Community of the Year

There were no shortage of people whom had an impact on Second Life in ways large and small in the past year. Project Sansar, earlier referred to as "SL 2.0" by residents, was seldom far from out collective minds, wondering how it's eventual release would affect the Grid we've gone about in and invested so much time and effort in for so long. But Sansar isn't here yet, not much is known about it, and residents have gone about their business.

In April, unknown griefers struck the SS Galaxy, and the lack of customer service from Linden Lab led the owners of the ship to retire the ship. It was arranged for the Lab to take ownership of the build, but it was a museum piece, no more would there be a crew and community behind it. These griefers, and the clumsiness of the Lab, caused no shortage of sad faces.

Linden Lab's clumsiness would continue, locking out Flea Bussy, the owner of the noted "Grendle's Children" mall, and bringing it in danger of shutting down as while offline he wouldn't be able to make the tier payments. Fortunately a number of residents stepped in, and helped the store in which Philip Linden allegedly stated, "As goes Grendle's, so goes the Grid."

With the end of SL GO this year, people wondered if this meant they could no longer access Second Life with tablets and older computers. Fortunately there was "Bright Canopy," created by Chaos Priestman and Bethsael Robbiani, which offered to do what it did. It wasn't as low priced, and there were some problems getting it up and running. But eventually they did. Chaos and Bethsael, for preserving access to Second Life via iPads and other tablets, are deserving of runner-up.

Also getting the lockout treatment was TotalLunar Eclipse, the owner to the Steelhead Estates. As he was already having a number of real-life issues, this was the last straw, and he made his decision to take an indefinite break from Second Life, and so his estates would be closing down. This would have killed off many other communities in this virtual world. But the Steelheader's held together. There were a number of offers to help out, and eventually one of the sims was saved., and a new location found for the other club. It was not a perfect ending as the rest of the sims went offline., and many of those in the group moved to other places in the Steamlands. But the community group is still together. Their Relay for Life team is still together. So there's hope that the antics the Steelhead community us note for will continue.

So the residents of Steelhead collectively are named Second Life Newser's "Man of the Year," or in this case, "Community of the Year."

Bixyl Shuftan

Tales From Steelhead: Interview with TotalLunar Eclipse (2011)

As the Steelhead community faces being uprooted from it's home of nine years, both the group and it's friends are looking back at what's happened over the years. Answering a call to send their stories, Franq Blackheart whom once wrote for the Steampunk Herald, sent this 2011 interview of Steelhead's owner, TotalLunar Eclipse. Here, he talks some about the community and land, notably the decision to classify one sim, Steelhead Shanghai, as "Adult."

Read more in People.

More on Steelhead's Closing

Of the situation at Steelhead, Lunar made the announcement through his alt Steelhead, as his main account, Totallunar Eclipse, is locked out of Second Life due to a dispute with Linden Lab. He gave the words at the Town Hall meeting on Tuesday Sept 1, "There has been a great deal of talk about my absence and I wanted to go over that with you. Earlier this year my mother had a brain anueyrism. Well that surgery went extremely well and the doctor was suprised and pleased at her results. Then about a month ago she had a stroke, and that didn't go so well. She's not going to bounce back from that. Also its no secret my wife left me nearly a year ago. But the past three weeks have been.... interesting to say the least. A few life changing decisions have been put before me. Big ones having to do with my future, my school, and my career. People who know me know that I love my job managing a tax office. I am giving that up. I am maintaining my job as an analyst, that was a really hard choice, REALLY HARD choice."


"Another choice before me was... Steelhead. I have maintained Steelhead for the past eight to nine years. The past year I have financially maintained her, telling you how much a month would just be counteractive. But let's just say its a lot."

"... I have given this decision a great deal of thought. That's why I have been scarce. I am not happy to announce that I am closing Steelhead. I am drowning in a lot of RL stuff. Yes, all of it. It's been a financial burden of over 400/month. I have thought of downsizing but I have been... well been a bit told that if I do that people would leave, people will be upset over it. (And) I can't sell it if my avatar is locked ... Like I said, I spend a lot of my own money to keep it maintained. My car is dead and I am looking to purchase a house. It's not an easy choice. Sincerely this is not. But I can't maintain it, my health, my family's health, my finances, and for myself."

"I had wanted to downsize and rename it, but it was met with... hesitation. The end of September she will be either gone off the grid or will be in queue to do so. I will refund what I can to those who have put in several weeks of rent. I hope that when I am in a more stable place that I will return and start over. Steelhead will have a big place in my heart. You understand the special place it has for me. Thank you, truly. For making this the best nine years of my life."

"I will contact everyone who has land individually and we will go over some things. I have not contacted any other sim owners, but I will contact Selena and Tenk if you wish to stay in the 'theme.' But we'll blow all the sh*t up before the end, ne?"

"I am not disbanding the group. I think that'll be something I couldn't rightfully do. ... if we can find another place to hold the school then I wouldn't mind staying an instructor. ... This weekend I'll contact everyone, so whoever has land will be hearing from me. This is really hard for me, like I said I spent a very long time going over every possibility of how I could salvage this."

The responses to Lunar/Steelhead were of sadness and words of support, "Steelhead will always have a big place in our hearts, even if it's no longer here." "Steelhead will never truly be gone, if there's no physical presence it will still live on in our hearts. We are Steelhead." "We're as much family as we are community, and I'm certain I'm not the only one here who supports whatever decision you make and your need to take care of your own RL troubles." "We all only wish the best for you. Lunar-Cat." "You have to do what is best for you. Even something as sad as this." "We can all still stay in touch that way and still have a more floating community through it."

Fuzzball Ortega himself commented, "I've been here longer than anyone, save for Lumi. I don't think it's worth Lunar's typist to go through all the trouble to keep it maintained. Steelhead will live on, and we'll always be Steelhead. That's one thing folks can't take from us. Just won't be on a sim."

The talk went on as to how they could continue certain events, such as the school classes. "The school should be easy to do as a floating sort of thing. Field trips already take us outside." "Caledon has no school at the moment. It should be easy to find a place there to hold sessions." " Perhaps talk to Tenk about a school house? I mean, the urchins will likely burn it, but.." "They've blown up schools in Babbage before." "The Babbage urchins burned down the last schoolhouse anyone dared to hold there."

Willow expressed a wish to salvage the Nevermoor sim if at all possible, "I don't think I can find a place to locate the Green Fairy." Someone offered, "We'll find some way to help you find a place, Willow."

Lunar/Steelhead went on, "I have nothing more I can say beyond that. I love this community, it's more family to me than my own in RL. And I truly mean that. This has been the best eight years of my life. I have learned ALOT and grown a great deal as an individual. And you've all been fantastic, truly.  I will return. Well, I won't really go anywhere, but I will rebuild. When i am in a better place. I will have my Daybreak, that's the name I wanted to rename Steelhead to. And I will stay a teacher, just tell me where we can huddle together for it."

"But, this decision wasn't made easy you guys are my family. And I thank you for the last nine years. This isn't goodbye. Thank you all. And this won't be the last time I say this but... meeting adjourned."

* * * * *

Besides the community group staying together, Fuzzball Ortega stated the Steelhead Salmons will remain intact as a Relay for Life team. He also announced he had gotten a quarter sim in the d'Aillez Estates, in Template Craze Amore. As for Steelhead's sims, people have come forward with offers to run one or more until Lunar was back on his feet. But because Linden Lab has locked his main account, there isn't a way for Lunar to transfer the sims. So unless the Lab can be persuaded to unlock the accounts, it seems the Steelhead sims are headed for a day of reckoning.

Residents have been going around the sims, taking pictures to preserve the memories, as well as friends and Steampunk fans from outside the area. What ultimately happens to the community remains to be seen. Will those living in the Steelhead Estates find a new home they can call their own, or end up dispersed? Time will tell.

Bixyl Shuftan

Breaking News: Steelhead Estates to Close

The following letter went out to the residents of Steelhead today in the community group.

* * * * *

To Steelhead,

These past few weeks I've been contemplating many live choices that have presented itself to me in RL. Career change, school, poor health, finances, even relationships. Everything just threw itself together until it came to the point where I couldn't juggle one life let alone two.

A decision regarding many things have been set forth. In regards to Steelhead I give you the unhappy news that I am closing her... for good. I had given possibility to downsizing, to rename and retheme and to sell but the only thing I can do is to let her go. I have financially taken over the cost of two sims for the past year, with a dead car and an option to purchase a house of my own I cannot rightfully maintain that.

The sims will be in queue to be offlined by the end of the month. Anyone who has time on meters beyond that I will be getting in touch with you individually over the course of the next few days.

After this I will leave second life for awhile. With a mother who is in very poor health, a demanding job, going to school full time it is best for me. This decision is not lightly made, it took a long time to come up with it. Steelhead is my second home in SL, and my first love. When I am in a better place I will return and we will rebuild. I don't go quietly into the night, and this isn't goodbye... it is 'see you soon.'

Thank you for the past nine years.
- TotalLunar Eclipse

Oh and... we'll be blowing stuff up. :) It's only fitting.

Guy Fawkes Party in Steelhead

Last week, Guy Fawkes Day took place on the Fifth of November. In the past, there have been some exhibitions, and last year the Newser covered a party that very night. This year, what I had time to cover was the Guy Fawkes party at Steelhead on Friday night. The community noted for it's number of mad scientists was more than happy to take advantage of the holiday to have a "big bewm."

Fuzzball Ortega was the DJ for the event, the location loaded with crates of gunpowder and other explosives. Whenever his tip jar got a donation, there'd be a boom, "Bombs Away!" The comments were numerous,  "I'm bored. We need bigger explosions." "Fuzz is making more tips tonight I think." "Hope you don't mind smoked meat." There were also Chinese firecrackers one could light on the ground. Not everything was about explosives. TotalLunar Eclipse showed up in a fox spirit avatar, "This is (an) Amaterasu, I am rather fond of it."

 

This wasn't the first time Steelhead had a "Bonfire Night" party. In 2012, they had one then as well.

Remember Remember the fifth of November
The gunpowder treason and plot
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot.

It was a night of explosive fun for the steampunk community.

Bixyl Shuftan

Steelhead Celebrates Qixi Festival/ Owners' Anniversary

 Last week on August 8, Steelhead's Friday Night Dance had a rather Eastern atmosphere to it. The there was the Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day.

 also known as the Oiqiao Festival is a Chinese Festival that celebrates the annual meeting of the cowherd and weaver girl in Chinese Mythology. It falls on the Seventh day of the Seventh month on the Chinese calendar. Also known as Chinese Valentines Day.

 The party was a double celebration, as the owners of the sims had a real life anniversary to celebrate, "It is also 16 years ago that Tensai and Lunar tied the knot." The Steelheaders wished the people behind the avatars well. 

A good time was had by all there.

Bixyl Shuftan

Lunar's Builds in EduIsland

TotalLunar Eclipse, the mayor of Steelhead (and co-owner of the sims) is known for his builds there. But the steampunk community isn't the only place you can find his builds. One other example is the VLCT in Singapore, an education building done by him.

Some items in the classrooms were added later, but the building's Lunar's.

The VLCT is at EduIsland 9 (149, 193, 26)

In the same sim is another build by TotalLunar Eclipse, the San Xavier Mission.

A small piece of Arizona and all the exciting history and resources that makes the state who we are.  Explore the the historic build of San Xavier del Bach.  Hike to the top of Mt. Humphreys and enjoy the views.

The San Xavier Mission is at EduIsland 9 (227, 78, 22)

Mount Saint Helens Erupts in Steelhead

Last week in the Steelhead sim, there were some signs that the highest mountain in the region, Mount St. Helens, was due for an eruption. And on Friday May 16, it blew.

And what did this motley group of mad scientists, elves, faries, weres, and others do when the mountain blew it's top, exposing a lava dome? They threw a party. Fuzzball Ortega was the DJ for the event. The lava and rocks were not static. Once in a while, a dome would bubble up, followed by a mini-eruption, "Oops lava bombed again." "Dang eruption threw me off my nifty steps."

The partiers wore some red and orange dresses, or at least some pretty thick shoes. Well, most of them, "I really wish you'd have given me fire resistant shoes before I plopped here." "(laughing out loud)  my feet are hot." "We test our fire-resistant outfits!" There were also a few firey avatars as well.

At one point, someone joked, "Now may I ask why we are all sacrificing ourselves to the almighty volcano god when really only one would suffice?" Someone promptly answered, "cuz no ones a virgin?" The result was chuckles, followed by more jokes, "Takes more sinners I guess." "We ran out of virgins. Hope the volcano's satisfied with lots of salmon meat."

Among those attending were sim owners Totallunar eclipse and  Tensai Hilra. Lunar told, "May 18th is the anniversary of (the) Mt St Helens eruption and coincidentally Tensai's real-life birrthday." Tensai joked, "the explosion was a warning to the world of my being born." There were a couple cakes, one chocolate, one a pile of waffle on a stick, that one could snack on.

Everyone had a good hot time.

The mountain is at the Steelhead St Helens sim (128, 131, 38)

Bixyl Shuftan

Steelhead Celebrates J.R. Tolkien's Birthday

On January 3, Steelhead's Friday night dance took on a Middle Earth look. The steampunk community celebrated the birthday of J.R. Tolkien, the author of "The Hobbit" and the "Lord of the Rings" series.

This week at Steelhead’s Friday Dance we we honor the man that gave us the world of Dwarves, Hobbits, Orcs and Elves.  January 3rd is J.R.R.Tolkien’s Birthday and we are celebrating his works of fiction with the theme being Middle Earth.  J.R.R. Tolkien has influenced the world of fantasy fiction, films and games for at least 70 years.  Dress in your best Middle Earth fantasy attire and come celebrate the world of this amazing author.  Dance will be held in the big castle in Steelhead Port Harbor.

 And so the Steelheaders took on their best Fantasy-themed looks Some however were already elven folk, notably Steelhead leader TotalLunar Eclipse. Someone showed up in a Gollum avatar, although instead of moaning about "my precious," he just danced. Others showed up as wizards or other Fantasy figures.

The first half of the event was DJed by Fuzzball Ortega. Afterwards, Steelhead's most noted fairy Willow Leafstorm took control of the airwaves. Among the Steelpunk sci-fi favorites were some Fantasy themes, including a few "Lord of the Rings" tunes, including Leanord Nimoy's "Bilbo Baggins" song.

It was a fun time held by all

Bixyl Shuftan

Steelhead Winter Festival

Last Friday over Steelhead Nevermoor, there was a winter-themed event at the fairy dance circle, their Winter Festival. The circle was all frosted in ice and snow, and a number of locals showed up for the event.

Steelhead leader TotalLunar Eclipse, and his partner Tensai Hilra, were among those who took part, dancing in the cold, snowy scene.

Fuzzball Ortega did the music for the event for the first couple hours. Willow Leafstorm, the location's owner, performed for the third.

Steelhead's Oktoberfest 2013

Last Friday on Friday Oct 4, the Steelhead Community held their Oktoberfest party.

DJ Fuzzball played the music for the event, in which Bavarian wear was clearly the most popular among those dancing.

There was also plenty to eat and drink, with carts offering sausages and pretzels, and a table offering a number of beverages, with three varieties of beer available.

Prominent Steelheaders from TotalLunar Eclipse to Willow Leafstorm to Baron Wulffenback took part in the festivities.

More pictures of the event can be found on Sidonie Ancelin's Flickr (Click Here).

Tomorrow's Friday Night Dance at Steelhead is "Swords and Sorcery." The party is from 7-10 PM SL time, at Steelhead Port Harbor (130/221/29)

Jobias Barthelmess Announced as Winner of Steelhead Elections

It was last week on August 6 in which the Steampunk community of Steelhead held their mayoral elections. Yesterday at the Steelhead town hall, interim mayor Jimmy Branagh announced the results. Three candidates had run for the office, TotalLunar Eclipse the incumbent, and two challengers, Willow Leafstorm and Jobias Barthelmess. Jobias, whom was involved in an attempted shooting of Steelhead's Sheriff Fuzzball Ortega, was a much criticized candidate at public meetings. Even he himself during the debate admitted he wasn't the most popular of those running.

So imagine the surprise when it was announced at the August 13th town hall meeting that Jobias had won the elections! Timmy, who gave the announcement, was described as worried, "he sounded odd." This led to a lengthy debate among the people at the meeting, and whether or not the votes should be screened for accounts less than a couple weeks old.

Lunar reminded the crowd that while Jobias has been accused of many plots, he had never been convicted of them. When talk turned to tarring and feathering him, Lunar tried to calm them down, "Killing or maiming him would earn you jail time, there is still a law here." He asked that if people insisted on plotting that he be left out of it.

Speaking to Lunar after the meeting, he commented of the results, "I am quite frankly shocked. I have served under another mayor before I will try and keep neutral on my feelings." Willow, who was also there, had this to say, "Yes, I have a statement. There is no way that man, Jobless Brothelmess is taking office on my watch. He is a scoundrel and a criminal. My duty is to protect Steelhead."

As of now, there is no official statement from Jobias. Details are still coming in about this upset election in Steelhead.

(Editor's note: the election results are part of a community roleplay, so expect more twists and turns)

Bixyl Shuftan

Steelhead Votes For Mayor

 Following Steelhead's weekly town meeting on Tuesday, Interum Mayor Jimmy Branagh declared the polls open. And getting to the place, voting was simple enough, pick up the paper, read the attatched applications of the three candidates for additional information, write down your name and choice of mayor in the respective areas, and drop the paper in the box.

Earlier that day, Jimmy had given his endorsment: for Lunar.

'ello people of Steelhead.  Oy've enjoyed bein' th' Mayor an' awl but tomorrow th' polls open ta select a new permanent toipe Mayor. So make sure ya get yer butt ta th' polls befoe Friday at 9:00 PM when they close.  An' no funny votin' neither. Think Oy won't foind out? As wot will loikely be me foinal official act Oy officially throw me support behoind an' endorse Mr. Lunar ta get back his Mayor's job an' he can be all cushy an' stuff.

Anyone technically a citizen of Steelhead may vote, not just those living there. But Lunar's concern was about the safety and security of the ballots, "Safe secure voting my arse, its a cardboard box!" Someone else thought even the tape holding the box together looked loose.

I saw a number of people drop in. This included one self-described "timelord" who knew who was going to win, but couldn't say who it was. Jobias Barthelmess (the man in black in the second picture) was there when I showed up, but soon left.

Second Life Newser will not endorse a candidate, but will note that aside from Jobias, the campaign has been a remarkably civil one with a general agreement on most issues and willingess to listen and compromise. And the two leading candidates are remaining friends without an ill word with one another. A remarkable feat for an election that this reporter seldom reads about, let alone encounters. 

The polls will be open until Friday, and the winner announced at the next Steelhead community meeting next Tuesday.

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview with TotalLunar Eclipse

Steelhead's mayoral elections are today, with voters asked to chose between three candidates. Among them is the incumbent, TotalLunar Eclipse. Second Life Newser had a chance to talk to the elven builder, and we talked about how he'd gotten to Steelhead to begin with, as well as the election.

Read more in People.

Steelhead's Mayoral Elections: The Debate

Last Friday, August 2nd, the Steelhead community held it's debate for this week's election for mayor. The three candidates, incumbent TotalLunar Eclipse, leading challenger Willow Leafstorm, and the long shot runner Jobias Barthelmess, were present. The interim mayor fielded a number of questions to them in front of an audience, and the candidates gave their responses. So, what issues would a Steampunk-themed community noted for it's diverse population of elves, fae, nekos, and more living alongside humans, and it's resident population of mad scientists, have to debate? Second Life Newser was there to get the story.

Read more about the debate in Events.

The Annual Steelhead RFL Horse Races

Last weekend the Steelhead community's team for the Relay For Life, the Steelhead Salmons, held one of their last events for the season: their annual horse races. Participants got a chance to compete in one or more of three races on a horse track, and the mount didn't always have to be a horse. It was the kind of chaotic fun and mayhem typical of the steampunk-themed community as the horses and other critters didn't always behave or act according to plan. And neither did some of the residents.

Read more in Events.

Sumo Wrestling at Steelhead

At the Steelhead Estates, the residents are having the their Sakura Festival. Earlier in the week was one of the livelier events of the festival, "Sumo Sunday." Contrary what one might expect, it was not two big bulky guys in loinbelts slamming against one another. Instead, residents chose whatever avatar they liked. Despite a few technical glitches, the event was fun-filled with its share of chuckles.

Read more in Events.

Get a Home at the Steelhead Estates

Each sim has a different theme. Please take note of the theme of the sim you wish to rent from. RP and period clothing is not enforced but building code is. No modern buildings or gothic spire of doom. Read the covenant agreement for more details.

Land is parcelled as either residential/commercial/or mixed use.  Parcels beside each other can be grouped together to create a larger parcel. If you have questions regarding zoning in Steelhead please feel free to IM TotalLunar Eclipse or Tensai Hilra.

Found the location you like? The rental boxes are locked. All land is in Steelhead group and you need to be in the Steelhead group to rezz objects and begin rent. IM either TotalLunar Eclipse or Tensai Hilra to unlock the rental pole and begin rent. Drop them a notecard if they are not online.

512 sq m 234 prims L$450 per week
1024 sq m 468 prims L$900 per week

From all of us in Steelhead city Welcome home,
 - TotalLunar Eclipse.