Cyberbullying and Linden Lab

Cyberbullying is an issue that has been making the news lately. Usually the incidents that get attention are in popular social media, such as Facebook. But it's not just there that bullying and harassment online take place. It can also occur within Second Life. Tiddily Winks had a friend whom was the unfortunate target of bullying and harassment. So what did it take to finally get Linden Lab to act?

Read Tiddily's article in People.

Microsoft buys Mojang for 2.5 Billion, Founder "Notch" Persson to Depart

Following reports that the two companies were in talks, yesterday on September 15, Mojang, the makers of the highly popular "Minecraft" game announced that they were indeed being bought up by the Microsoft corporation. The selling price was listed at 2.5 Billion dollars.

In a statement on their website, the spokesman tried to reassure Minecraft fans "Everything is going to be OK." As for why the company was being sold, "Minecraft has grown from a simple game to a project of monumental significance. Though we're massively proud of what Minecraft has become, it was never Notch's intention for it to get this big." They felt only a few companies were big enough to continue to allow the game to grow "on the scale it deserves." As they had worked with Microsoft since 2012, they were "impressed by the continued dedication to our game and it's development. We're confident that Minecraft would continue in an awesome way." Although the three people who founded the company were leaving, most of the team was planning to stay.

On his personal website, "Notch" Persson, the man who made Minecraft, gave his own statement. "I make games because it's fun," he wrote, "... but I don't make games with the intention of them becoming huge hits, and I don't try to change the world. Minecraft has certainly became a huge hit, and people are telling me it's changed games." Persson had actually stepped down from developing Minecraft "a relatively long time ago," but stuck around on smaller projects as people were telling him he was "important to the culture."

But he described an incident "a couple of weeks ago when the Internet exploded with hate against me" over a user license agreement issue that he had nothing to do with. Later on, he "started to realize I didn't have the connection to my fans that I thought I had. I've become a symbol. I don't want to be a symbol, responsible for something huge that I don't understand ... I'm not an enterpenuer. I'm not a CEO. I'm a nerdy computer programer who likes to have opinions on Twitter."

Persson stated he would be leaving Mojang as soon as the deal was completed, going back to doing small experiments, "I love you. All of you. Thank you for turning Minecraft into what it has become, but there are too many of you, and I can't be responsible for something this big. In one sense, it belongs to Microsoft now. In a larger sense, it's belonged to all of you for a long time, and that will never change. It's not about the money. It's about my sanity."

Mojang's statement can be read in full (here), and Persson's can be read (here).

Bixyl Shuftan

Microsoft in Negotiations to Buy Minecraft

Where do Second Life residents go when not in Second Life? For some, it's the game of Minecraft. Among the most popular games in computer history, it's developed a fanbase of millions spending not only time there building things, but also willing to spend money on real life items such as "Creeper" hats and toys based on the game. But fans aren't the only thing the game has been attracting. Recently the Microsoft corporation has been negotiating a possible buyout of Minecraft's owner Majong, news that has some fans wondering what this could mean for their beloved game.

Read more in Other Grids and MMOs.

Joe Miller, Former Joe Linden, Dies

Last Friday, Linden Lab announced that Joe Miller, whom once was part of Linden Lab as Joe Linden, had passed away. Joe Linden was part of the team behind developing Second Life for four years from 2006 to 2010, identified by his copper-plated robot. He had passed away July 27, and was sixty years old.

We're saddened to share the news that former Linden Lab executive Joe Miller recently passed away. Joe was our VP of Platform and Technology Development from 2006 to 2010, and long-time Second Life Residents may fondly remember encountering his avatar, Joe Linden, as a friendly robot inworld.

Joe's work in his time at Linden Lab helped to dramatically improve Second Life and contributed to making the virtual world what it is today. Among his many contributions, Joe played a major role in the introduction of 3D voice to Second Life in 2007 - an incredibly powerful advancement that revolutionized how we can communicate inworld.

Those of us who had the good fortune to work with Joe during his time at Linden Lab remember his wonderful combination of fierce intelligence, tremendous warmth, and great caring for his fellow Lindens, for Second Life, and for its Residents.

We will miss him, and our thoughts and condolences are with Joe's family and friends in this time of great loss.

Joe Miller is survived by his wife and six children. A website set up by his family stated that besides Linden Lab, his career included Atari, SEGA, and Knowledge Universe. His LinkedIn account stated his last positions were Vice-President of Engineering at Sportsvision and Managing Director at Perilux.

For more information, check the Linden Blog and Daniel Voyager's Blog. 

Cartoon of the Day

Taken at the "Dirty Grind," this piano played by musician Jaycatt Nico has seen better days.

By Bixyl Shuftan

September 2014 Crew Meeting

On Saturday September 6, The Newser held it's monthly crew meeting. Those attending were Gemma Cleanslate, DrFran Babcock, Wesley Regenbogen, Theonlyjohnny Resident, Mermaid Celene (Celenehighwater), and Editor Bixyl Shuftan. Also there was Any1 Gynoid, whom has an interesting history with the paper.

Topics included subjects such as September 11th and Talk Like a Pirate Day. Also discussed was about an interview of a former wrestler that had to be pulled when some readers from the wrestling community told of having never heard from him. No one had pulled one over the paper like this before, and it was resolved we would be more careful about writing about wrestlers none of us had heard from.

But not all was of serious matters. DrFran showed off her pet pink kitty, which she had gotten from a gacha. This got a few jokes, including one from Any1 asking if she being a catgirl should get on someone's lap as well.

Bixyl Shuftan

Freebie Clothing and Avatar Shopping Mall Set Up At Sunny Beach, Sunweavers Estates

Are you looking for a new set of clothes but are a little short on Lindens, or perhaps just looking for a good deal? Well, you can't get much better than free. Nydia Tungsten has set up a temporary freebie shopping mall in the western half of the Sunny Beach sim in the Sunweaver Estates. Rita Mariner told the community about the place on Friday night.

Sunnies:  If your a female and would like a whole lot of free clothes, courtesy of Nydia Tungsten, get your booty over to Sunny Beach and grab them from the Freebie Mall, while it it up.  Lots of really cool stuff to be had.  It will take some time to grab it all, there is a lot of stuff.

"Also male clothes and avatars," Nydia corrected. There are hundreds of free items here. The clothing ranges from swimwear to formal outfits to a kind of womens' dress resembling countries' national flags. There are also a number of old but still useful avatars up for free, such as a "Stay Puft Marshmallow Man" from "Ghostbusters," standing about twenty feet high. There's also a selection of classic "Wingless" avatars from anthro fox to equine to hyena up, completely free.

The mall will be up for several days, Nydia saying it should be coming down Friday September 19th.

The SURL http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sunny%20Beach/80/120/24 will take you to the place, but all one has to do is bring up Sunny Beach on the map and teleport somewhere on to the western half, "this easily covers a quarter sim you can't miss it."

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Video: "DOR Dogfight Sept 7"

(Click here if the video fails to play)
From the SL Aviation Network, "WW2 Dogfight action with the Dogs on the Run (DOR) Second Life group This competition will run every Sunday through the month of September. All groups are welcome to participate."

Reader Submitted: The Koto Project

Fritter Enzyme has another story of a place he explored. This time he tells of his time at the Koto Project, based on a Japanese town from sometime in the Feudal era. Although the roleplay group is open only to human avatars, nonhumans such as furs are free to explore around. Fritter found quite a bit to see and do in this faithfully recreated piece of Japan's history.

Read more in Places.

Club Cutlass: The Pirate Club of the Sunweaver Community

Clubs can be important to a community. They're where the residents meet up for fun, and are often the first place visitors to the area see of both the region and it's people. For the Sunweaver Estates, the home of the Second Life Newser office, they have several clubs and hangouts. Their main and oldest club is Club Cutlass, located in the sky over Sunweaver Space. Although the club has been written about a number of times by Sunweaver residents, this time Wesley Regenbogen wrote about the location. So what did he have to say?

Read Wesley's article in Design.

Press Release: Relay Wizards Post-Relay Party

You are cordially invited to the Relay Wizards Post-Relay Party

Saturday, Sept 13, 6:30 PM SL time

"Please join us in celebrating a very successful Relay"

Chatrez (137/30/25)

Remembrance

By Gemma Cleanslate

September11, 2001 is a day of remembrance in the USA . The  towers came down one after the other following the attack of two airliners deliberately aimed aimed at the twins that stood high above New York City. Another airliner was crashed into the Pentagon in Virginia and another fell from the sky in a field in Pennsylvania, instead of making it to another destination to destroy. There will be memorials held that day in those sites and in other places to recall to mind the 2977 who perished that day. There will be a reading of all the names,  by relatives or friends or volunteers.  

In the early days of SL there were many lovely memorials on various regions and events to mark the day. As time passes, they have become fewer, as is to be expected . However, one that has continued year after year to give anyone who wishes to participate in a memory is that from Aero Pines. Every year the Cindy Bolero of  Aero Pines, with helpers reconstructs the two towers. Outside there are fire engines standing . at the entrance you can acquire fire outfits and paraphernalia and climb the stairs to the top. It is fitting for that Region to do this since it is the home of Fire and Rescue Squad . It is raised especially in memory of all the firefighters who perished trying to rescue people from the buildings that day.  I have visited every year, donned the outfit and climbed all the stairs to the top.I invite you to go and take the climb. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Equus/79/228/23

Another region that has not let go of remembering is at Stagg Island. Fazz (Fazio Magic) the owner put out this statement, “As the 13th anniversary of September 11, 2001 approaches we offer SL residents a location for reflection and solace to pray or spend respectful time to remember those precious lives lost that day.   The owner and residents of Stagg Island are very proud of the 9/11 Memorial, so much so that the creator, Fazio Magic, dedicated it to all SL residents.   The memorial is open 24 / 7 / 365.  This is a place of honor, respect and reverence.  Join us to pay homage to those people whose names are memorialized on these walls.” 

There will be a musical commemoration at the memorial on the 11th at 8am SL time and again at 7pm SL time and possibly one at noon that day depending on the attendance. The wall is covered with the names of all those who perished on the ground or in the air. It is a beautiful creation with peaceful surroundings. A place to contemplate. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/STAGG%20ISLAND/13/146/37
Join with all of us who still remember in spirit . 

Gemma Cleanslate

Other September 11th Memorials

Besides the two better know 9/11 memorials at Aero Pines Park and Stag Island, which Gemma Cleanslate wrote about, there were a few others.

 One such memorial is at McCoy Island. Around the area are a number of photographs and artworks of the disaster. There is also a gift box with a jacket and other items. The corner has a flag which changes color on occasion to another country which lost people in the tragedy.

McCoy Island (195/131/20)

Learning Virtuale had a simpler memorial, though it was expanded from the one last year. It was on top of the building.

 Serena Balmoral (219/14/1311)

One new memorial was within a skybox above the Betonia sim. This place in addition to the displays and pictures also had chairs.

"Welcome to the 9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget. A tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001. Share words of comfort, share stories, share your sorrows and hopes for the future. Touch a candle to say a prayer. Thank you for visiting."

Betonia (21/243/343)

And finally, one memorial just down the road from the Second Life Newser office in the Sunweaver community. The Sunweaver Bay Fire Department, owned by Albert B. (albe61) aka "Bob Marley" had this memorial set up by Nana Pelazzi. It lists the names of the firefighters whom perished in the towers' collapse.

Sunweaver Bay (70/240/22)

Bixyl Shuftan

September 11th - The Fireman's Prayer

When I am called to duty,
whenever the flames my rage,
give me strength to save some
life whatever be their age.
Help me embrace a little child
before it is too late,
or save an old person from
the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert,
and hear the weakest shout.
And quickly and efficiently
to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me.
To guard my every neighbor,
protect his property.
And if according to my fate
I am to lose my life,
please bless with your protecting hand
my children and my wife.

9/11/01 - We will never forget

Poem by Firefighter A.W. “Smokey” Linn

Cartoon of the Day

A few years ago, perhaps a "Wizard of Oz" joke would have been more obvious. But lately the people more associated with tornadoes are those researchers whom study those things by getting as close as possible to them in armored cars.

By Bixyl Shuftan

Second Life "Game Review" : "What Is Second Life" Part 2

Nydia Tungsten has had some recent real-life troubles that have had an affect on her routine. She had planned to put her game reviews on hold for a short while. But after thinking things over, she decided to write one "game review" of sorts: of Second Life. So to cover a few things she feels she missed in her "What is Second Life?" article, she got her pen and went to work.

Read Nydia's article in Extra.

Jaycatt and Frogg at the "Dirty Grind" For "Stand Up To Cancer"

On September 6 from 5 to 6PM SL time, live musicians Jaycatt Nico and Frogg Marlowe performed live at the steampunk club "The Dirty Grind." Their act was part of a two day event at the club for "Stand up to Cancer."

For an hour, the duo performed various songs for the crowd, which included Lomgren Smalls (who recently ended a long hiatus from the Grid) and Roxikat Muse (whom in real life is artist John Barret).

There was another "Stand Up To Cancer" event that weekend at Ce Soir, which featured live music fron singer Gina Gracemount.





Stand Up To Cancer's Mission Statement included, "Stand Up To Cancer’s (SU2C) mission is to raise funds to accelerate the pace of groundbreaking translational research that can get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives now.  SU2C brings together the best and the brightest researchers and mandates collaboration among the cancer community. By galvanizing the entertainment industry, SU2C has set out to generate awareness, educate the public on cancer prevention and help more people diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors. ... SU2C’s funding is administered by the American Association for Cancer Research, the largest scientific organization in the world focusing on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Together with Stand Up To Cancer’s “Blue Ribbon” Scientific Advisory Council, comprised of world-class scientists across several disciplines and patient advocates, the most promising projects are identified, mentored, and funded."

Press Release from Skill Games Maker PI Games Concerning Probable Court Action

Since the decision by PI Games to halt support of it's games starting on September 1st due to Linden Lab's new terms, there's been further developments, as is shown by this group announcement/press release.

*  *  *  *  *

As many have asked, yes it is probable that PI Games will be forced to defend itself versus a group of operators in Second Life, this will be public record when and if it happens.

PI Games acted in reliance upon Linden Lab's policy that for a game to be permissible under the Skill Games policy 1) a Creator had to apply for a game and have it approved on the Creator list - since as the Creator Foxyfurman Kumaki had not applied for a license for these solo games made by Foxyfurman Kumaki, the game(s) cannot be approved, and therefore the games are automatically non-compliant; and 2) the Skill Gaming policy correctly required that games must be skill based and not have a material element of chance which is exactly why a year ago PI Games began revamping his games to a player versus player tournament format. 

Of course, if this goes to court, we are confident in proving that house banked, also known as solo, games are illegal gambling, and, therefore, there can be no basis of recovery - not to mention the other wrinkle in that this lawsuit would be filed in California which has specific regulations and requirements for a skill based game to be legal - none of which these solo games meet; however, we prefer not to go to court.

We have requested the following clarifications of  Linden Lab's TOS and policies:  1) Are games for which the Creator has not applied for a license allowed to be continued to operate in violation of the Skill Gaming Policy? 2) Is illegal per se gambling through house banked games, i.e. solo games where the owner/operator participates in adjusting/receiving the payout, authorized by Linden Lab?

We will keep this group updated on clarifications that Linden Lab makes to us.

We have discontinued our efforts to make updates for PI Games until a time where Linden Lab clarifies it's position on Federal and State laws.

PI Team

Reader Submitted: Blue Hole

Several years ago, Second Life Newser's predecessor, SL Newspaper, did a story on PADI Dive World, a place in Second Life where avatars could scuba dive. For furs, the equipment could be used though required some adjusting. Today Dive World is gone, and it's equipment that's still around unable to work. But Fritter Enzyme sent in a reader submission about a scuba place in Second Life active today. And for any furs interested in diving, there's equipment made with them in mind.

Read Fritter's story in Places.

Press Release: Sept. 11th Tribute at Aero Pines Park

                    
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       ¦¦¦¦¦    ¦¦¦¦¦                    9/11 Stairclimb Tribute
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       ¦¦¦¦¦    ¦¦¦¦¦                         in Honor of  the   
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       ¦¦¦¦¦    ¦¦¦¦¦      Fallen Firefighters of September 11, 2001
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       ¦¦¦¦¦    ¦¦¦¦¦        Hosted by Aero Pines Park Fire and Rescue
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       ¦¦¦¦¦    ¦¦¦¦¦                Sept. 9th thru Sept. 14th 2013
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Sept 11th Remembrance Day - Tribute to Fallen Firefighters, Equus (82, 232, 25) - General

Join us for an engaging interactive tribute to the brave men and women who perished on that horrific day.

    How to participate:

1. Go to the base of the stairs at bottom of one of the towers.

2.  Touch the bunker gear rack to gear up.

3. Grab a nozzle and hose from the valve

4. Begin your climb up 110 stories in honor and tribute.


For more information about real life firefighter stairclimb tributes:  http://9-11stairclimb.com/
       
       
Donate to The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation  http://firehero.org/donate/



Famous Music Video Tribute by NANCE Brody:
 
                      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCwsGCF5fdM

    

              
                                           Other information and activities:

Click on  posters, murals, screens, and object givers for links to websites, charities, documentary footage, etc.


The Aero Pines Park Fire Department is made up of real life active and retired firefighters who train and mentor firefighting communication techniques in practical virtual scenarios.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Equus/79/228/23

Contacts:

Cindy Bolero, Aero Pines Park Owner/Admin 

Hellfighter Solvang, Aero Pines Park Fire and; Rescue

Admins:
Buckspeed Karu
Bethlee Spad
Midnight Heston