Ceasar Xigalia Announces His Resignation As CDS Chancellor

On Sunday October 19, on the discussion forum of the Confederation of Democratic Simulators, Ceasar Xigalia announced his resignation as Chancellor of the community. Ceasar described his term as following "an extended period where laws and democratic process had become secondary to those who wished to hold on to their positions of power at all cost." Among the issues of the election was land, whether to expand or keep the community the size it was. Ceasar described himself as being stymied in his efforts to add a sim to the community's estate. "The actions of certain members" he wrote, "made it undeniable" that his opposition "would use its powers for political gain and to protect its own interests."

"I can no longer in good conscience support a system that claims it follows democratic principles but is in fact simply a closed group role playing democracy amongst themselves rather than a real social experiment in virtual community development. The system is corrupt and seeks to consolidate power in an elite. I find this morally indefensible and therefore I refuse to continue to take further part and resign my position as Chancellor."

The Confederation of Democratic Simulators describes itself on it's webpage as "the oldest democracy in Second Life. Originally founded in 2004 as the City of Neualtenburg in the Anzere region, the Confederation of Democratic Simulators (C.D.S.) is now a five-region community operated by the citizens." The CDS recently celebrated it's tenth anniversary.

Breaking News: Rodvik Linden Leaves Second Life

After more than three years as CEO of Second Life, Rod Humble, known inworld as Rodvik Linden, has announced he will be leaving his position and departing Second Life. The date in which he left was sometime last week.

On Facebook, Rodvik wrote, “Its been a great 3 years! All my thanks to my colleagues at Linden Lab and our wonderful customers I wish you the very best for the future and continued success! I am starting-up a company to make Art, Entertainment and unusual things! More on that in a few weeks!”


Rodvik Linden is gone from the Linden Lab's staff page at http://lindenlab.com/about . It is not yet clear who will replace him.

It was announced on Dec 2010 that Rod Humble would be assuming the role of CEO of Second Life. He took the position a month later. At the time, he was known for being a success in the gaming industry, such as "The Sims."

Details are still comming in on this stunning news.

Image Credit: Marianne McCann

Arton Tripsa’s Party at Book Island

Book Island recently bade farewell to it's manager, Arton Tripsa. For four years, she helped make the place run. She will be missed, and the people there threw her a party to say farewell. Grease Coakes was there, and got the story on what happened.

Read Grease's article in Events.

Yoz Linden Leaving Linden Lab

On his Twitter page, Yoz Linden, Yoz Grahame in real life, wrote a message that stated he was leaving Linden Lab.



Thanks for everything, Linden Lab; it's been virtual. Always remember: YOU RUN A F***ING WORLD. This is Yoz Linden Signing out. ONWARDS!

Daniel Voyager listed Yoz's roles as "technical lead for Linden Lab, social applications," and "web infrastructure." A year and a half ago, The Economist printed an article about how as one of the developers of the computer game "Starship Titanic,"  Yoz started an "Employee Forum" on the website which turned into it's own online community. When the company that made the game went under, rather than let the forum simply die, Yoz took it under his wing, "I moved it to my own hosting." Hamlet Au mused at the time if Second Life ever went under, Yoz might come to the rescue once again by taking home some of the servers.

While he probably won't be coming to rescue the Grid should such a day come, it's likely we'll hear from him again on another computer-related project.

Sources: Daniel Voyager, Hamlet Au
Image Source: Twitter, Quora

Bixyl Shuftan

Virtual Railway Consortium Gives Thanks to Former Leader

Second Life Newser recently reported on a resignation in the Virtual Railway Consortium, it's former Secretary Stryker Jenkins. Since then, there has been an official statement from the VRC, thanking him for his service.

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On behalf of all VRC members, thank you to Stryker Jenkins for his tireless service in the group, specifically in the official role of Secretary from which he recently resigned. Stryker's dedication to the group leadership work will be missed, and we're grateful that he plans to continue the many voluntary efforts he's done for the group, including mapmaking, building, recruiting new members, maintaining the website, and more.

Striker's hard work during his term has made it possible to manage the group with much less effort than before, but we do need to elect a new Secretary to fill the vacant position; we plan to initiate the formal election process after SL9B has concluded and well before major work begins on Rail Rally 2012.

The VRC is a bigger and more active group in Second Life than ever before, in many ways due to Stryker's diligent participation. We hope his interest will continue and grow along with the group.

Thank you Stryker!

Leadership Team
Virtual Railway Consortium

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For more on the Virtual Railway Consortium, check out it's website: http://www.virtualrailwayconsortium.org/ .

Gemma Cleanslate

Virtual Railway Consortium Secretary Stryker Jenkins Steps Down

It's been some time since Gemma Cleanslate last reported on the railroad in Second Life. She recently heard about some news about one of the more noted railroad groups, the Virtual Railroad Consortium. Stryker Jenkins, the group's Secretary, stepped down from his position.

Read more in People.

Fredrik Linden Leaving Linden Lab

Fredrik Linden, a software engineering director at Linden Lab for about 18 months, announced he will be leaving this Friday, August 5th. "I'm off to new adventures," he was quoted as saying.

Tatureu Nino stated Nya Linden, currently a program manager, "will be taking over from Fredrik at the Social user-group meetings from next week."

Sources: "Dwell on it," Daniel Voyager's Blog," pic from Marianne McCann.

Egypt Sim: Protests Turn to Celebration at News of Egyptian Leader’s Stepping Down

Events in the country of Egypt have taken some dramatic turns this week in real life. In Second Life, these events were reflected at the Egypt sim as people protested strongman Mubarak's refusal to resign one day, and the next were celebrating his departure.

Read the article in Events.