Welcome to the section of the blog where I’ll be posting the articles that I write for ‘The Avastar’ in their full un-edited glory.  I must be the Sub Eds worst nightmare because I love to waffle (As I’m sure you’ve already noticed!)

All the articles have been published in previous editions of SL’s favourite news weekly., The Avastar. If you’ve never read it before I heartily recommend you do, visit their web site and catch up on some metaverse news. (I suggest that you start with issue 34 for Halloween.  Shameless plug here but YES that is me on the front cover!!! WEEE! Ego ego ego!)

Let’s start with a useful article, which is all about the best places to go for a dance in world!

Kitty’s guide to dancing in Second Life 

One of the most popular pastimes in Second Life is going out for a good old fashioned boogie, and the grid offers plenty of scope for shaking your thang whatever that may be. If a formal, romantic evening is your intention, then why not try the ‘Enchantments’ dance lounge( 243, 170, 723) and afterwards you and your beloved can use the teleporter by the entrance to retire to the lovers garden. Another dance floor that’s not to be missed is aboard the astounding SS Galaxy cruise liner. The Zodiac Ballroom ( 127, 92, 53) holds regular dances and Jazz evenings and is certainly worth getting dressed up for! However, if hi-nrg and dance tunes are your passion, then there are literally hundreds of clubs on grid to cater to your needs. Worth checking out is the Sky club ( 106, 96, 761) which plays great music and has wonderfully welcoming atmosphere. You can enjoy some serious chilled out beats at Hot Jazz (186, 48, 33) which was bursting at the seams when I visited. Another classy venue is the Sphynx Jazz Club,(215, 32, 24) which had some seriously hot avatars enjoying the music when I was there! If Rock and metal are more to your tastes,then you have to check out Sanctuary Rock ( 146, 55, 54). Reggae enthusiasts head on down to the Cosmic beach club ( 219, 33, 24) where you can enjoy the vibes and perhaps shop for some funky dreads too! Finally, two places that will cater to all tastes but set in very different locations. Both feature live DJ sets and regular guest appearances by some of the most talented voices in SL. First of all Havens Paradise ( 231, 221, 34) where you can enjoy a sunset shake-down in a lush tropical setting. Last but not least is the infamous Three Lions at Bourton Village(45, 78, 31) , featuring different DJ’s and a party atmosphere every night! So what are you waiting for? Time to get your dancing shoes on and get on down to one of these wonderful places!

Next up is my review of the PSB’s ‘performance’ in SL.  As an ardent fan of the boys ( and as the proprietor of the fan group in SL) to say I was disappointed would be the understatement of the year.  One of our group members, the wonderful Sullybaby Gomez, even designed long pointy hats and t-shirts for us to wear…….

SecondFest

‘Secondfest’ rapidly degenerated into ‘Secondfarce’ last night as the grand finale, an ‘exclusive’ performance in world by the Pet Shop Boys, was besieged by technical glitches and the mutterings of disillusioned attendees.
Arriving earlier than the 2300 start time to secure a good view I hoped to see a crowd of people enjoying themselves in anticipation of the nights big event.  Instead I was face to face with ruthed avatars, grey goo and portions of the sim missing.  That was coupled with no sound and/or no visuals for many.There were huge grumblings from the crowd, and despite a few Lindens being in attendance as well as some representatives of ‘Rivers Run Red’ they seemed reluctant to enter into conversation with anyone.
The final insult was the performance itself- right up until the very last minute there were huge problems as eager fans poured into the sim.  Frustratingly, I was booted out twice and had huge issues getting back in, and when I did what did I see?
A recorded performance, in fact- it was  the PSB’s ‘Cubism’ DVD ( available from all good outlets as we speak) which I recognised instantly, having seen it only a week ago, and attending the actual live concerts twice myself.  The PSB avatars were no better either alas, Neil and Chris looked decidedly odd, a strange cap perched on Chris’s head, as well as a rather odd hat on Neil’s.  I presume it was supposed to be a top hat, but it seemed to blend into the flowing locks adorning Neils head.  Something which all PSB’s fans know he hasn’t had for a rather long time.
In short this was a huge disappointment, but also displayed the failings of Second Life.  There is no way that at the moment huge events featuring international superstars can run smoothly in world.  In that respect it was a good job the performance was not one of the exclusive live performances we had been promised by Secondfest, as so many fans would have been unable to enjoy it.
This whole event cast a shadow for me on what had been a hugely enjoyable weekend, as the festival island itself looked and for the most part sounded great.I really appreciate the hard work by all those involved which went into creating this event-it was a superb idea, but alas failed in its execution.However, I do have concerns about how this event was publicised. It was described in Saturdays Guardian Guide as ‘ a combination of exclusive performance and live feeds from some of the top names in the biz’
I’m afraid the main event was disappointingly neither.  Let’s hope the many lessons that have needed to be learned from hosting this weekender will go towards ensuring that future events such as this one are less of an anti-climax, and much nearer to the virtual festival that it was supposed to be.

Gay Secondlife

 
As we all know, Second Life allows us all to be who we want to be, whether in RL we are Gay, Straight, Transsexual or Trans-gendered. We can choose to be ourselves, or to be a character completely different to our own. But if you decide to experience SL as a gay male or female avatar, what can you gain from the experience and what is out there to see and do?
DJNoNo Ulysses is a well-known avatar on the grid, respected for his Djing and for his outspoken opinions, and he described what the grid was like from a gay male perspective. He acknowledged that the gay scene can be cliquey, just like in real life, but admitted that the fantasy aspect is a huge fixture of the Gay male scene in world. “From Bears to TV/transgender and furries, there is a lot of the fantasy side to sex and gay issues in SL.” he advised. Amanda Shinji, a lesbian avatar agrees:” Certain venues are VERY cliquey, pretty snobbish and yet once inside you tend to find the odd areas where it seems to be a complete free for all.”
The gay scene has long been synonymous with decadence and promiscuity, but that’s a view that may not be entirely correct. Amanda points out, “ I certainly remember my first times to a few lesbian sims being eye openers insofar as people were willing to literally go for it with anyone that moved!” she exclaimed. DJNoNo concurs with her opinion, and adds that there are plenty of opportunities for illicit sexual encounters in world: “…There are saunas, dungeons and the like usually attached to clubs, or even whole islands/sims dedicated to that sort of thing.,“ but said that in his opinion it was “..usually something you try when you start and get bored with it fairly quickly…” Amanda agreed, and added “I’m not saying that the shagging happens on every lesbian orientated sim, but there are some that have a reputation.”
What about establishing a loving relationship and finding a gay partner in world? Again, experiences differ.
Finding a lasting love in world has so far eluded DJNoNo, “I’m not too sure how people reach out and form relationships in SL, it’s not happened to me despite trying!” he exclaimed. Amanda has found that her experiences have differed immensely, and points out that “The RL lesbian scene is echoed in certain aspects of SL, for instance the degree of openness you get, especially when talking to another girl you’re interested in.,” Amanda has been lucky enough to find SL love, but still has to fend off advances from male avatars., “Men also seem just as interested in me on the grid as they do in a RL mixed club, so nothing changes there, except that in RL, I can’t mute them or tell them to read my profile ;)”
So what if you are a gay avatar and are looking to meet similar on the grid? Both DJNoNo and Amanda offered some suggestions for the best places on the grid, with clubs that cater to specific tastes as well as those that are open to all.
According to DJNoNo ‘The Fat Tiger’, is a must-visit for ‘bears’ ( gay men who are large framed and hairy) and for men who love all things leather then a visit to ‘Hades’ is essential. For those of a camp, disco queen persuasion DJNoNo recommends the ‘Ironworks’, with its thumping techno and trance beats but affirms that across the grid “Most places are gay friendly”. Amanda recommends ‘The L Word’ sim, named after the popular HBO drama, the ‘Isle of Lesbos’, ‘Mysteria’ and the aptly named ‘A Woman’s Touch’.
But how well does Second Life serve the Gay community ? From his experience DJNoNo is of the opinion that Second Life is seen as something nerdy or niche by the RL wider Gay scene in comparison to places like Gaydar or Live journal, but he stresses that SL can have its benefits “There are lots of talks and groups in SL, and my gay friends in SL use it as an escape hatch if they are ill or can’t go out in RL”. Amanda’s opinion is slightly more controversial. “I don’t see there being any real value from my personal point of view. There are plenty of bars, clubs, dating sites etc. where lesbians can meet in RL, so there’s no real need to come into SL purely from a lesbian perspective.
Both agree that their SL experiences have ultimately proved to be fulfilling ones despite a few minor issues as DjNoNo explained,” “There’s only a bit of homophobia, usually from new people and kids who call anything bad = gay” he stressed, but Amanda is keen to point out that her sexuality, just as it doesn’t define her in RL, does not define her SL either; “ I just happen to be a lesbian in SL, not one who is using SL because she’s a lesbian”
 

Next up is a short piece I wrote on Samhain, aka Halloween

 Samhain

 Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins will be causing chaos across the grid during Halloween, one of the most eagerly anticipated festivals of the year. But did you know that there’s a more serious side to All Hallows Eve as well? Instead of Trick or Treat, Second Life Witches and Pagans from across the grid will be coming together to celebrate Samhain, the most important festival in the Witch’s calendar. Zada Volare, one of Second Life’s many Witches ( like myself!) and told me she was really excited about the prospect of celebrating Samhain in-world. Zada believes that it is much easier to express her beliefs in Second Life, because it’s accepted much more easily. ‘Some people still freak out when they hear the word witch or Pagan’, she says. Samhain is important because it is considered a time when the veil between the spirit and real world is lifted, thus enabling easier contact with the deceased. It’s a time to remember with love your relatives and friends who have passed, hence it’s association with spooky goings on! If you want to explore further, then there’s a beautiful stone circle which features ritual details and information about Paganism located at Spiritwood( 28, 188, 21) and there’s a megalithic style stone circle to be found in the public gardens at Pitcairn(151, 100, 34) Happy Samhain!

FAREWELL THREE LIONS

British pub shocks avatars with sudden closure.

‘The Three Lions’ pub, one of Second life’s most popular destinations, stunned regulars at the weekend by announcing that it was closing its doors for the very last time.

Pub regulars lamented the loss at an emotional closing party hosted by DJ Mike Mission, who had played the opening set in August 2006. The British pub was well-known for its support of live music and welcoming atmosphere, and had over 4000 group members. Some unlucky avatars could not get in to the overcrowded sim to say their goodbyes, but the party went on until the early hours with many refusing to leave until the very last minute.

No official reason has been given for the sudden closure but it was rumoured that a management dispute led to the shock decision to close. Phil Plasma, owner of ‘The Three lions’ confirmed that the sim had already been sold but would not disclose who to, although he did announce that he would be moving on to other projects in world.

Interview with the Godfather

The Mafia in Second Life is increasing in numbers as the growing amount of groups dedicated to it can testify. But is it the seedy enterprise depicted in Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Scarface’ and ‘Goodfellas’ or just harmless role-play? Fox Daviau is an in-game Godfather to the Corleone Famiglia, one of the many groups dedicated to living life on the grid in a Mafia style. Just like a RL gangster he has his own business enterprise, ‘Club Fox 77′ but he lost money after the gambling ban within SL came into effect, so he’s accommodated this by exploiting the market in game for escorts and dancers. ”You can’t gamble so sex is the next best thing-it sure sells” Fox said.

Fox views the in-world Mafia as a lifestyle choice. It’s all about the weapons, clothes, cars and big bucks that most people cannot get in the real world, and readily acknowledges that in SL he’s living “The high lifestyle most people cannot get in RL without being locked up” He looks exactly as you would imagine the head of a Mafia family would, dark suited, sucking on a huge cigar and dripping in rings and necklaces with gold pistols strapped to each thigh.

Despite being the Godfather of the Corleone family, Fox feels no pressure nor threat that he may be deposed from his position, and his business is booming with people approaching him constantly to join the group.“The name Corleone seems to attract people, rather than discourage them from becoming involved” he said.

But what about power, corruption, murder and the seedier side of Mafia life? Does the Second Life Mafia really have the ability to do such things? No, this is more about role-play than intimidation. The most scandalous rumours are that the Mafia are behind many of the griefing attacks that impact the grid, but Fox is keen to point out that the ‘Corleone Famiglia’ do not participate in this. In fact, the only similarity between the Mafia in Second Life and the real world are the ties that exist between groups, as Fox freely admits that his family is allies with many other Mafia families in world. “Family is family and we do stick together” he commented.

Zee Linden Q & A

On Sunday Petunia Island played host to a Q&A session with Linden Lab CFO John Zdanowski aka Zee Linden. Despite initial technical issues the session, hosted by Sammy Bourne, was overwhelmed by avatars keen to receive answers to their questions from a senior Linden Lab employee in real time.

Chief Financial Officer Zee was keen to address financial issues first of all. The introduction of VAT has caused huge in-world debate, and Zee advised, “ If we didn’t charge the European VAT tax to European residents, then we would have had to subject all of our users, whether European or not, to a price increase. We thought it was most fair to have the residents in Europe pay directly for the taxes to their government”

Gambling was a huge source of income for many Second Life businesses and the recent ban was strongly debated. It was revealed that contrary to popular belief it wasn’t the gambling commissions nor the FBI who had led to the controversial move, but the decision was prompted by the major credit card companies who in their own terms of service state that they must not be used for gambling purposes. With the majority of users dependent on them as their resource to fund game-play it was inevitable that the decision would cause problems which Zee readily acknowledged.

It was revealed that Linden Labs are currently working to develop ways of allowing privately hosted servers to link to the grid with the aim of establishing a fair market that instead of operating Linden to resident would operate on a resident to resident basis. Audience member AWM Mars was concerned that this would lead to viruses infesting the grid, but Zee advised that this measure was only in early development and no real decisions regarding its integration had been made yet.

The recent controversy in the media regarding sexual age-play within Second Life was fresh in many attendees minds and Zee informed the audience that stamping out such activity in-world was of huge importance to Linden Labs. He re-emphasised the point that engaging in such activity in Second Life is unacceptable, and stressed that they are dedicated to removing this behaviour from the grid. Lamenting the fact that a major news organisation had omitted to state in their report that there are huge differences between the teen and adult grids, Zee was keen to point out that Second Life was first and foremost an adult environment and they wanted to “ban as little as possible”

The forthcoming year will see big changes to Second Life with age verification and user security at the forefront of these, and it was mentioned that as well as digital signatures being brought into the game there will be additional costs too. As the hour-long session was rapidly coming to a close Zee was keen to re-affirm the key message that Second Life was an “..on-line world which aimed to allow it’s residents to be as free as possible.” Whether residents agree with his observation remains to be seen.