Emeraldgate And Start of Team Phoenix, Ten Years Ago

It was ten years ago this month that the most popular third-party viewer used by Second Life residents at the time was blocked by Linden Lab as a result of a scandal, and soon after three of the more noteable members of the viewer team were either banned or vanished from the virtual world. But many of the team had already split away and formed a new team and a new viewer, one that would go on to become the most popular viewer. This was Emeraldgate, which would be the end of Modular Systems and the Emerald viewer, and the start of Team Phoenix and the Phoenix viewer, which would eventually become Team Firestorm.

Jessica Lyon, the leader of Firestorm would have a message on their website on their anniversary, September 3.

Ten years ago to this day, the Phoenix Firestorm Project was formed. The Phoenix was born a decade ago. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10! How crazy is that? In human years, 10 years is long, but in Phoenix years… well, this bird is OLD!

The Firestorm Project is powered by people who are altruistic through and through. While we started this venture with just a handful of altruists, over the years our team has grown remarkably. Today we have over 80 amazing people from all walks of life behind us in what we do, and we do many things.

While our team has grown overall, we have also, sadly, lost many good folks along the way—some who were with us from day one. We miss them. I miss them. Whatever the reason for their departure, I thank them for their altruism and time with us. You know who you are … thank you.

Further details of what happened can be found in this 2018 article. In an interview a few weeks later, Firestorm member Tonya Souther would offer what it was like from the inside while Emeraldgate and the breakup of Modular Systems was happening.

Jessica would go on to say Firestorm's anniversary party was delayed, but would take place on Sunday October 18. The event will have three live performances: Savannah Rain, Maximillion Kleene, and Keeba Tammas and the Tiny Maniacs. There will also be gifts available. Stay tuned for further details.

Source: Firestorm

Bixyl Shuftan