Further Reactions To Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

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It's been about a month since we last discussed how the Russian invasion of the Ukraine was being reflected in Second Life. Since then, there continue to be fundraisers to help out the Ukrainians, such as the one at Union Passage posted here a few days ago. The Marketplace has dozens of Ukraine-related items. And people are continuing to dress in blue and gold, or wearing blue and gold items, such as this back pocket cloth seen at a Relay for Life event (left).

Of the protests in the Moscow Island sim in which the demonstrators found themselves restricted to one tiny out of the way corner, returning to the place, there was one large sign asking people to please stop.

Our island does not belong to any country, it is a private territory. We are not a political organization, this iz just a historical sim, so please do not gather here whit political slogans! Thanks

One question that I've heard is what happens to Russian residents in Second Life? I've had people tell me that friends from the country are being IMed with insults. While the invasion has been marked with atrocities by Russian soldiers against Ukrainian civilians, it's also seen other soldiers sabotage equipment, thousands of Russians being arrested for demonstrating against the war, leaving the country, and Russians taking up arms in support of Ukraine against the invasion. 

With Paypal stopping business in Russia, as well as other means to trade Rubles for Lindens and vice-versa, Russian residents are increasingly unable to buy Lindens or cash in on any Second Life businesses. Hamlet Au recently interviewed one, whom had taken part since the start in helping out Ukrainian residents, and stated he was seriously considering leaving the country as his business was so successful compared to real-life job prospects. But some others who don't have that option may end up having to close their places down due to inability to pay, or possibly leave Second Life for a while if not being able to access money from a Second Life business leads to economic hardship.

The gaming industry has also seen a number of reactions, such as Blizzard and Epic Games halting sales in Russia. It should be noted that Wargaming, best known for "World of Tanks" and "World of Warships," got it's start in Belarus in the 1990s, but since moved its headquarters out of the country. Following the invasion, it fired one of the staff whom made some comments in support of the war. And a few days ago, it announced it was withdrawing completely from Belarus and Russia. The following was posted on it's Discord channel:

Over the past weeks, Wargaming has been conducting a strategic review of business operations worldwide. The company has decided it will not own or operate any businesses in Russia and Belarus and will leave both countries.

Effective March 31 2022, the company started the process of closing its studio in Minsk, Belarus and transferred its live games business in Russia and Belarus to local management of Lesta Studio that is no longer affiliated with Wargaming. The company will not profit from this process either today or going forward. Much to the contrary, we expect to suffer substantial losses as a direct result of this decision.

Going forward, in all other countries Wargaming will continue to operate World of Warships as before. The game servers will be operating as usual, and players' accounts, as well as their in-game property accumulated through purchase or any other means, will remain unchanged.

No doubt there will be more developments in this ongoing story.
 
Sources: BBC, New World Notes, Time , Reuters, PC Gamer, Wargaming 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

More Reactions By Residents To The Invasion of The Ukraine

 
It's been over two weeks into the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, which has turned into a slow but bloody advance with two million (as of now) women and children fleeing the country as refugees. There has been plenty of reaction to it from around the world, as well as within Second Life. Earlier, the Newser reported on a demonstration, as well as flagmakers giving away Ukrainian flags.  The latter has certainly encouraged the country's blue and gold banner being seen across various places inworld. Linden Lab itself has also stepped in, saying Second Life residents from the Ukraine would get a break from paying tier and premium accounts for at least 30 days (which will likely be extended unless the war ends soon).

There have also been efforts beyond symbolic support. On Saturday March 5, there was a "Peace Rally in Support of the People of Ukraine" at Exposure Park in Lono Ku. From 2 to 11 PM SL time, eight DJs performed for the crowd. "Ukraine facepaint" was available at a booth at one side of the concert area. Donations were made to a kiosk showing the schedule and had a picture of a child waving the blue and gold flag, stepping on toy tanks. I was invited over by Nance Clowes, whom was encouraging the people to donate, "We wanna send (DJ) Rapa home with a happy 500k smile. ... So much Love pouring in for Ukrainians who have lost it all. YOU are giving them Hope back." "Not just for the childs," the DJ spoke, "for all Ukraine. All is suffer, child, woman, men, pets, all."

In the end, they more than met the half million goal. A total of 533,972 Linden dollars was raised. "You did great, and keep it going!!! Peace for Ukraine!" After the event, I had a few words with organizer, MrZogs Resident, who told me the donations were planned to be split between the Red Cross and UNICIF. "What a journey," he told me, "from a idea on Sunday morning to this. Only one artist said no and we had many wanting to get scheduled in."

They also encouraged people to donate off Second Life, pointing out the UNICEF USA and Red Cross websites.

At the Relay for Life's Home and Garden Expo, there was a shop for Ukranian artist Tara Aers at  Hope 8 (166,55,23). There was one noteworthy discussion in Home and Garden chat that I overheard. Some wondered if there should be an official statement of support. Others weren't so sure, wanting to keep international conflicts and politics out and concentrate on fighting cancer. But there was a general agreement that individuals could show support in small ways. I've seen various people wearing blue and gold shirts and other clothes and items, such as ribbons and cloth. One of the shops at "The Guild" shopping event is also Ukrainian owned.

For one Ukrainian resident, however, the situation has become truly serious. New World Notes reported that Hana, the owner of Osmia, lives in one of the cities that came under attack, then occupation by Russian forces. She had gone from posting pictures of Second Life fashion on her Flickr to pictures and video of her hometown under attack and of the shelter she's taken refuge in to keep from getting killed from shelling and bombs, "The contrast is surreal and wrenching." To complicate matters, she's also six months pregnant. 

She would tell Hamlet Au, "Honestly, I don't know what to write to you. Children, families die, people disappear (they are found shot in their cars)... my city is surrounded. Now I don't know what this will lead to." Later, she would write, "my city is occupied. There are a lot of soldiers and equipment on the streets. We don’t go out because they can kill." Her access to Second Life has been cut off, and her Internet connection is sporadic." With her access to Linden dollars cut off, she suggested another way to help would be to donate to the National Bank of Ukraine to help fund it's armed forces.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Sources: Wikipedia, Associated Press, New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Linden Dollar Prize Payments in Linden Games Cut in Half

 

At the interview with the Linden Moles at the RFL Home and Garden last Friday, there were a few issues discussed. Among them was a question from the audience, asking why the Linden dollar cash prizes awarded for winning three games created by the Lab via the Moles, Linden Realms, Paleoquest, and New Horizons, were cut in half? She wondered if this was a sign the games were about to be shut down.

Patch Linden agreed to answer, "No they are not gong away. I'll just be transparent about this." He stated there was "some level of abuse happening, some people taking advantage of how the games operate. And despite our clear warnings in place and otherwise, they were not heeding the advice to chill out, calm down, stop abusing it. And so we're starting to escalate measures on slowing that role. So if you are using any sort of programatic ways to get around the various anti-cheat devices in the games or botting or using any kind of software automation, which is forbidden in the rules. We will not only come after you and terminate your accounts, we will also start to cut the games down.

"I'm not going to close the games. That's certainly not on the agenda. But I will devalue them to the point it doesn't make sense for people to want to game them ..."

Saffia responded, "I think that's a real shame that people have been gaming them." She then brought up someone suggested, "they should be sent to the cornfield." Patch commented, "You could do that too."

So it seems of of the perks of these three Lidnen games, the Linden dollar cash prizes, will be reduced. How it will effect how many residents play has yet to be determined.

Click Here to go to the moment in the video the question was asked. 

Bixyl Shuftan

One SL Music Video Maker's Reaction to COPPA

This week in a number of Second Life and Discord groups, there's been some discussion about a law called COPPA and what it means to Youtube. Called the Child Online Privacy and Protection Act, it recently imposed a huge fine on Youtube, which reacted by announcing a new plan that confused and scared a number of content creators. Among them is Nydia Tungsten, whom has made many music videos in Second Life over the past few years and put them on Youtube. But no more. This week, she announced that no more would be going up on Youtube. I would talk to her about what she thought was the big worry, and what she may do next.

Read the story in Extra.

Reaction to Nydia's Tragedy

After the announcement of the passing of Nydia Tungsten's mother on Tuesday Night, friends from around Second Life have given her messages of condolences on her Facebook account. Among her Angels group in Second Life was this announcement by Ranchan Weidman:

I have been asked to pass this along to all Angels. Nydia's mother has passed on.  She expresses her love of all the angels, and cherishes every one she has met.  

In this time of full mourning, please remember to keep Nydia and her real life family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are here for you Nydia. 

Next to Nydia's home, Mouse Hold Manor Sora Anubis Kraditzio Shizuka (jamestkirk2323) and Umbra75 Bigbear erected a cross for the mother of their friend and her real-life family. Several people left candles and flowers at the base. The memorial is at Sunlight Bay (230/51/24).

Nydia's problems have only grown recently when her mother's funeral insurance suddenly told she and her family they would not be paying for the actual burial, threatening an expense they can barely afford. With this latest development, talk about how to send flowers has turned into how they can help their valued friend and neighbor.

Bixyl Shuftan

Being Human

It's been a few weeks since the "Bid me Human" event in which I went from being a foxboy to a human appearance. So what's happened since then? Have people reacted to me differently, or has nothing changed?

Read more in People.

Ready or Not Here Come The Teens

Last year, Philip Linden announced that Second Life’s Teen Grid would be merging with the main, bringing in a number of young residents. The news brought a number of shocked responses, some predicting trouble. As this was about the same time as the Emerald controversy, it might have otherwise gotten more talk than it did had there not been other pressing matters.

A bit more than a week ago, Linden Lab quietly announced it was finally transferring the teen accounts over. The news made a few blogs, such as Tateru Nino’s “Dwell on It.” I also observed a short chat about it between SL players on Facebook, the people wanting to welcome the teens. The Betaverse blog suggested making February “Teen Welcome Month.” I was also told by a friend that someone whom lost land from the Interlibber Estate bankruptcy in 2009 was going to provide a sim to help welcome the teens, after they were now out of a place to stay and in need of a new one.

Betaverse mentioned three ten-friendly places:

• Ozma Malibu over at the Nonprofit Commons reports that they want to help mentor any teens that need help, create a "teen hangout" space on their Eco sim, and provide "informational welcoming posters and a variety of activities coming up, e.g. art with an art professor, various building workshops for the newer teens, more dances & etc. We'll also encourage teens to start their own nonprofits, and can mentor them through that process." Nice!
• Isla Sonoita is offering a "Teen in Residence" program to creative teens with a space for six months to work on creative projects on their sim. You also get L$ 2,000 to start you off.
• The Chilbo Community has published a really nice opinion piece about the Teen Grid merger and informs teens about their various spots, including the Town Hall, coffee shop, bowling alley, museum and land for sale.
• Further down the road, the Virtual Best Practices in Education organizers report that they March 17-19 event will feature a special Teen Fair to involve teens in their conference

Not every resident is expressing such optimism about the teens. The forums are full of comments questioning Linden Labs’ judgment about allowing 16 and 17 year olds on the main Grid, let alone those younger being allowed in if they’re with a sponsor. Chatting with friends, some predicted the arrival of teens would bring a plague of content thieves and griefers, driving paying residents from Second Life. And of course were the old fears of lawsuits on Linden lab and arrests of residents by parents who catch their kids peeping in on private activities. “I asked the Lindens about merging the grid months ago, and they told me there would be no merger!” one frustrated resident told me of Linden Labs’ apparently changing their mind.

Tateru Nino brought up a few details that may help reassure some a little. Of the teens younger than 16 whom could get on the sim of a sponsor, her talk with someone from the lab suggested no sponsor had been approved yet, and the sponsorship system itself might have been postponed. She also reminded that the teens were far less than the adult population. Teen Second Life has always had a small population, adolescents tending to prefer Facebook, MORPGs, and virtual worlds that appeal to them, such as Gaia Online.

And there’s the argument that there always have been some teens in Second Life, the secret adolescents not giving true information about their age. I’ve heard from friends of residents they know confessing they were underage. Linden Lab’s Teen Grid merger simply takes the blinders off people fooling themselves there were no people under 18 in Second Life, more than one person has commented.

So what do the teens themselves think? A meeting a month ago at Global Kids Island suggested most were feeling rather anxious about the merger, feeling their close community was coming to an end. Some felt the 13-15 year olds were getting “shut out completely.” The news of the angry comments from the official forums had reached them, and some felt pessimistic about the welcome they would get if it was know they were teens. Still, a few expressed excitement of the merger, and they chance they would get to show off their talents.

For anyone not wanting teens on his/her land, there's always the option of setting their land to “Mature” or “Adult” to keep accounts of those under 18 off.

So ready or not, the grids have merged, and for better or worse the Main now has these youngsters, at least on the PG grids.

Sources: Dwell on It, SL Blog, Betaverse
Picture from Betaverse

Bixyl Shuftan