"We Interrupt Your Writing To Bring You Spam"

 

 I promised to write about the Mole name issue (for now, you can read more in this thread in the official forums). And I am in the middle of the article. But I am distracted. One reason is trying to make sense of current events and ending up in discussions with friends about them, but the big reason is the neverending spam calls I have been getting, "Hi, are you on Medicare ..." and others. They've been a big distraction, interrupting my train of thought, and getting another call before I get back on track. Someone suggested these spam calls are fueled by AI, spammers using it as a force-multiplier. 

 

I'll have something up soon. It's just going to take a while. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Open Mike At Book Island

 

Book Island has several events a week, mostly oriented for those who like to read, write, and both, though there are occasional dance shows and other happenings. Soon after 1PM Sunday, dropped by for some of it's Open Mike event, hosted by Selina Green

 

1pm Open Mic on Book Island - come share your writing (fiction, non fiction, poetry, essays - anything!) or the writing of your favourite author. You can read yourself or have someone else read for you or just come to listen. Try your luck at winning our L300 doorprize too! 

 

By all means this isn't the only event to go to. Join the "Book Island Events And Discussions" to find out more (link). The location also has a small office for the Newser at (221/118/36). 

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Book%20Island/187/131/36

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video (Science Circle): "Steven R Van Hook, Writing for Low Watt Brains"

 

 

(click here if the video does not play)

 

 From The Science Circle in March 2017, "Presentation by Steven R. Van Hook"

 

Writers' Meeting in Caledon

 

I was busy with things today, but last week, I was able to attend the Writer's Meeting, a weekly event that takes place in Caledon, every Thursday at 11 AM. 

 

 Join the Writers' Meeting in Caledon January 22nd 2026, 11:00 AM SLT. in Caledon Nights reading room in front of a huge fireplace. Talking in public chat about writing. Elfbiter and Silver Moon Unicorn. 

We talked about a few things, such as stories we've finished and stories we're currently writing on.

 

Once again the Writer's Meeting is every Thursday at 11 AM.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge%20Village/223/189/4002

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Eighteen Years of Writing About Second Life

 

It was eighteen years ago this month in which my time in SL as I know it began. 

 

While I had first logged in on December the previous year, for months my time here was on and off as my one friend here at the time was busy, and I didn't know where to go. The "Destination Guide" we know today did not exist then. So I just randomly TPed to a few locations. Then I heard about the Relay for Life Weekend Track. While the event was over, the exhibits got my attention. So I began to log on more often, eventually coming across my first hangouts, Luskwood, then the STA, and began making a few friends. Also at Luskwood I would get a red fox avatar and finally upgrade from the starter avatar. 

 

Wanting to know more about this wacky and wonderful virtual world, searching around on the Internet I came across blogs and newsletters. One was the "Second Life Newspaper" run by JamesT Juno the owner and Dana Vanmoer the editor. Once in a while, they would ask for reader submissions. Eventually, I emailed them a story, then a picture, then another picture. They then asked me to show up at their office for a job interview. 

 

And I got the job, the "fox reporter" among this team of newswriters.

 

It took a little time for me to "get in the groove," but I was soon able to easily come out with one, sometimes two stories a week, along with at least one screenshot cartoon picture. I would document events, review places, and interview people of all kinds. After about to and a half years, things took a sad turn when James left SL, then Dana announced she would have to close down the paper due to real life. Saddened, but determined to keep on writing about the news, I would get together with Gemma Cleanslate, Shelie Sands, and Grey Lupindo and form the Second Life Newser. "One man's dream" had become a shared dream, and I along with my teammates would continue it. 

 

Year after year, I've continued to write about the people and places of this fantastic, sometimes weird, virtual world as Second Life's fox reporter. While I've come across some chicanery and selfishness, there's been no shortage of people wanting to build great things for others to see or do great things for others. The Relay for Life is certainly an example of this, with unforgettable well-designed sims in the Fantasy Faire, and great camps and hundreds getting together in comradery on the Relay Weekend. To me it is this, and not a few point to old scandalous stories a few people for some reason still point to, that is the real face of Second Life.

 

By all means not everyone's been happy. There have been a very few over the past 18 years who expressed dissatisfaction, notably the partner of one person who was caught robbing a charity.. But for the most part, I've received praise and applause. And to you I thank you. You have been the big reason I've kept going for all these years. 

 

Unfortunately, I have had to slow down from the amount I was doing a few years ago. After my real-life job at a depot ended several years ago, I had more time to write. While I took the time to finally make progress on and complete the novel I published several months ago, I also had time for a few more stories. Finding full-time work again got delayed for several reasons, including the Pandemic. But eventually I did. But unfortunately that means not quite the time for writing I once did. There's also that when I came to SL, I was a relatively young man. Today, I'm not that far from real-life retirement. So that may be slowing me down a little as well. While I am spending a little time on more novels to publish, most of my writing time still goes to Newser articles and briefs. 

 

That doesn't mean I like writing about here less, I'm always finding something. It's just that Real Life has a way of tapping me on the shoulder, a lot. Some mornings all I can do is put up the "Later today" sign, and finish whatever I'm working on in the late morning or early afternoon. 

 

The paper will keep getting updated every day. That will not change. But it's looking like there won't be quite as many longer articles from me.

 

In any event, it's been quite "a long strange trip" writing about this wacky and wonderful virtual world, and looking forward to writing more in the years to come. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Editor and Reporter 

SL Newser 

 

Netera Landar Returning

 

Some good news. Longtime readers may remember Netera Landar, who besides running her Coffee Lounge to help aspiring writers and musicians would also write articles for the Newser. Contacting one another, she will once again be writing for the paper, at least for a while. Expect an article from her soon.

 

Welcome back Netera.

 

 

 

This Saturday at The Science Circle

 

 

Saturday October 25

 

    ~*~

 

    At 10 AM PST   

Writing For Low Watt Brains

https://www.sciencecircle.org/event/low-watt-brains/

 

Steven Van Hook

 

Auditorium 

 

    ~*~

 

    NOTE: Non-members required to register once

    IM Jes Cobalt or Nymf Hathaway

╚══════════════════════════════ The Science Circle (72,129,30) ═╝  

 

 

 

Ryan Schultz to Stop Blogging

 

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.

To check out Ryan Schultz's blog: https://ryanschultz.com/

Bixyl Shuftan

Seventeen Years of Writing About Second Life

 

 

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.

Bixyl Shuftan

A Song For The Relay, "We Are Here"

 

There's no arguing that DJing takes some time, effort, and skill. But it's something else to be able to write an actual song. Mattie Carlton (Mattie Foxpaws)  recently came up with one in honor of a friend who had recently passed away from cancer. She is not keeping it for herself, but is free for everyone to use, especially for Relay events. She recently told the Newser a little about the song, and how it came to be.

 

Read the story in Design.

Sixteen Years of Writing Second Life News

 

It was sixteen years ago this month in which my Second Life as I knew it started. I had only recently started logging on regularly, was wanting to find out more about this virtual world, and began reading forums, blogs, and newsletters. This included the Second Life Newspaper, which had a number of writers who wrote about the people, places, and events across the Grid. Eventually, they posted an invitation to the readers to submit articles or pictures, and so I did. The owner was happy, and asked for more. And eventually, I was asked over for an interview, and got a job here as a virtual journalist, Second Life's "Fox Reporter."

It's been quite a journey writing the news, the first few years of which are a story unto themselves, after which my role changed from one of Second Life Newspaper's reporters to Second Life Newser's leader, once again the first few years of this getting their own story. But I was, and still am, still writing about the people, places, and events big and small across the virtual world. 

 

Much has changed from the early days. Many sims and a few communities have closed. People have left. But other places have opened and more people have come in. The place has gone from the darling of the tech media with a few major real-life corporations here to a place online that occasionally makes real-life news. Linden Lab's role has also changed somewhat, taking a more active role, taking part in more events and directly running one of the continents. Early on, I'd report on the occasional Linden blunder. But over the years, such blunders have gotten fewer and farther between, though still happen.

And I've changed a little as well after all these years. In real life, I've gotten grayer, gone through a career change, and sadly lost some friends and family. But I've also gotten some friends over the years as well, and dear Charlee. And of course I'm still a writer at heart, and will be continuing to report the news here in Second Life with my team for some time to come. 

"And that's the way it is." Good day from the Second Life Newser

Bixyl Shuftan

Writers' Meeting At Caledon

 

 

 Yesterday, I dropped in at the Writers' Meeting in the Caledon Night Readings Room. This is a place for people to talk about what they've been writing, listen in on others talking about what they've been writing, get a little help and inspiration on writing, and more.

 
Meeting for writers to talk about writing. Sit near the virtual fireplace and discuss about what one is writing, planning to write and maybe tell about their writing process. ... And somewhat random writings prompts are provided later, in case they might give inspiration. Use them whatever way you wish.  There is no demand to write anything based on the prompt for the next meeting. Come talk about writing or bring your questions about writing, editing, and publishing in a friendly atmosphere.

 

I dropped in a bit late on this particular meeting, which had one dracanic-looking avatar among the human ones. An earlier meeting I was at had a mix of humans, furries and tinies. One was talking about elves in his story universe, saying they had originally left the land the story takes place on, but were being forced to return, and most weren't able to use magic. One of those present commented that appealed to him, "more interesting when they have to use the grey matter between their ears."

The Writers' Meeting takes place every Thursday at 11 AM. The discussion is in chat and not voice.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge%20Village/223/189/4002

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

A Writer's Inspiration

 

 

 It's no real secret that besides articles for the Newser, I write some stories on the side. There are shorts such as "Sebastian The Healer." And then there are some novel-sized ones such as "The Corsean Encounter" which should be finished soon (and hopefully I can figure out publishing on Amazon). 

My SL wife Charlee recently gave me a little something to encourage me along: a writer's desk. This includes a few quotations from notable writers such as Tom Clancy. And of course one from her.

Thank you again for inspiring me, my beautiful sweetheart.

 

Bixyl  

Fiftteen Years of Writing Second Life News

How long could you keep writing about something every week or so? It was November 2007 in which yours truly started helping to cover the news about this virtual world. Fifteen years later, I'm still writing away. I took a little time to look back at how it began, and what's been accomplished.

Read the commentary in People. 

Novel Writing Discussion at Milk Wood by Huckleberry Hax

 

 

 At 1PM on October 31, there was a discussion about novel writing at the Milk Wood sim. The speaker was Huckleberry Hax, a writer of SL fiction such as the novel "AFK."

ღ Harri ღ (Harriet Gausman): It's National Novel Writing Month again! Prepare yourself for pep talks! If there's one thing aspiring novelists can rely on in the month of November (besides sleep deprivation and bleeding fingertips) it's other writers delivering their 'top tips' for getting 50,000 words written in the space of 30 days.

Huckleberry talked for about an hour, about his various experiences writing. Among his rules was to believe in your novel, talk about it some to others (though don't overdo it), and find some way to keep track of your progress. The event was followed by a small party elsewhere in the sim.

Milk Wood is the location of Camp NaNoWriMo, and supports a number of writing events. November is listed as National Novel Writing Month. 

Interview With Mattie Carlton of the RFL Sunbeamers

 

Recently, Newser reporter Penny Shuftan met up with Mattie Carlton (MattDCarlton Resident) for an interview. Mattie's gotten a name for herself as a noteable DJ in Relay for Life events, some of which have raised more money than some teams raise in an entire season. But there's more to the Sunbeamers' nine-tailed "tigersune" than just DJing. Penny asked her about how she got into the Relay to start with, and about other things she does besides music.   

Read Penny's interview in People.
 

Writing Classes at Milk Wood

 *

A few days ago, I dropped by a writing class at the Milk Wood sim. The event, a discussion on how to publish, was advertised by the Book Island group.

Not every writer wants to publish, but there are several good options for those who do. Learn how to get your novel or short story collection into print and how to avoid the pitfalls along the path to publication. This workshop is geared for fiction writers but may also be useful to anyone who’s written a memoir or a collection of essays. 

KeyKey Underwood was the host of the event, whom spoke mostly in voice. Among those there was GoSpeed Racer. 

There would be another discussion that day about world building for story writing. 

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Commentary: Thirteen Years of Writing The News in Second Life

 

It's been thirteen years ago this month that Second Life's "Fox Reporter" started writing the news about the people, places, and events here in Second Life. In Bixyl Shuftan's article today, he talks about how he got his start here, how things have changed over time, and a little about his plans for the future.

Read the commentary in Extra.

Commentary: What Being a Second Life Journalist Means To Me

When I was in college, I imagined that I would use my communications degree to get a job at a newspaper or a television station as a journalist. However, after I graduated, life had other plans. It’s not that I didn’t try to get a traditional media job, it’s that I either wasn’t hired or that the job didn’t make sense from a financial standpoint. I needed money and working less than part time doing oddball reports in the hopes of one day getting a full time position wasn’t going to pay my rent or car payments. I spent four years of my life earning a 3.77 GPA. What more do I need to prove before I’m worthy of making a living?

So I took on normal jobs, never using my degree, but in the back of my mind writing and creating content for people was still a passion of mine. I could have tried to do things on my own, and I am to a degree now over at YouTube, but gaining an audience is a hard and long process. When I got the opportunity to write for the Second Life Newser, the audience was already there, and I could write an article a week in my spare time. Even though I’m not getting paid in real money, I still enjoy having an audience here. Money isn’t the only thing that drives content creators. I would hazard to say that their audience plays a bigger part in their drive. What being a Second Life journalist means to me is an opportunity to have a voice that will be heard.

Happy 10th Anniversary Second Life Newser!

Cyfir

The Second Life Book Club

Last week, Linden Lab announced the start of the "Second Life Book Club," or "Virtual Book Tours" in both the official blog and a press release.

As book publishers adjust to coronavirus-era restrictions, Linden Lab is launching the Second Life Book Club, a new “virtual world book tour” initiative that enables authors to have real-time book readings, engage in meet-and-greets with their fans and promote their publications in front of a live audience within the Internet’s largest user-created virtual world.

The first of what will presumably be a number of events of this theme took place on Wednesday April 8. It was hosted, as well as filmed, by Draxtor Despres, "in partnership with Linden Lab." The event was described as "a multi-author panel that will discuss the new reality of writing and selling books in the age of COVID-19," and had writers Matt Ruff, Ken Liu, SL Huang, and CB Lee.

Upcoming shows will feature guests such as Tad Williams, Christopher Brown, Qiufan Chen, Kelly Robson, Chana Porter and Premee Mohamed.

“When I first reached out to authors, some of them very high profile, I was surprised to get super enthusiastic feedback like: ‘Of course I will come on the show. Can I be a tentacle monster? Can I be a parrot? Can I fly?’,” says Despres. “It’s a dream come true for a book nerd like me!” 

Linden Lab CEO Ebbe Altberg adds, “Second Life offers a safe, fun retreat during a time of great anxiety, stress, and social isolation. Through the virtual world, people can stay connected and engage in friendly conversations and fun social activities such as visiting live music performances, virtual nightclubs and deejay events and now even book readings. Virtual world interactions offer a much deeper connection with other human beings than for example video conferencing: through the avatar and the shared space we feel as if we are fully present together.”

The Newser may have an article about what happened in the near future, time permitting. In the meantime, here's the video.



(Click here if the video does not play - starting at 1:20 )

The event took place at BookClub Island (128/115/23)

For more information, check out the official blog here.