Lindens, Team Firestorm Members, Appear At "Outrageous" Charity Fashion Show

 

On Wednesday September 17, the Spoonful of Sugar Festival held a fashion show to remember. Not only were some of Team Firestorm involved, but also some of the Lindens

 

At Noon today, Two teams from Firestorm and Three teams from @Second Life 's LDPW and Linden Lab will be dressed to impress and raise funds for Spoonful of Sugar Festivals charity - MSF/DWB.  

Come along support us and have a little fun

One of the two Firestorm teams was made up of  Pantera Północy, and the Firestorm Team manager Beq Janus. The second team would be "Wyatt and his entourage Jolie Serendipity and Sparkle Weatherwax." The three teams from Linden Lab were Kady and Madori Linden, the second Oatmael and Wendy Linden, and the third Dion Mole with Kit and Jade Linden.

 

Beq would comment, "I'll be dressed in a more Regency appropriate gown (of sorts) of my own design in an attempt to win the favour of the gathered mob." 

 

Pantera would send the Newser a few pictures of the event. 

 

The totals were  

 

Linden Team 1  L36,050
Linden Team 2  L$35,850
Firestorm Team 3 L$105,700 (Dev)
Firestorm Team 4 L$352,100 (Gateway)
Linden  Team 5 L$36,052

 

"A nice sum for charity."

 

The Spoonful of Sugar event raises money for the Doctors Without Borders association.  

 

Pictures and totals from Pantera Polnocy

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Fifteen Years Ago: The Emeraldgate Scandal

 

Fifteen years ago early this month, Second Life's most popular then was collapsing, and the one that would replace it would be born as a result of it's demise.  In early and mid 2010, the Emerald third-party viewer had been the most popular one. But in August came a Directed Denial Of Service attack that was caused by computers using the viewer at the time, resulting in what came to be known as the Emeraldgate scandal. On September 1, 2010, Team Emerald announced it would soon be folding. Two days later, on September 3, former Emeraldgate member Jessica Lyon announced she had formed a new team and had made a new viewer "from the ashes of Emerald," Team Phoenix and it's Phoenix viewer. 

 

A few years later, the Phoenix viewer would be retired and replaced by the Firestorm viewer, the team having renamed itself Firestorm as well. Over the years, the team has faced a number of challenges large and small. And eventually Jessica would step down from managing on a daily basis. But Team Firestorm continues on. 

For more information, read the 2018 article on the subject, and an interview with then Firestorm team member Tonya Souther.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Firestorm's Anniversary Party

 

FIRESTORM TURNS 14 ON SEPT 3RD – BIG PARTY ON SEPT 7TH!

Firestorm is turning 14 this week! Our actual birthday is on September 3, but we want to celebrate BIG TIME, and we want you to join us. That is why we are moving our party to the weekend… Saturday September 7. Yes, we will have a party. And yes, there will be gifts – two really nice ones. There will also be some amazing entertainment. There is only one more thing we need – you! Please join us.

OVERVIEW:
Performances:

Noon – 1 PM SLT – Our very own DJ Trick
1 – 2 PM SLT – Bella (Live Singer)
2 – 3 PM SLT – Tally Mercury (Live Singer)
GIFTS from:

Wild Kajaera and Love Superstore.
Date/Time/Location:

Event Start: Saturday Sept 7 from Noon SLT until 3 PM SLT for the performances. The Gifts will remain available until the end of September.

The location (SLurls) will be announced starting at 11:00 AM SLT on the day of the party. Pls check back here (link) at that time for the links. 

Jessica Lyon, Founder of Team Firestorm, Steps Down as Project Manager

 

 

Since she founded it in 2010 as Team Phoenix, Jessica Lyon has been in charge and in control of Team Firestorm, the people behind the Firestorm Viewer, the most popular viewer used by Second Life residents. Not only was she it's CEO, but Project Manager. But as of January 1, this has changed. The day before, Jessica had announced on the Firestorm blog that she would be stepping down as Project Manager at Midnight. 

What you may not know is that for the past year or so I have been taking a back seat to the management side of things as I deal with matters in my personal life. These matters are on going and demanding of my time. The members of this team, and all of you deserve and require an active and present Project Manager to keep this ship on an even keel.

As the sun sets for the last time in 2023, and rises for the first time welcoming in 2024… So too will an era change for Firestorm. The time has come for me to resign my position as Project Manager and hand the helm over to someone else. I will remain CEO and stay involved for life eternal, but will no longer steer the ship… though I may still influence the wind in our sails.

She also announced Beq Janus would be taking over the role as Project Manager, "Beq is not new to you or to us… in fact she has been performing this role for over a year in my absence. She has more than proven herself to be exceptional in all the aspects this demanding role requires and I have every confidence in her. Beq brings new hope to me for the future of the Firestorm Project."

And so the team behind Second Life's most popular viewer finds itself with a new leader for day to day matters. 

Hat tip: Daniel Voyager

Bixyl Shuftan

Thirteen Years Ago: The Emeraldgate Scandal

 

Thirteen years ago, Second Life's most popular then was collapsing, and the one that would replace it would be born as a result of it's demise.  In early and mid 2010, the Emerald third-party viewer had been the most popular one. But in August came a Directed Denial Of Service attack that was caused by computers using the viewer at the time, resulting in what came to be known as the Emeraldgate scandal. It would be thirteen years ago tomorrow, September 1, 2010, in which Team Emerald announced it would soon be folding. Two days later, on September 3, former Emeralgate member Jessica Lyon announced she had formed a new team and had made a new viewer "from the ashes of Emerald," Team Phoenix and it's Phoenix viewer. A few years later, the Phoenix viewer would be retired and replaced by the Firestorm viewer, the team having renamed itself Firestorm as well. 

For more information, read the 2018 article on the subject, and an interview with then Firestorm team member Tonya Souther.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Firestorm April Fool

 

Readers have probably noticed the Newser's April Fool article in the newsletter today. But we're not the only ones up to a bit of foolery. In the Firestorm viewer, the phoenix was sporting "googly eyes." And there was someone peeking over the edge in the lower-left corner.

April Fool, Team Firestorm.
 

New Firestorm Update Released

 

A few days ago on Tuesday March 22, Jessica Lyon of Team Firestorm announced the release of their latest version on their blog: 6.5.3.65658. She would also announce it in their inworld group.

A new update with some GAME CHANGING FEATURES!
Grab it before the servers cook!

Firestorm 6.5.3.65658 is finally in the wind! Wow—it’s been a struggle to get this one out, folks. But the wait is worth it, as this release comes with a couple of groundbreaking new features we’re really excited about. It also brings us to parity with LL’s 6.5.2, quite a jump from our last release, which was AGES ago. This is a major update.

As stated, this latest update brings Firestorm up to parity with Linden Lab's latest viewer, and there's two notable new features. One is the option to take 360 Snapshots, which Marcel Mosswood wrote about last month when it was in a test viewer. 

Another noted feature is the Performance Floater and Autotune, which can help in telling you what around you is causing the most lag.

The Performance Floater shows you in real-time what parts of the scene are taking the most time and slowing down your graphics (lag). In particular, this first release focuses on avatars and allows you to see which avatars are truly lagging you, and also allows you to examine your own attachments to see how they perform.

The FS Performance Floater is loosely based upon a project viewer from LL, released last June. We have completely revised the metrics behind the floater to make sure that it offers a realistic account of the rendering costs that you personally observe.

Autotune. This is the first look at this new feature. Wholly developed by Beq Janus, Autotune allows the viewer to automatically manage some of your graphics settings in order to give you the performance level that you request, and keep you there. It’s like autopilot for lag! You set the target FPS (frames per second) you want, and Autotune will do its best to keep you there by dynamically adjusting your settings from scene to scene! However, it cannot work miracles, if your computer is ancient—it can only do so much.

When TPing to a social island with a number of avatars most, of the viewer's time was spent drawing them. Clicking on avatars nearby will show how much processing time is spent on each. It also shows your avatar complexity in detail, how much time the avatar's parts are needing to render, It shows the impact of any HUDs on you, and a shortcut to looking at and edjusting your graphics settings.

There are known issues with the Mac and Linnux versions of the viewer. Also, the "Starlight Skins," an appearance option for Firestorm viewers (SL wiki link) will soon no longer be supported. 

As per their deal with Linden Lab, Firestorm 6.4.12.62831 will be blocked from accessing the Grid in three weeks.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Firestorm Sale

 

So how come the Firestorm Viewer is free for people to download and use? Well, it may be free for Second Life users to download and use. But it isn't free for Jessica Lyon and Team Firestorm whom have to spend real money to keep it going. So how do they get the money? Fundraisers are one way to get it, and at the moment one is taking place: the Firestorm Sale. Gemma Cleanslate went there recently to check it out.

Read Gemma's story in Design.
 

Weekend in Brief

 

There were a number of events that happened this weekend. Friday was the start of the Renaissance Festival for Making Strides Against Breast Caneer (above). Sunday would have the anniversary party for Team Firestorm, the monthly benefit concert at Veterans Isle, a memorial service at New Bastogne for Jessicabelle Dayafter, and more.

Read more about some of these events later.

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Firestorm Anniversary Party This Sunday

 

The team behind Second Life's most popular viewer, Team Firestorm, will be celebrating it's anniversary soon: its eleventh. While the actual anniversary was earlier this month, the party is this Sunday at 11 AM. There will be music and gifts available.

We are going all out like never before this year! We’ve lined up some ‘A’ list live performers PLUS EPIC GIFTS from some of the best and biggest content creators in SL! ... These gifts will be available for everyone as this is our way of thanking the Second Life community on the whole for keeping us going. Some will be limited (collectors) items, some will be available for a longer time period.

More details will follow as we get closer to the 26th! Stay tuned for that blog post.

It is asked that avatar complexity be kept under 300,000.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Dow%20Forest/219/229/3901

Source: Firestorm blog
 

April Fools in Second Life

 

As it had for the previous nine years, the Second Life Newser posted a gag article. One reader felt we went slightly too far. But I also overheard plenty of compliments. One commented it was the scariest April Fool since the joke about Disney buying the virtual world a few years ago.

But as far as Second Life goes, that was just the start of the April Foolery.

Team Firestorm got in on the act. At one point in the day they gave their logo on their viewer "googly eyes."

Linden Lab also got into the act. On the Second Life Blog, they announced two "Limited Edition" last names.

In appreciation of our Anthro/Furry community in Second Life, we are releasing two new limited edition last names today, only available until April 8th:
UwU
OwO

Checking the "Change Name" page, it appears the option is a real one. Someone on the Second Life forums also stated they saw two others use it.

But this gag last name wasn't the end. On the Second Life Flickr, there was a picture of four tenement apartment buildings.

Come get a sneak peek at our new theme for Linden Homes, on the Millbank region in #SecondLife - just for today!

Checking the Millbank sim at with an alt, the apartment buildings were there. They also had a number of old Soviet Propaganda posters. finding the parking garage entrance, there were no stairs, just "The People's Great and Glorious Elevator." But stepping inside, I ended shot up to the top, falling down, and once I got back up shot up once more. Moving around, I finally managed to get into the top floor. There were a number of markers around to point out where to place objects. On top of the building was a LDPW helicopter.

So why the Soviet theme? Maybe this was a dig at the "Woodburry" griefers of years ago whom occasionally pretended to be Communists.

Run of the mill residents got in on the act as well. Yours truly overheard a singer say to her fans that Linden Lab was asking residents to wear masks, stating it was a way to encourage people in real life to do so.

So despite that things have been rough over the past year with lots of tragedy, April Fools Day is alive and well. And the Lab isn't afraid to get in on it. 

Hat Tip: Hamlet Au, Jasmine Dawn

Bixyl Shuftan

Editor's Note: Just how does one pronounce "UwU" and "OwO"?
 

Firestorm 10th Anniversary Party This Sunday

 

After being delayed for about a month, Team Firestorm, the volunteers behind the Firestorm Viewer, is ready to throw it's tenth anniversary bash. It's real anniversary was actually last month, September 3 2010 being when the team (known then as Team Phoenix) was formed. The event starts at Sunday October 18, Noon SL time, and will last for three hours to 3PM SL time. Each hour offers music from three big-name musicians.

We’ve lined up 3 BIG names to bring us live performances through our 3-hour party!

Savannah Rain opens up the party for us, 12–1 pm! ...

Maximillion Kleene rocks the second show from Canada, 1–2 pm. ...

Keeba Tammas and the Tiny Maniacs performs the finale show, 2–3 pm. ...

As with most of their anniversary events, Team Firestorm is offering presents to it's fans. One is a tiger from Wild Kajaera. The other, appropriately enough, is a pet phoenix made by Rezz Room.

Rezz Room is celebrating Firestorm’s anniversary by donating an incredible, animesh, fiery Phoenix companion pet. It can be worn or rezzed and can be set to a radius or to follow its owner.

The SURL of the location hasn't been officially announced yet, the team asking you check their blog an hour before the event. Though a search for Firestorm-owned places revealed a likely location high above their sims.

Once again, the party is on Sunday October 18, from Noon to 3PM SL time.

Bixyl Shuftan

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

Team Firestorm Announces EEP Firestorm Viewer Available In Beta

In April, Linden Lab announced that the Environmental Enhancement Project, or "EEP," was part of the official viewer. But for the most widely used viewer, Firestorm, the skies in sims making use of the feature just looked odd. So that would limit the use of EEP. Team Firestorm has been working on the issue. And while they're not ready to make EEP part of their finished viewers yet, a few days ago they announced they had a beta viewer available that makes use of the feature.

As many of you know, Linden Lab’s Environmental Enhancement Project has been in the works for a long time and reached the grid in 2019. While the official SL viewer has had EEP for a few months, Firestorm has been working to eliminate bugs in our own implementation and streamline/improve the interface. While we don’t feel that EEP is ready for full release—in fact, it has not passed our QA yet—Linden Lab wants all SL users to have access to it, and many of you have been clamoring to use it.

Before you ask, this is NOT a required update. It is a beta viewer and will not count against Firestorm’s 3-available-versions rule. You do NOT have to uninstall your current Firestorm, and in fact we suggest that you keep it. The beta viewer will install alongside your existing Firestorm on a separate channel (on Windows).

Since it's a beta viewer, and not a finished one, there are still bugs in the system, "As an entirely new environmental system, EEP still has bugs to be worked out. You may see strange lighting glitches. Some have experienced reduced FPS." On the other hand, there are some fixes for bugs in the existing finished viewer.

For more information, and to download the EEP beta viewer, Click Here.

Bixyl Shuftan

Team Firestorm and KittyCatS Offering Free CareKitty

So much of real life these days in 2020 has been defined by the Coronavirus Crisis. Among the things people have been doing in real life has been getting pets for company while having to live through lockdowns, and finding ways to pay tribute to medical workers whom have been the equivalent of front line soldiers of this crisis. Team Firestorm, whom are the people behind the most popular viewer used by Second Life residents, and KittyCatS, whom make a popular breedable pet, got together to make a free pet cat available to anyone who wants one: the KittyCatS CareKitty. Both Firestorm and KittyCatS would write about it.

During this time when our entire world is going through something we’ve never been through, we are more connected than we ever realized. Our hearts and thoughts are continually with our world wide family, most of all to those who are suffering in some way. We as a company have wondered if there is something we could do to help lighten the load. And one day, in March, the idea of creating a “CareKitty” came to mind. After carefully thinking through, we decided it was something we wanted to create for our beloved SL community. Our friends at Firestorm jumped on board immediately to help us bring these little cats to you! We put our heart and a lot of love into these little cats and hope they bring some happiness to your Second life. With all the uncertainty, fears and instability, we hope that the CareKitty will provide some support, friendship, love and a sense of togetherness. After all, we are all in this together.

The free cat is available at both the Firestorm area at Firestorm Dow Forest (228/244/3902), or at the KittyCatS store. Just touch one of the large cat builds, and you'll get a "KittyCats CareKitty Package." Rezz it on the ground at your home or a sandbox, and you'll get two things, the box for the CareKitty, and a coupon. Rezzing it onto the ground will begin the process of it being born, which will take several minutes. Once the time is up, the box vanishes and a kitten takes it's place. This one will be wearing the scrubs outfit of a medical worker, blue for males, pink for females.

Unlike regular KittyCatS, this kitten won't need store-bought food, so it is completely free to keep. It will take about a week to reach full size. Like the Firekitty from it's fourth anniversary party years ago, You'll be able to keep it indefinitely.

Should you want a breedable cat that will have kittens of it's own, you'll need to use the coupons that came with the CareKitty and be able to feed it and keep it fed. But the CareKitty itself, as mentioned before, is completely free

The CareKitty will only be available for a limited time. So be sure to get one soon.

Bixyl Shuftan

Happy Birthday Firestorm - Interview With Tonya Souther

On Saturday September 14, Team Firestorm celebrated their ninth anniversary. Besides their captain Jessica Lyon, there was another team leader present: Tonya Souther, whom is in charge of updating Firestorm's Apple computer viewer. Cyfir (Cyfiremmerich) was there at the party, and had a few words with her.

Read Cyfir's article in Events.

Firestorm Anniversary Party and the RFL Pajama-Rama

This weekend saw two big celebrations in Second Life. On Saturday September 14, the Team Firestorm anniversary party took place. The event was from 3PM SL time to 5PM.  At one point, over a hundred people were at the meeting point of four sims were the music events took place. Two people performed live for the crowd, which included team leader Jessica Lyon and a few others from Team Firestorm.

Besides the music, another attraction was the free gift that was being offered. At a few locations, there was a statue of a firey mule. One just had to click on the statue to get a copy.  For those who didn't get the mule, it should still be available for a few more days. To get it, head to Firestorm Dow Forest (219/229/3901).

On Sunday September 14 was the "Pajama-Rama" party at the American Cancer Society sim. The event was from 11 AM to 3PM SL time. There was a live music performance from Keeba Tammas and the Tiny Maniacs.

Nuala Maracas of the Relay for Life Committee told the Newser, "The Pajama Rama Family Fun Day was an awareness day for Childhood Cancer month.  We reached out to kids communities and groups to engage the role play families in Second Life who many not know about The American Cancer Society campus in the virtual world.  We had a large turn out of over 60 people coming and going through out the 4 hours of the event and were able to raise a lot of awareness about childhood cancer, the survivor and caregiver group here in Second Life, and the services available to everyone at www.cancer.org.   The hunt, sponsored by Sweet Tots, was a huge success.   It was an amazing family fun filled day!"

Second image from Nuala Maracus

Bixyl Shuftan

Firestorm Ninth Anniversary Party Today, Saturday Sept 14

It was nine years ago that Team Phoenix was formed, the team behind what would quickly become Second Life's most popular viewer. Today as Team Firestorm, they're celebrating their anniversary with a birthday party.

JOIN US Saturday, September 14th, 2019, 3–5pm SLT as we celebrate the 9th anniversary of the Phoenix Firestorm Project, Inc.! Savannah Rain  will be performing live 3-4pm, taking requests and wowing us with her amazing voice! DJ Trick Rembrandt From HotWaxRadio will be mixing the tunes with his very special sauce and skills! 4-5pm! 

Besides the music, there will be a gift for those coming over.

ABC , Awesome Breed Creations, is excited to celebrate the 2019 Firestorm Anniversary!
This year’s exclusive collectible pet has been in production for quite some time. The creative team tirelessly worked to capture the essence of Firestorm in the design of the coat and eye.
The gift will only be available at the party location.


Once again, the party will be from 3-5. The mule will probably be available for a few days afterwards, though it is unknown for how long it will be available.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Dow%20Forest/219/229/3901

Hat Tip: Kἶէმƈεlἶმ Lմἶղƈօɾἶმlօէε Kεlνმɾl (Kitacelia Resident)

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview With Tonya Souther of Team Firestorm

It was a week ago Sunday that Team Firestorm celebrated it's anniversary. One member of the team whom was around since the start is Tonya Souther, whom is in charge of development of the Firestorm's Macintosh computer viewer. The Newser recently interviewed her about how she came to Second Life, the end of Team Emerald and the beginnings of Team Phoenix (now Team Firestorm) from her point of view, and some of the challenges the team has faced since.

Read the interview in People.

Team Firestorm's Eighth Anniversary Party

Today, Sunday September 23, is when Team Firestorm, the people behind the most popular Second Life viewer, celebrates their eighth anniversary. Their anniversary was actually on September 3rd, but better late than never.

Holy smokes! Can you believe it? It’s been EIGHT years now since we began this project. Over eight, really, since our actual anniversary date was September 3rd. In those eight years we have accomplished a lot, and we look forward to much more in the years ahead.

But to celebrate the past eight, our events coordinator, Jolie Serendipity, has put together an awesome lineup of performances and a wonderful gift from Kajaera. We are celebrating our accomplishments, yes … but we’re also celebrating YOU—our users—because we couldn’t have lasted a month without the ongoing support from our community, much less eight whole years!

The event starts at 3PM SL time, and goes on to 6PM. The event will have three live performances. at 3PM, the performer is Noma Falta. At 4PM, it's DJ Trick Rembratnt. At 5PM, there's a performance by the Changhigh Sisters Fireshow, "a magical show of Light, Life and Love."

There's also a gift available for Firestorm fans. A free rideable pet horse."WILD KAJAERA has generously created and is donating a unique, beautiful, FIERY, Forever Pet, Mustang Horse for all Second Life residents to enjoy. WHAT A GIFT! It’s so magical that it needs no food to keep it healthy and happy. PLUS, if you want, you can convert it to a breedable (imagine the offspring). Thank you SO much for this gorgeous gift, Kajaera!" The pet will be available at the location for several days after the anniversary party.

The three SURLs given out for the event are:

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Dow%20Forest/224/232/3902
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Ghost%20Town/19/247/3903
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Aerodrome/251/21/3903

For more information check out the Firestorm blog.

Bixyl Shuftan