Looking Back At The Newser: The First Years, 2010-2013 (2022)

 

In a few days, the Newser will have an anniversary party to celebrate 14 years of reporting the news across Second Life. But one might ask how did things go when it first started? Well, we hit the ground running. Within a week, we had some BIG stories to report on, and the news kept coming. In 2022, we wrote on how it was for our first few years. Quite a bit had happened.

 

Read the article from 2022 in Extra. 

Looking Back At The Newser: The First Years, 2010-2013 (2022)

 

The Second Life Newser is a publication with a long history, twelve years. That's quite a lot to look back on. In this article, Editor and head writer Bixyl Shuftan takes a look at the Newser's first few years. Starting from a team of four reporters fresh from the recently closed Second Life Newspaper, the Newser would win the confidence of readers and advertisers alike and soon become a force in journalism covering the people, places, and events in Second Life (with occasional nods to our sponsors). But much of what it covered was a Linden Lab that seemed increasingly unable or unwilling to understand it's virtual world's users.

Read the overview of 2010 to 2013 (written in 2022) in Extra.

Looking Back At The Newser: The First Years, 2010-2013

 

The Second Life Newser is a publication with a long history, twelve years. That's quite a lot to look back on. In his article for today, Editor and head writer Bixyl Shuftan will take a look at the Newser's first few years. Starting from a team of four reporters fresh from the recently closed Second Life Newspaper, the Newser would win the confidence of readers and advertisers alike and soon become a force in journalism covering the people, places, and events in Second Life (with occasional nods to our sponsors). But much of what it covered was a Linden Lab that seemed increasingly unable or unwilling to understand it's virtual world's users.

Read the overview of 2010 to 2013 in Extra.
 

SL Video: World War Two Memorial

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By Cynthia Madanski on July 2011, "A tour through the WWII Memorial in Second Life." The WW2 Memorial was part of the 2011 Veterans Tribute.

SL Video: "Second Life's North Pole Sleigh Ride Adventure"

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By Eddi Haskel on Dec 2011, "The North Pole Sleigh Ride Adventure is a destination in the virtual world of Second Life."

SL Video: "Wootstock 2011"

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From "Nitwacket" on July 2011, the "Wootstock" celebration in Raglan Shire. "Make waffles, not war."

Commentary: Who Else Would Have Gotten "Man of the Year?"

By Bixyl Shuftan

The "Man of the Year" will be an article we hope to be doing this time of year from here on. We've gotten a few complements on it (thank you). Though there was a question raised: Who would have won if the Newser had done this from it's first year?

For 2010, the winner would likely have been people whom sadly had lost their jobs. The news that Linden Lab had given 30% of their workforce, including some popular Lindens, shook the Second Life community like few things ever had. People began wondering if the Grid was on a downward slump it couldn't recover from. That some popular Lindens such as Blue and Teegan were given pink slips gave others the impression the people in charge were sending a message to the others: "No fraternization with the masses." So the title would probably have gone to "The 30%." Others whom would have been in the running include Jessica Lyon for organizing Team Phoenix which created what would be Second Life's most popular viewer, Team Emerald for demonstrating how *not* to run a Third Party Viewer team with their hacking of a critic's website and the outright defiance against Linden Lab that led to the banning of a number of members. and Philip Linden / Philip Rosedale for coming back for a few months as interim CEO.

For 2011, the probable winner of the title would have been the new CEO Rodvik Linden / Rod Humble. His arrival with years of experience in the computer gaming industry gave many residents hope that Linden Lab was back on track. Others whom figured large in the news included zFire Xue for his controversial RedZone that raised many privacy fears, and for being among the few whom went to prison as a result of his activities inworld, Battlestar Galactica roleplayers for successfully negotiating with the real-life Universal corporation and being able to continue their games and therfore providing a precedent for similar groups in future years, Ozimal and Ammaretto for the lawsuit filed by the former on the latter (pointless in the opinion of the writer) which Ammaretto would eventually win, and Second Life's "pony" fans for introducing a new type of avatar and a new community that despite their first sims being taken down due to griefers soon bounced back and was on the Grid to stay.

2012's most influential newsmakers, and therefore whom would have been the collective "Man of the Year," were probably the SL9B team. When Linden Lab announced that they would no longer be sponsoring the event and suggested the various communities hold their own celebrations, various residents refused to take the news lying down and instead banded together to organize it themselves. Second Life's Ninth Birthday proved that while Linden Lab may have provided the software and the sims, it was the residents that truly made Second Life what it is. Other newsmakers included Crap Mariner for his publicizing SL9B with his series of videos, Rodvik Linden for his decisions such as new games and platforms for the Lab such as the "Patterns" game, Qarl Fizz (formerly Qarl Linden) for his work on the mesh deformer, and the Star Trek Community for successfully negotiating with Paramount to be able to continue their roleplays in Second Life.

2013 was dominated by two controversies, both about Second Life's Terms of Service. One was about third-party Linden exchangers, which Linden Lab tried to ban. While most folded, the Podex Exchange headed by Jacek Shuftan remained open, saying they had a duty to their customers and tried to talk to the Lab. But the Lab would not listen to him and temporarily gave him the boot. It was ultimately up to the Second Life masses whom rose up at once in protests, many threatening to leave, who got Linden Lab to partially back down and allow third party exchangers to remain (but not buy Lindens back). So for his work Jacek Shuftan would have gotten runner-up. The second controversy was the longer lasting Terms of Service Content creator controversy, of which the opposition was organized under the United Content Creators of Second Life group, founded and headed by Kylie Sabra. Despite that Linden Lab wouldn't budge until the following year under a new CEO, Kylie Sabra's efforts would have gotten her "Woman of the Year" for 2013. Others in the running would have included Tuna Oddfellow for his protesting the ToS issue by moving his performances to the InWorldz Grid, which spurred numerous others to take a look at the alternative virtual world, the SL10B team for organizing the effort to celebrate the Grid's tenth anniversary, and the Relay for Life volunteers for their "100 Years of Hope" season which celebrated the American Cancer Society's centennial.

Just as we take a look back to see whom made a difference in Second Life in the past, the Newser team looks forward to spreading the news about who does so in the future.

Bixyl Shuftan

Goodbye 2011

Tonight 2011 comes to a close. Numerous locations will be having New Year's Eve parties, and some such as Club Cutlass here will feature their own ball drop at 11:59PM.

It's been a year full of events for the Grid (stay tuned for our Year in Review in a few days), and we've had some great entrances and sad goodbyes. And now, time to say goodbye to it with a blast.

Have a great New Year's Eve.

MachnExpo 2011 this Weekend

MachinExpo 2011 Programming Schedule

Burn2 Approaches

Burn2 preparations are well under way! Magnificent builds are appearing there daily. I am lucky to be there in my role of Ranger, so I can only tell you to be sure to save time to visit many more than once. To get an overview of the Playa you will be able to take a hot air balloon around the sims.

There will be loot in the Schwag Tent, gifts left for you by the builders. Planning is under way for many live performers and parties in the Center Camp, at the Tokyo Stage and on some of the plots. Soon the events schedule will be up for you to check everyday. In the meantime enjoy a peek!

Gemma Cleanslate

Zindra Expo Starts Today

From today Friday August 26 to Sunday September 4rth, the 2011 Zindra Expo, "The Forbidden Carnival," will be taking place. Taking place over eight days and four sims, there are numerous events, some taking advantage of the adult rating of the region.

The expo is set up in the sims Girenzi, Jaraded, Tramboyn, and Distrel. To get there, head to the entrance at Distrel (194, 62, 57), where you can pick up a guide to the event.

There are many kinds of events here, from live music performances, to build contests, fashion shows, lectures and discussions, celeberty guest appearances, and of course dance parties. This being Zindra, many (but not all) the events deal in adult topics.

To get around, there are goofy cars, elephant rides, sailboats for the waterways, balloons, space shuttle rides, and "forbidden float" rides. Between events, one can pick up clothes and, er-um, toys, grab freebie clothes and a corndog, ride a ferris wheel, go on bubbles and pirate rides, go to a "fight club," and more.

And yes, the Zyndra Expo has a hotel, with the rooms having beds.

The Zyndra Expo also wanted to give a chance for businesses to advertise here. SL Newser and it's music sponsor KVXN Radio have small advertising booths here.

So for those interested in an event on the wilder side of Second Life, the Zindra Expo is worth a look. The event goes on until September 4rth.

Bixyl Shuftan.

SLCC 2011: Game Mechanics, and Rod Humble’s Speech

Events last weekend, real life and in Second Life, kept me away from the Second Life Community Convention inworld. Daniel Voyager described attendance as “around 15 – 50+ at any given time during the weekend and i’m sure at Oakland there was a good attendance number.“ Daniel wrote several in-depth articles and posts on the event, such as this one for videos and pictures.

New World Notes also had a few articles. Among them, that it was announced in a keynote panel that game mechanics would be introduced as part of the experience for new users. Hamlet Au called this announcement “easily the most important of the panel, because the lack of a game-like structure is a key part of the confusion that causes almost all new SL users to feel frustrated and aimless, and subsequently, quit shortly after installing the client.”

"Second Life is not a game," spoke Executive Producer Michael "Gez Linden" Gesner during the panel, "However... you can use game mechanics and game systems to help people become more comfortable in Second Life... we're trying to get people over that initial hurdle."

The Linden team “now has specialty roles for specific varieties of SL content.”

Art - Durian Linden - durian@lindenlab.com
Gaming & Breedables - Gez Linden - gez@lindenlab.com
Roleplaying - Esbee Linden - esbee@lindenlab.com
Adult - Charlar Linden - charlar@lindenlab.com
Education - Geo Linden - geo@lindenlab.com
Music - Nya Linden - nya@lindenlab.com
Fashion- Cassanda Linden - cassandra@lindenlab.com

Hamlet Au also noted that ironically enough, people at the convention weren’t on Second Life that much while there,”this is the first one where I noticed a serious lack of SLCC attendees logged into SL.” Instead they were using social media sites such as Facebook. His readers responded that iPhones were easier to carry than the computers they felt logging onto the Grid needed, plus “not being able to plug into power means your battery is dead fairly quickly.”

The highlight was Linden Labs’ CEO Rod Humble (Rodnik Linden) giving his keynote address. Last year, Philip Linden dropped a bombshell when he announced the Teen Grid would be merged with the main one. Nothing so dramatic was announced this time, though there were a few subjects of interest.


A recording of Linden Lab's CEO Rod Humble/Rodvik Linden, giving his keynote address, taken last weekend at 1PM Aug 13th.

Rod committed himself to becoming more experienced with getting around on the grid, “this first time addressing you, (it’s) as a relative newb. Hopefully this time next year ... I’ll be a little more experienced.” He noted Second Life was getting 16,000 new sign-ups every day, “something that many games would kill for.” Talking about the “why people go in” Second Life, he admitted he couldn’t really put a finger on it. He felt this mystery was part of it’s charm. He went on to say that when he first came to Linden Lab, he had the impression Second Life was much like “the Sims.” He quickly found out it wasn’t like that at all, “everything created by others. ... everyone creates, even if it’s just relationships.” On the issue of “the point” of Second Life, he felt it was the need for people to create, “the creativity is what makes us human.”

He talked about such creativity being shared, and another important role being identity and being about to “segregate” the different roles one has. He commented he was “disturbed” by the rise of certain social networks which did not recognize any right to privacy of any of these roles. He commented that people act differently when they go to church from when they go to a sporting event, and admitted being part of an online soccer forum where he expressed a very different side of himself with his “obscenity-laden rants.”

Rod also expressed the goal for the company to give the family members of each a Second Life account, “right now, we’re about halfway through that project.”

Rod stated that Linden Lab planned to work more on region crashes in the Grid, “less features, more on fixes.”For the rest of the year, they would put a little more focus on costumer service, addressing concerns, and the lag. He talked about the quality of service. He also brought of the subject of griefers, wanting to “make life unpleasant for griefers, in an inhumane way.” Rod also mentioned improvements to Premium accounts, with new features added.

He also took questions via 3x5 notecards from the audience, and answered some. One of the first was about protecting content creators. Rod answered that “we have several plans.” He mentioned some new products, involving tablets, saying “sales of desktop (computers) had fallen flat.” Linden Lab would be working on products besides Second Life.

He mentioned Second Life was getting more new users these days. But they were not showing up on the Grid like before. They were different in that they were spending less time logged on, and spending more time socializing. He mentioned tools on the horizon, such as facial recognition and voice recognition. He commented at one point about “Second Life a killer ap for education. ... Best we can do is support. ... It is not for Linden Lab or me to push it’s users into a direction.”

Of Viewer 2, Rod commented that the Lindens didn’t want to annoy their customers, and if some residents didn’t want to use Viewer 2, that was “fair enough.” But they had worked a lot on the viewer, with new features in the codebase, and just couldn’t give it up. But Rod was willing to work on further improvements, adding more features from Viewer 1.

He mentioned getting a Twitter account, saying the only reason he got one was because residents has asked him to, “the best way to get in touch with me is through my profile ... or message me on Twitter.”

Of clothes being affected by long rezz times and lag, Rod seemed to be saying the improvements being worked on would be through Mesh.

A few times, Rod was asked about land pricing. Each time, he refused to answer, “I’m not going to be talking about that.”

He talked about the “new user experience,” saying the destination guide had been a big help, and the Lab would work on further improvements. He talked of setting up some newbie areas where they could go to chat.

One interesting point was when one of the audience asked about if the Lindens would bring back Community Gateways. Rod, admitting his unfamiliarity, asked, “what are those?” Someone explained they were branded web portals from a few years ago. Rod responded, “That’s a great idea. What happened to them?” The audience enjoyed a few chuckles of the CEO’s “noob status.”

Rod stated at one point that no other major companies had tried to duplicate what Second Life has, “except maybe Google.” Someone asked if Linden Lab was planing to “once again go overseas.” Rod answered they would. He talked about “localizing in languages,” such as Russian and Thai.

Daniel Voyager and Hamlet Au also have articles about Rod Humble's address. Others whom have posted about the SLCC include Modem World by Inara Pey, Ciaran Laval, and the Betterverse.

Sources: Daniel Voyager, New World Notes

Bixyl Shuftan

Catch the 2011 SLCC in SL

Today is the last day of the 2011 Second Life Community Convention (SLCC). For those who couldn't make it to the real-life location, there's a place here on the Grid for it.

To get to the Central Landing Point, head to SLCC 201 (232, 24, 25). You can also check out the page on the Destinations Guide . Daniel Voyager also has a guide to it on his blog. Fleep Tuque has some pictures of the event on her Flickr.

Sources: SL Destinations Guide, Daniel Voyager's Blog

Hair Fair 2011

Today was the last day of the 2011 Hair Fair in Second Life. Going on for six years, the event described itself as celebrating "the best in Second Life Hairstyle design." The event had displays in tents from various companies and designers covering four sims, Platinum, Iridium, Rhodium, and Osmium.

There were numerous hairpeices/wigs up for sale, as well as bandanas and other headwear. There were also some freebies and demos available as well. The money raised goes to Wigs for Kids, a charity donating wigs to children suffering hair loss from conditions such as chemotherapy for cancer treatments.

This year, the place had a beach theme, with walkways of planks in the sand and surfboards standing next to palm trees. There were a few exhibits around, such as sand sculptures with poseballs one could sit on.

The event was mentioned in the Second Life Destination Guide, and mentioned in Second Life fashion blogs such as Juicy Bomb, and Kakia Designs.

The entrance to the event is located at Platinum (15, 122, 21), for those wanting to check the place for displays still open before the sims are cleaned out. The official website for the event is at http://hairfair.wordpress.com/ .

Bixyl Shuftan

Goodbye SL8B

Well, the SL8B (Second Life Eighth Birthday) is officially over. The final events were last night, Sunday June 26. The good news, the exhibits will stay up until July 2, so those whom couldn't be at the event much or at all due to other commitments or the lag from the traffic have a few days to enjoy the sights. And there are plenty of them.

I heard a couple people whom would have nothing to do with the event, "I have no interest in seeing the Lindens pat themselves on the back." But most I talked to were at least somewhat interested. More than a few thought the show wasn't really about the Lindens, but those residents whom took the time to make SL what it is.

We at SL Newser still have a few more SL8B stories to tell over the next few days. If you the readers have a story of your own you'd like to tell, by all means let us know (send to bixylshuftan@gmail.com), and we'll publish it.

If you want to see more pictures, like Wildster Beaumont's sunset screenshot up above, check out the SL8B Flickr.

And so ends one of Second Life's major events. Stay tuned next month for the Relay for Life walk.

Bixyl Shuftan

Coming Events: SL8B and Burn2

All of a sudden, I feel like I am caught in a time warp.

I am a greeter for the SL8B. That begins as you know on June 25. Building is underway, performers preparing, stage managers ready, greeters meeting , and the electricity is in every step. I spent some time in a machinima changing avatars and spinning on an avatar wheel. It was great fun and you will be able to view it soon.

In the midst of this, I had a notice to come to a meeting for Burn2, 2011! Wow.. I thought that was a long way off. Well, it is not until October, however work is beginning. Emcee Widget filled everyone in on the plans for this year's Burn2 Rites of Passage. It will be held October 1 through 9. There will be 8 sims to begin. However there is a plan this year to ask for “donation” of sims for 90 days. They will be moved to the 8 sims and then returned to the donors.

There are hopes that donations will also help provide more sims even up to 18. They will also taking donations for sims that will be purchased for 2000L. If you donate to he purchase of a sim it will be done in increments so that if the 2000L is not reached your donation amount will be returned to you . That means there can be more creative plots available to those who wish to participate. The information tent is open on Deep Hole so you can visit: Burning Man- Deep Hole (241, 89, 24).

Plots are ready for purchase or, for 100L you can enter a lottery for a plot. Right now is the time to look at the volunteer positions that are open . There are many fun jobs you can do . Here is a list of volunteer positions you can read about and on the page you will find a link to the application: http://www.burn2.org/open-jobs.

There will be more information coming as the build time starting in August approaches and I will keep you apprised. It is early yet but time passes so quickly in Second Life!

Burn On!!

Gemma Cleanslate

Fishiversary 2011

7seas Fishing is celebrating four years in business in SL. They are hosting the Fishiversary again for all fishers. Many creators and fishing hole owners have built some cute and lovely and fun places in the sims and are giving great fishing prizes.

Even for those who do not fish it is a great place to rezz a boat and ride around looking at the various builds in the three sims. You will find the rezzers at the ends of the docks. There will be parties and entertainment Friday , Saturday, and Sunday.

I know I will not keep all the “fish,” which may be anything not fish. But it is great fun looking at them all. The fishers are avid to be there and will move from area to area to catch all the custom fish created just for this yearly event. I caught a bookcase with readable books. I caught a tulip from my favorite hat maker and expected a hat. When I wore it I was enveloped by an enormous tulip for the yard.

Many kudos to all the owners and creators of 7Seas Fishing..Seven Shikami, Jen Shikam, Meissa Thorne, and all those who helped them get this ready for us.

Take a tour of the sims or come to an event at Osmium (111, 111, 22)

Gemma Cleanslate

RFL Fantasy Faire 2011

* * Fantasy Faire 2011, April 2 - 10th * *

Proudly brought to you by
Friends Fighting Cancer
Strong! Together!
...
with the Spirit of Hope!

From Saturday April 2nd to Sunday April 10th 2011, thousands of Second Life residents and creators are coming together to support the American Cancer Society's vision of a world without cancer. Friends Fighting Cancer (FFC) have transformed nine sims of Second Life into a fantasy wonderland: the Fantasy Faire 2011 to benefit Relay for Life of Second Life (RFL of SL).

The Fantasy Faire 2011 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers and performers in the virtual world. Ten days of commerce, special events, live music concerts, exclusive items auctions, RFL ribbon hunts and fundraising to benefit Relay for Life and the fight against cancer. Avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets, goodies and exclusive items are available from top SL Fantasy Creators in stunning sims designed by builders creating some of the most noticeable fantasy spots on the SL destination guide.

This nine sim event is bringing together such fantasy genres as Fairy, Elven, Magic, Mermaid, Goth, Demon, Vamp, Neko, Micro, Steampunk, Sci-Fi and more including fantasy landscaping and appearance such as skin & hair! FFC's goal in 2011 is to raise $20,000 USD for RFL of SL. The Fantasy Faire 2011 will also offer visitors an opportunity to celebrate the survivors of cancer, remember and honor loved ones lost, and to fight back with the American Cancer Society.

The Fantasy Faire 2011 is made possible by the generous support of Sim and Event Sponsors: Dark Goddess Designs, Evie's Closet, Fallen Gods, Fantasy Furniture by Arachne Anatra, Hoof It, Mer Betta, Petable, The Looking Glass, The Arcanum, T R I D E N T, Mycon3 fantasy sim & Fondazione Connell - The Project

To join us this year just search for "Fantasy Faire Central" on the map - open to the public 2nd - 10th April, 2011.

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This year's third annual Fantasy Faire is produced by Friends Fighting Cancer, an international team of people who have been involved with the RFL of SL for the past five years who are all committed to helping the American Cancer Society reach this year’s goal of $300,000 USD.

Since its inception in 2005, the RFL of SL has grown in both attendance and fundraising. With almost $275,000 USD raised last year RFL of SL has become the largest fundraising event in the virtual world.

The stunning fantasy environments and surrounds have been created by some of SLs top builders including the wonderful Elicio Ember (Cerridwen's Caldron), Mayah Parx ( Epic Toy Factory), Alia Baroque (Fallen Gods) Piedras Chama & Nonna Hedges (Natural Fantasies), Numberofthebeast Angelus (see his work at Arcanum), Marcus Inkpen & Sharni Azalee (The Looking Glass), Zander Greene & Lauren Thibaud (Thibaud Green Industries) and we're very excited to welcome Sextan Shepherd (who will be bringing elements of his famous steampunk "Nemo" build back just for the Fantasy Faire!)

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As with all events this size, there will be lag. We have done our best to keep it as low as we can but we’ll also need your help. Be considerate of your fellow shoppers - keep prims and bling in your pocket, turn off your AOs and other scripted HUDs (you will find the going easier for yourself). Low prim clothes are available at each teleport point so that you can show your support for The Relay for Life and help everything run smoother PLUS our secret Fairy Godmother will be dropping FABULOUS prizes on people with really low Avatar Render Cost and Scripts for doing such a great job at keeping the lag down!

----------------------------------------------------------------

For more information please contact:

Captain Ember Farina or Co-Captain Zander Greene in SL
or email us at FantasyFaireSL@gmail.com

The official FFC Fantasy Faire 2011 website - http://www.FantasyFaireSL.wordpress.com
is updated regularly with news of the Fantasy Faire Sponsors, Featured Creators, limited availability auction items, competition & event details.

The Fantasy Faire in SL Flickr group - http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfairesl/
will soon be showing limited release items available in the Fantasy Faire vendors or auction and also giving details of great competitions.

Are you or a loved one battling cancer? Find out how many ways the American Cancer Society is there to help. Visit cancer.org or call (US) 800-ACS-2345.


Email: FantasyFaireSL@gmail.com
Blog: http://fantasyfaireSL.wordpress.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfairesl/
RFL in SL: www.relayforlife.org/secondlife

Happy New Year

It was a joyous New Years Eve last night. A time to celebrate with friends, and sometimes get back in touch with old ones. Among the places I went to was Club Little Dove for it's grand reopening. The sim was packed for quite some time, and a good time had by all.

Later on, there will be more to tell. But for now, yours truly is pooped.

Bixyl Shuftan