The Newser has been informed that Luna Lunaria (apelles.luna) has passed away. She was known as a builder and writer.
From her profile:
find each of you to be so beautiful in so many ways, it is beyond words. Thank you for making virtual so rich. Much love to you all :-)
Spiritual seeker, writer, and creator / merchant on Wolf Territories Grid, Kitely Grid, Utopia Skye, Digiworldz, and Second Life, with smaller presences on Mobius Grid, Friends Grid, OSGrid, and others. Creator of Lunaria Emporium and Luxor, among others.
I am currently involved in projects outside of SL, but I do try to come in once or twice a week. If you leave a message I will see it and respond the next time I'm on. All my new work is being done in opensim on a grid called Wolf territories and is much better and larger than anything I can make here. Here is their website: https://www.wolf-grid.com/. My regions there are Lunaria Emporium and Luxor.
Sad news for fans of Tiffany Ross, the artist behind "The Cyantian Chronicles" and a number of other online comics. A link posted on her Discord stated she was recently admitted to the hospital for problems with her lungs.
Tiffany became very ill the second week of January and it’s serious—VERY serious. She’s in the ICU with extensive respiratory issues, and is having a difficult time. Which is, to say the least, expensive.
We’re in a bit of a holding pattern as Tiffany works to pull through and her family decides what further help they might need—but in the mean time, we’re asking if you would share the link to her books and build up her sales.
She’s a talented artist, a killer beta reader, and an excellent author. ... She is warm and funny, generous to a fault with her edits, and a stellar human.
It's been posted on her Discord that she is improving, but slowly.
Tiffany Ross started the Cyantian Chronicles, originally titled Satin and Silk, in the late 1990s (check the review of in in this article). Over time, she would start others such as Alien Dice. She has also gotten into writing, describing herself as an "urban fantasy" author, having written a novel, "Rex Regis," and has contributed to several anthologies.
A few days ago, Ryan Schultz, a noted blogger about Second Life and other virtual worlds and VR technology, announced there would be no more posts on his blog.
I’ve had a good run, but it’s time for me to close this blog after a little over seven years and three months. It’s time.
Please know that it has been an honour, a
joy, and a privilege to write about a subject that I loved: virtual
worlds, social VR, and the metaverse, plus virtual and augmented reality
in general. This blog has opened many doors for me, and I am truly
grateful for the experiences I have had.
Thank you for your comments, suggestions,
encouragement, and feedback throughout the years. I have made many
friends and acquaintances in many virtual worlds, and I hope that our
paths cross again soon, either via the metaverse or in real life.
I will be offline for a while, but I hope
to be back soon. I doubt it will be a blog, though. Perhaps something
different; I don’t know what yet.
Be well. Keep each other warm in a cold world. I love you all.
In his post before, he stated was staking an indefinite break, saying he was too busy with the demands of real-life. In the post before that, he had stated his job at a university has undergone quite a bit in recent months. His last post about technology was on October 1, with two posts in August. On July 4, he announced there would be fewer posts "for the forseeable future" due to his job.
Ryan Schultz was a blogger about Second Life, often posting about mesh avatar accessories and outfits. But he didn't limit himself to Second Life, starting off as a blogger about Sansar when it was owned by Linden Lab, calling it the "Sansar Newsblog" at the time. But in January 2018, he briefly suspended writing following a dispute with Linden Lab about a story he did on one of Sansar's locations, later renaming it the Ryan Schultz blog as part of Linden Lab's complaint was about the blog's name. He would also write about VRChat and other virtual worlds, as well as VR Gear.
Ryan Schultz did hint he would be back in some form. But it looks like he won't be with the blog he made a name for himself in Second Life media.
It was about seventeen years this month in which my Second Life took a change. For a few months since the person who talked me into coming here told me about the Relay Weekend, I'd been dropping by regularly, seeing more of what people made here. I would hang around a few places, make a few friends, replace my starter avatar with a Luskwood fox, and continue to drop by new places.
Curious where to find new and interesting places, I started checking out blogs and newsletters about the virtual world. Among the most interesting was "Second Life Newspaper." After some time reading it, there was an announcement for reader submissions, either articles or pictures. So I sent in a few. I soon got the attention of it's owner JamesT Juno and it's editor Dana Vanmoer as they asked me for a job interview.
And so began my path into virtual journalism. With my first payment, I got a fedora and overcoat for a classic reporter's outfit, which with my avatar got me called "fox reporter" or "fox news," which got both chuckles from both fans and critics alike of the real-life News network. Once or twice a week, I would write articles on the people, places and events across Second Life. I would also do the cartoons. I was part of an accomplished team of writers that covered the Grid. And eventually I would be make the "office manager" of SL Newspaper, which meant updating the paper when Dana wasn't able.
Sadly, my time there would be only about two and a half years. James would depart Second Life for personal reasons, and Dana would tell the staff she would be shutting down, it's closing taking place in June 2010. By this time, three of the other reporters and I came to a decision, and as SL Newspaper closed, SL Newser would begin, with me as the owner and editor.
And we would continue the work of our predecessor paper, and I would continue to write articles, in addition to editing and posting the stories of the other writers, as well as posting shorts, cartoons, and videos on the main page. It would go on for month after month, year after year.
Second Life has changed much in the time I've been around. When I first started writing about it, we were still the darling of tech media, and mentioned on TV. But in just a few years, the shine had faded, the masses preferring Facebook and other social media. Second Life media would also change as live programing, once easy to find, would become a rarity, limited to special events. Many favorite locations have also faded away over time. Mesh wasn't even conceived of when I first appeared. Today, most avatars and their clothes are mesh. There's Bellisseria, the Linden Home continent, which has emerged as it's own community. And then there's the Lab. Numerous Lindens have come and gone, and we've reported on a few CEOs coming and going.
But while much has changed, much has remained the same. The Relay for Life continues to hold fundraising seasons, and many fun events. People continue to show their talents, either as builders, musicians, and more. And people continue to build and maintain interesting places, some of which have stood the test of time.
So what does the future hold. I've gotten a couple requests to write more political articles. But American politics has gotten more toxic in recent years, so as interesting as it is I write about it only sparingly for the Newser, usually around election time (just one, maybe two more articles on it this year). Those interested in what I have to say can check out my "Food on The Table" blog which I update only every so often. I've also had a lifetime interest in writing fiction, some of which can be read on my DeviantArt page. And I plan to get a novel published once I figure out how.
But I'll still be writing the news about this virtual world for quite some time to come. There's plenty here that keeps me interested. And as long as real-life permits, I won't stop writing.
The Newser takes pride in bringing you the news big and small from across Second Life. And we do so on a daily basis. But, it takes a team. We're not a one-man blog that posts every so often when the person has a little time. We started off as a team, and we continue as one.
But, we have real lives outside our Second ones. We have jobs and friends there. And when we do come here, some of us have commitments besides the Newser, such as marriages, a community club, etc. And of course our real lives can change, meaning someone has to slow down or stop writing for a while.
So we could always use a little more help.
Are you someone with a love of writing and a love of Second Life? If so, maybe the Newser is the place for you. Writing experience is preferred, and those interested we would like to see examples of what you've written in the past.
It should be noted that we are not a sensationalist media outlet, nor slam anyone just for the sake of ratings. What we desire is "news you can use" that informs people about what Second Life has to offer and the good it can do. And of course entertain our audience a little along the way. Our motto is "reporting on the people, places, and events of Second Life," and do our best to live up to it.
Send a notecard and IM to Bixyl Shuftan, or email at bixylshuftan@ gmail.com
Next to Netara's Coffee Lounge in Sung Harbor is an art exhibit, "Fire and Water." The paintings are done by Talia Sunsong. A few days ago, I had a few words with her about the exhibit and her paintings. She had a number of things to say, including that besides a painter she also writes.
After writing for the Second Life Newser steadily since it's start almost twelve years ago, circumstances in the real life of Gemma Cleanslate are requiring she take a leave of absence. She is having to do so for medical reasons. We at the Newser wish her well, and look forward to her recovery, and return.
Gemma Cleanslate began her career in virtual journalism in early 2008 under JamesT Juno's and Dana Vanmoer's Second Life Newspaper. In June 2010, she would be one of the founding staff of the Second Life Newser.
Newser Reporter Anita Kimono, whom did her first stories under her alt Kayly Iali, has stepped down as part of the Newser team. An artist in real life, for about a year she has interviewed numerous artists and exhibit curators in Second Life. Recently, she obtained a job in real life that was a result of her art-related activities inworld. So she no longer has the time she once has to go about inworld, or write about it. She stated before she left that she appreciated that the Newser writes time to time about the arts in the virtual world, and that she had some time to contribute to the writing.
GoSpeed Racer, known as R. Jacques in real-life, in known inword for her DJing and running the KONA station. But lately she's also starting to be known for some novels she's written and published. She'll be among four writers in today's broadcast of The Second Life Book Club, hosted by Draxtor Despress.
Yours truly will be on Draxtor's SL Book Club show this Wednesday, March 3rd at 12 noon SLT. I will be part of a panel of four Second Life Authors/Writers being interviewed by the host, Draxtor Despres. We will also answer questions posed by the audience and Youtube watchers. In-world seating fills up fast, so plan to arrive at least an hour early. If you cannot get in then you can watch live on Youtube:
As stated, the show is today, March 3 at 12 Noon SL time. People can either attend inworld at BookClub Island (130/114/23) or see it on Youtube (link).
Some science-fiction fans among Second Life residents may recall when noted author Larry Niven was inworld in 2008. Twelve years later, he was in the virtual world again, appearing at Draxtor Despres' Book Club. The man behind novels such as "Ringworld" and "The Man-Kzin Wars" was in a new account and a new avatar, this one was of a "Motie" from "The Mote in God's Eye." Niven would talk some about his writing. And at one point Philip Rosedale, who was in the audience, was invited on stage.
Yours truly planned to write about this in detail, but was delayed. So for now, here is the video.
Twelve years ago, the leading newsletter in Second Life was the Second Life Newspaper. Around the time of it's first anniversary in early November 2007, it took on a fox whom had sent in a few reader submissions over the previous month. Over time, that fox would write numerous articles about the people, places, and events about the virtual world. Today, yours truly looks back to reflect on his time as a virtual journalist.
Last month, the longtime running fantasy drama "Game of Thrones" concluded after eight seasons. To those not familiar with the show, it had a darker and grittier feel than traditional fantasy stories, one person calling it a cross of "The Sopranos" and Middle Earth, due to the political intrigue in the stories. While many longtime fans disliked the final season, Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 55% rating compared to the 97% to 91% of the previous seven, there's no denying it's mass appeal over the years as well as it's impact on popular culture.
As it turns out, the writer of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" books the series was based on, George R.R. Martin, made an appearance in Second Life in May 2007. This was before the first season of the show had aired. Martin, whom was in an avatar based on his character Tyrion, was there to talk about his upcoming book "Dreamsongs," which was a collection of earlier works of his. The visit inworld was part of his campaign to publicize the work. But he also read an excerpt of the still unpublished fifth book of his "Ice and Fire" series, "A Dance With Dragons." The audience was a mix of human and nonhuman avatars, which Martin called a "strange-looking crowd." On his blog, he would call Second Life, "... well, sort of like World of Warcraft without the axes, swords, and monsters. Our world, kinda sorta, virtually. ... I've never done a reading with monsters in the audience before, at least not the sort you could tell my looking at 'em"
Besides part of the hour-long event appearing in a Youtube (there was another, but it was lost), there's a transcript of it on "The Citadel," a fan website of the show and stories. It's notable that "Dance of Dragons" wouldn't be published until July 2011, almost four years after the event. Someone remarked in the comments of the video, "So he has time to ponce about in sh***y online games to a motley
assortment of furries and losers, but not write the damn book he was
supposed to finish years ago?"
Martin talked some about writing, saying J.R. Tolkien was an inspiration of his. He also compared writing a novel to a cross-country trip. You know where you started, you know where you'll probably end, but you don't know where you'll be stopping for the night, and you might be taking detours here and there, "a lot of the fine details I discovered in the course of the writing."
There was also some discussion of the upcoming show on HBO, Martin saying the producers would be faithful to the books. There were some things spoken that looking back look funny or otherwise ironic, "I know it's taking longer than I thought, but I'm working on it guys,
that's what I can say, I'm working on it. I'm going to have to stay
ahead of David and Dan, it would be awfully embarrassing if the
television series caught up with the book."
Martin still has yet to finish the final (planned) two novels of the series. As to what Martin thought of the ending of the TV series, you can read it here.
In a few weeks, the Second Life Newser will be celebrating it's ninth anniversary. Last year, we gave the reporters a chance to speak a few words. Since then, we've had one more join the crew: the talented Marcel Mosswood. Her fellow reporter (and virtual neighbor) Deaflegacy recently interviewed her, and Marcel had a few things to say.
While some in Second Life are content with their accomplishments inworld, some strive to make success in real life. GoSpeed Racer, known as a DJ inworld and Internet radio station owner, has taken her hand to writing fiction. Having recently published her third novel, she contacted the Newser. So we sat down, and talked some about her stories.
Life, virtual and otherwise, is hard enough when you're fully abled. But when you're disabled, it gets tougher. Deaflegacy, as her name suggests, has been deaf since birth, able to hear only with hearing aids. So how does she feel virtual life is for a disabled resident? When one knows how, it can make life in general better.
A little more than a week ago, the editor of the Second Life Newser, Bixyl Shuftan, had his twelfth rezzday. Deaflegacy felt the occasion deserved an interview. So the two sat down in what would be her last interview to be published for 2018. The editor had a few things to say about how the past twelve years had gone, in and out of writing about Second Life.
Nydia Tungsten recently celebrated her tenth rezzday in Second Life. Over the past ten years, she has accomplished much from being a DJ, club owner, sim manager, real-life published author, and more. Shortly after the rezzday, Deaflegacy met up with her for an interview, where she had a few questions.
It was about eleven years ago this month that I began writing about Second Life as a virtual journalist and my Second Life became more or less what it is today. For those who don't know yet how it started and how it changed along the way, here it is. I'm also mentioning a little about what lies ahead.
Deaflegacy stopped at an event for fans of horror's more unusual writers: H.P. Lovecraft. Although he never achieved literary fame in his lifetime, since his passing not only are his works well known, but given their own sub-genre: Lovecraftian horror. Deaflegacy went around the festival grounds, at the shops, the trolley, and the Arkam Asylum.
With the Newser having recently celebrated it's eighth anniversary, Deaflegacy felt it was about time it's editor, Bixyl Shuftan, get another interview. Bixyl talked about a few things, such as the Newser team, what beginning writers can do to improve, and more.
