art and community... in Second Life
Burningman Burning Man BURN2 Burning Life TTITD
Official SL Burn 2 web site here: http://www.burn2.org/
Their site states :  "The first New Moon of 2017 will be on the 27th of January, which coincides with teh Chinese New Year on the 28th, bringing in teh Year of the Fire Rooster.  And thuse we arrive at the theme for our next event at BURN2: Fire Moon"

Burn 2
I've taken a few pics and captured some of the schedule of events for Sunday, their last day for this particular episode of their event.   You can also view the schedule and other related info on the web site. I've blogged the SL Burning man events many times so you can use the search to find out more about this SL event with periodic art/community involvement and displays that mimic the RL event in many ways.  They have a great sense of community at these events with lots of music, art, and playfulness, and a bunch of free gifts too as usual.

burn 2 schedule
Burn 2 Burn 2 Burn 2 Burn 2

Monday, January 16, 2017

LEA4, Spilling Juel Tones, by Suzen Juel

Visit LEA4, Spilling JueL Tones by Suzen Juel  here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA4/128/128/23

LEA4 hosted a live musicfest Saturday Jan 14th at her LEA4 sim.  This ia one of the Linden Endowment for the Arts full sim land grant areas.  Suzen Juel showcases her art and music and an immersive fantasy environment for us to enjoy. The sim info states, "Linden Endowment for the Arts
Dec 1- Feb 28th ... Spilling JueL Tones
www.suzenjuel.com
-you are encouraged to explore all parts of sim-
JAN 14th 2017 - 10 hour Live Musicfest
Mixed Reality Art Install. Music. Live Music. Creative discussions. Songwriting. Eye Candy."
There are plenty of sitting/pose places within this build and I had to visit a couple of times before I was satisfied I had seen most of the many interesting details.

Suzen is a singer/songwriter who you can find all over the grid besides this LEA build.  Check out her web site here: http://www.suzenjuel.com/

And now a few pictures.. and if you want to see more before visiting just click on one of these pics to go to my Flickr where there are a bunch more.  Happy exploring.


LEA4 Silling Juel Tones LEA4 Silling Juel Tones LEA4 Silling Juel Tones LEA4 Silling Juel Tones LEA4 Silling Juel Tones LEA4 Silling Juel Tones

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Cica Ghost's Burning Opened Today

Visit Cica Ghost's Burning here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aggramar/128/128/33

Cica has a new sim, "Burning" that opened today, that's pretty cool, or I mean, hot.  I always love her stuff, and this is no exception.  The sim info. simply states, "Time is the fire in which we burn.
Dr. Soron"

Some helpful hints, turn up sounds to hear the hot fire crackling and bell, click around as there are fun pose spots, visit the store and tip Cica on that landing area, and meander through this scorched ruins of a small Cica style town surrounded by the desolate dry full sim.  Search for small details such as the cat and antennae'd crow. Have fun exploring!


Burning by Cica Ghost_006 Burning by Cica Ghost_020 Burning by Cica Ghost_017 Burning by Cica Ghost_011 Burning by Cica Ghost_003 (more pics on my Flickr if interested)

MadPea Search For Santa





It's not too late for this MADPEA quest.  Check out their web site for more info. and a direct SLurl here: http://www.madpeagames.com/archive/the-search-for-santa/

It runs through the end of January. MADPEA is always awesome so check it out..

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Penumbra Opens Today

Visit Penumbra at  Nordan om Jorden here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nordan%20om%20Jorden/128/128/22

This is a cool exhibit by a couple of my longtime fav SL immersive artists.  I've blogged them and their spaces before and they are well known for their sim and gift avatars in "Delicatessen" and the old Flickr favs.

The sim land reads: " Berg by Nordan Art is showing from January through March 2017 Penumbra by Meilo Minotaur and Capcat Ragu and lacrimioare by Huckleberry Hax. Make sure to visit Gallery M and L'annexe as well, all teleports are in the gallery." Space owned by Katebergdorf and curated by Kate and Tutsy Navaranatha.

Read more at the Bergdorf Reports here: https://katebergdorf.wordpress.com/2017/01/05/meilo-minotaur-capcat-ragu-and-huckleberry-hax-at-berg-by-nordan-art/

Here are a few pics.  Be sure to click everything too as you can receive free avatars, the light child, Caterpillar, black moth, and tree.  Be sure to turn up your sounds too and use sim windlight settings.  Then check out Huckleberry Hax's exhibit too by taking the teleporter, which can be found at the landing.


Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra Penumbra

Friday, January 6, 2017

Sansar Creator Preview - Loz Hyde





So looking forward to this.

And here is an awesome interview and a lot more good current info: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/sansar-video-footage-monetization-system,33300.html

Link to apply for early entry here: https://www.sansar.com/

Performance Fees and Venue Revenues, More on This Longstanding Discussion

There has been a resurgence of debate about the cost of sims/venues for paid or tipped live musicians and how to make reimbursement fair in SL.   Years ago a popular performer suggested a 250L covercharge and live music venues vs/ or in addition to the free will tip/donation to musicians, venue owners, and hots.  This never came close to working out, but lately Facebook has been hot with similar discussions and debate.  Some musicians feel they should be paid more or closer to real life wages as they are providing a service. Others do it strictly for the love of music and enjoy whatever is tipped.  Others attempt to make a living off their efforts and cite equipment and other expense. There are also hosts to pay or tip and management groups.  Venue owners have joined in the discussion as they pay high sim tier plus pay the performers and are never really reimbursed for their expenses and effort.  Of course there are many other factors such as gaining popularity and enhanced SL experience, etc.  And there are now management groups also doing business.  Then you toss in the fact that quality designers can make significant income from their efforts and sales of clothes and products, yet explore or art sim owners pay a significant amount yet again get little or nothing in return for their expense, time and efforts.  There are also many others who contribute to SL in many many ways, some of which are making a lot of income for their efforts and some nothing at all. There are also SL residents who are completely unable to afford to pay for anything but might contribute to the SL experience with a good personality and helping make a crowd happy by their presence and added numbers and comments.  So, while many conversations have taken place I've really only recently heard two possibly viable options to even the playing field at least for musicians and live music venues. One was musicians play a venue w/out a tip jar taking only what the venue pays them and all tips then go to the venue and the other is a relatively low cover charge but no additional tipping expected for a specific group of top venues who generally draw crowds while the rest continue as is.  I have no idea how each would work out.  But I am copying a Facebook link, a management group statement for review and consideration, and a poll that is going on asking residents to respond with their thoughts about a few things with only 8 simple quick multiple choice selections.  Please take the time to take this poll.  Thanks

Here is the quick pollhttps://apps.facebook.com/my-polls/form/sl-music-solutions-question

Here is a management group statement for consideration on the subject: http://wslpromo.net/performance-fees-and-venue-revenues/

Here is a performer's ideas and reader comments: https://www.facebook.com/kristin.craig1/posts/10155089085767323