Hearing a Storyteller’s Story in Second Life

No, no! The adventures first, explanations take such a dreadful time.

Lewis Carroll

 

          What I enjoy about wandering about in Second Life (SL) is how these meanderings so often lead me to topics for my stories. 

          The people, places, and experiences encountered inworld give me opportunities to share with my readers (Both of you.) the virtual world that exists alongside Real Life (RL).

          People who have managed to bridge the gap between SL and RL especially interest me because of my long held belief that virtual worlds need only be another neighborhood in our real lives if we approach it wisely.  (Significant Other looks doubtful here.)

          This story is about one such person.

          Someone who uses SL to enhance not only her own RL but for all those who admire and follow her work.

          A chance meeting led me to meet that someone, Ashley Carter, not all that long ago

inworld.

          Like many of my initial meetings with SL friends, I learned a little about her, exchanged some pleasantries, and we went our separate ways promising to meet up again sometime.

          As many of my inworld friends have learned about me, I tend to go down a road and not come back.  (Significant Other mumbles something about it’s not just in SL.)

          So, whenever I run into someone by chance again, it’s always a happy time for me to catch up.  (I won’t speak for the person whom I’m catching up with.  As long as they don’t run away screaming I guess it’s alright.)

          And, this is what happened with Ashley.

          I met her again by chance and we chatted for a bit. 

          However, unlike our first meeting, I knew more about her this time.  (I’m one of those who do read SL profiles and follow links to blogs, websites, flickr and such.)

          I had learned that Ashley was an accomplished artist and storyteller inworld and took her work into RL.  I was intrigued.

          This time I was able to talk with Ashley about her work and her life inworld.  I asked for an interview which she readily agreed too.

         

This story is based on that interview which took place inworld at her home and studio.

          Let me tell you the story of Ashley Carter and VOIDAR….    

          A good story always begins at the beginning.  (At least I think so.  If you don’t agree then go write your own story!) 

          Ashley first joined SL a little over three years ago, although she claims it doesn't seem like it.  She’d first heard about SL on the local news in RL from a story about a couple who had met through here.  That wasn't what she was after, but it still piqued her interest that there was this social online world where one could interact with people and create. 

When asked why she stayed, Ashley replied she thinks because it came down to the people she had the good fortune of meeting, Ashley feels that she’s met some really good friends inworld.

I next ask Ashley how would she describe who she is and what she does inworld.

Ashley laughs and replies that it's hard to describe herself in one word, but first and foremost she enjoys photography which is her number one passion in SL.  Still laughing, she describes herself as curious, friendly but sometimes a little anti-social. Ashley likes being in her own company, it's where she feel most comfortable.  But, on the opposite hand, she adds, SL has given her more confidence when meeting new people and that's helped her in RL too.

         

          Our interview turns to Ashley’s work and her major opus, VOIDAR.

          VOIDAR stands for “Voyage Of Immense Danger and Reward.”  (That was easy wasn’t it?)

          As described on its website, “VOIDAR is an ongoing sci-fi / adventure series constructed from Linden Lab’s online virtual world: Second Life. The high octane story is told through a mixture of pictures and animated videos; and it follows a group of misfit voyagers, who do what they can to prevent a war on a universal scale from breaking out!” 

          George Lucas watch out!

          VOIDAR is Ashley’s first major project in SL.  She dismisses her early work as trivial.

          I ask Ashley where VOIDAR came from. 

Ashley chuckles explaining that VOIDAR is an original idea from a deep corner of her mind. She’s always been interested in photography, and the next step she wanted to take was tell a story. 

When asked if she’s a writer too, Ashley replies that, yes, in a loose sense.  But, she lets the photos tell the story. Going forward she plans to include some flavor text to go with each picture, and let audiences get to know this world a bit more.

I next ask Ashley what led her to do this project.  It's a big commitment of her time and effort.

Ashley agrees excitedly that it is a big commitment.  The idea first came to her in late 2013, and officially debuted at the beginning of 2014. She’s a big fan of movies and graphic novels and that influenced her in starting this project.

In her first year Ashley wasn't creating nearly as much content as she does now.

          My next query is whether Ashley would describe VOIDAR as a graphic novel and herself as a graphic novelist.

Ashley describes VOIDAR as being a pictorial series.  Stylistically it does take a lot of influence from graphic novels, superhero and adventure films.  First and foremost, she’d just describe herself as being a photographer who wants to tell a story, that hopefully others can enjoy as much as she does creating it.

          I ask Ashley what drives her.      

Ashley replies that when she originally started, she saw VOIDAR as nothing more than a simple hobby. These days she feels like it's a part of her life. Ashley has become so invested with these characters and the story that have been in her mind. She guesses being able to create this story and share it with the world is what drives her. The response to it has been more than she had anticipated.  That support from fans is also what keeps her going.

          Spoken like a true storyteller!

          My next query is about her goals in SL.

Ashley replies to avoid stress, focus on having fun along the way in whatever she chooses to do.  (I should adopt these myself.)

I ask about the challenges that she faces as a creative woman inworld.

From a creative stand point, it’s hard to say, Ashley replies. Those who do ask about what she does seem generally interested and have offered compliments and support. She thinks the number one challenge is making sure she gives time to those around her and not isolate herself from everyone.

Ashley thinks that she should reach out more to people, if it’s just for a chat or if she'd like them to get involved in her idea.  She just knows whatever obstacles come her way, she'll find a way to overcome them.  

Ashley will never stop doing what she loves most.

I ask Ashley whether she has plans in the Metaverse beyond SL.

Ashley replies that SL feels like home to her, so she can't see myself trying out a new virtual world anytime soon. But she do have big plans for VOIDAR going forward

Expanding on this, Ashley explains that she has already joined different social media platforms, and set up an official website. One of my main goals this year is to establish VOIDAR and what it's about.  Plant its virtual flag so to speak, she adds.  Outside still pictures, she wants to have another go at creating short animated clips set in the VOIDAR universe, and if time permits find ways to branch out into different storylines

Ambitious goals indeed!

My final query is what does Ashley consider to be her proudest accomplishment to date in SL.

I can’t say that I’m surprised when she replies that the obvious answer would be VOIDAR, but besides that she says that she’s proud of how she’s changed as a person. SL has allowed her to interact with all kinds of people and it's just opened her eyes on what's out there. Ashley thinks that she’s become more patient and sincere towards people because of her inworld experiences.

          After the conclusion of our interview, I thank Ashley for her time and candor in her answers and take my leave.

          I’m very impressed with both Ashley and her work.

          I haven’t encountered many inworld who admit to changing for the better in RL because of their SL experiences.

          Ashley’s work is rich in imagery and characters. 

          Her approach reminds me of the old fashioned cliff hangers that cinemas used to use to bring patrons back every week.

          Ashley’s work can be found on her website and on flickr.  She can also be found on Tumblr.  Her Twitter handle is @VoidarOfficial.

          I encourage everyone to see it and give their comments to Ashley!

          I know that she’ll appreciate them.

          I’d like to thank Ashley again for taking the time to meet with me and to share her story and feelings with all of us!   

          As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

          If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life please click here.

          Open roads and kind fires!

                                             

 

Helping Others in Second Life III

The Future Is Now!

Relay for Life

 

          Spring has finally arrived!

          (Despite winter’s last gasp with a final snowstorm here in the Northeast.)

          This is also the time that Relay for Life (RFL) begins its annual drive in Second Life

(SL) on behalf of the American Cancer Society. 

          I made an appeal last year for residents to come out and help as best they can and I’m doing it again this year.

          I don’t do this because I neither have anything else to blog about nor just want to feel like a nice guy for doing something decent (although I do hope it’s viewed that way.)

          I do this because cancer is a horrible disease which robs our friends and families of their lives and their happiness.

          I do this because there is a need and any effort no matter how seemingly small or insignificant contributes to the total battle against cancer.

          I do this in memory of all our loved ones whom we’ve lost and who serve as constant reminders as to why we who still live in Real Life (RL) must continue the fight.

          Some may find this preachy and offputting. (Significant Other doesn’t think so.  We’ve both lost loved ones to cancer.)

          Fine, they’re right!  (Hey, it’s my blog after all!)

          Once in a while, I use my soapbox to make my readers uncomfortable and make them think about the world around us.  The real world not the virtual one we sometimes visit.

          Unlike SL, RL can’t always be rosy and cheerful. 

          Damaged RL lives can’t be fixed with a new makeover or another alt.

          In the nearly five years that I’ve been wandering around SL, I’ve learned a lot about its communities and the people who comprise them.

          Yes, many come together inworld to enjoy themselves and have a good time.

          But, many, I do mean many, also take time away from the fun ‘n frolic and help others such

as by contributing to RFL in one form or another.

          That’s why I’m here today.

          To ask you to help in any way that you can.

          This can be financial.

          This can be time spent helping the teams that are organizing events inworld.

          This can be coming out and participating in events to show your support and to encourage others.

          This can be spreading the message to your friends and groups so that as many residents as possible are of RFL.

          Last year, almost 3,000 residents raised $415,000 US for cancer research.

          Will you help us break that goal?

          The official RFL season begins with kickoff events in March and runs until August.  Other special events occur throughout the year.

          An events calendar and a special events listing are available on the Relay for Life of Second Life website.

           The website also contains information on how to participate, press releases, and progress reports.  It’s a great resource for people interested in helping out and for locating events to attend.

          In SL, the American Cancer Society sim can be found here along with information

about current events inworld.

          I hope I’ve convinced some of you to contribute and/or participate!

          This is when communities come together and really show what they can do!

          Hope to see you during RFL! 

          As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

          If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life please click here.

          Open roads and kind fires!

Are Lindens Really Worth Anything in Second Life?

 All money is a matter of belief.

Adam Smith

  

          For the purposes of this story. I’m talking about the Linden currency in Second Life (SL) and not the Linden Lab (LL) Real Life (RL) staff who purportedly have “Linden” as their avatar’s surname.  (I say purportedly because I’ve never met one Linden in all my years inworld.  But, that’s another story for another time!)

          Today, I want to talk about Lindens as a currency, a store of value, in SL and if they’re really worth anything.

          Lindens are a centralized, virtual currency.

          In other words, LL holds all the cards.

          Unlike some virtual currencies, such as World of Warcraft, LL does permit Lindens to be exchanged for RL currency. 

          Now, LL doesn’t like that classification because of the US Treasury Department’s interpretive guidance on virtual currencies released in March 2013 by its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).   (I’ll bet you don’t read too many articles about SL that reference US government websites, huh? Significant Other sighs nearby.)

          These regulations deem that LL is now a Money Services Business (MSB) just like Citigroup and Deutsche Bank.  Who knew?

          LL now terms Lindens as “transferable licenses” under its current Terms of Service (ToS).  I suspect they’re trying to avoid the onerous reporting and compliance rules that accompany being an MSB.       

          Apparently, FinCEN trumps LL and they make the call.  (Somebody wins one with LL!  I’m impressed that it took the full weight and majesty of the Feds to do this.)

          So, going back to my original question, “What are Lindens really worth anything in SL?”

         

For the ordinary resident, Lindens are a way to make small purchases (OK, maybe some aren’t so small, I’m trying to make a point here.) and to be able to walk around with some money in one’s pocket Lindens are useful and are as valuable as the individual holding them thinks they are.

          For the financial speculator with dreams of grandeur inworld that leech over into RL, I’d really keep my expectations in check.

          Remember, Lindens are centralized, (Don’t believe me?  Remember that LL has had a fixed exchange rate for like forever!)  anytime things get out of whack with the SL economy and money supply (And they do, even in RL, just ask Alan Greenspan.) LL will do whatever it wants with the supply of Lindens and the holders have no recourse.  (Sure, there’s probably some schnook in RL who’ll spend real money to get his virtual money back.  All I have to say to him is good luck!)

          Virtual currencies like Lindens are really only intended for gameplay.  Given the recent interest in them by various Treasury authorities around the world, I suspect that game developers will become more restrictive on how they’re used and can interface with RL. 

          Now, I do believe that sooner or later, a viable virtual economy will arise somewhere in the Metaverse. 

          The rise of true digital currencies like Bitcoin will see to that.  Lindens and their ilk will be fondly remembered for what they are, “play money.”

          Interestingly, while researching this story, I went back to the Bitcoin exchanges I’d visited in my earlier Bitcoin story only to find them all closed.  Further, any other references to Bitcoins that I could find just led to dead ends.  Currency exchanges only traded in Lindens for RL currencies. 

          Where are the bitcoins?

          Maybe there’s another story here! 

          Enough of the dismal science for now, although, I’ll return to this topic from time to time as RL events dictate.  (Significant Other wonders why I couldn’t just stay with the nudist resport.)

          As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

          If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life please click here.

          Open roads and kind fires!

                                             

 

STEAM X in Second Life

 There was something delightfully intimate about the relationship between predator and prey.

Nenia Campbell

  

          As I sit down to write this story about Second Life (SL), another 8 inches of show is falling outside of my home in Real Life (RL).

          Yet, hope springs eternal because The Weather Channel promises that spring is also around the corner.

          I yearn for warmer weather and no ice and snow outside my door. (Significant Other now complains about cabin fever on a regular basis.)

          As I always look for things to keep my mind off of the weather at this time of the year (And to stay out of Significant Other’s way.) I’m rewarded by knowing that it’s time for the annual Mieville steampunk hunt, STEAM X, inworld.

          For those to whom this may be a new phenomenon in SL, STEAM X is the tenth (Hence the “X” for those who failed Roman numerals in second grade arithmetic.) celebration of all this is steampunk inworld. 

          STEAM X is, as always, hosted by the Mayor of Mieville and impresario extraordinaire, Perryn Peterson. 

         

The Hunt is a Grid wide event with dozens of merchants, all personally and carefully selected by Perryn himself, offering as gifts to intrepid hunters the very best of their wares.  Several merchants run their own mini-Hunts which adds to the fun. 

          Hunters look for clues and try to find the gifts which are free.  Some hunters gather into hunt parties and go out together.

          Let’s take a closer look at STEAM X.

          STEAM is an acronym which stands for “Steampunk Travelers’ Event, Adventure & Megahunt.”  (Rather to the point if I do say so myself!)  STEAM was once a semi-annual event but the effort behind an event of this scale as well as all the other social activities on Mieville’s calendar have necessitated going to an annual schedule.

          I began covering these events with STEAM VII not long after I’d begun blogging. 

          The theme for this year’s Hunt is Steam: The Dream and this is the idea behind all the Hunt’s gifts. 

          This year’s poster has been done once again by the talented Tattoo Lane.

          XMarieX Fairport’s gift’s (The Steam Dream Cog Chair) picture is included as a sample of the marvelous and creative gifts

prepared by the merchants for the Hunt.

          The Hunt begins at Laughing Gryphon House in the Mieville Doyle Victorian Steampunk sim .

          From here, hunters launch out across the Grid in pursuit of their treasures.

          STEAM X runs from March 1^st to 31^st so don’t miss out!

          Historical Hunts, Ltd., the sponsoring Mieville organization maintains a blog with Hunt details as well as pictures of gifts.  This blog is also a great resource for future Mieville activities.  Be sure to check it out!

          STEAM X is a wonderful and fun filled community event in SL. 

          It’s an opportunity to sample the wares of the creative merchants inworld and to meet and hang out with other residents. 

          I strongly encourage all to participate and, if possible, to purchase some of the other merchandise offered by merchants in their shops.  After all, a strong SL economy is good for everyone. 

          I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Great Challenge of every Hunt!

          Namely to complete the Hunt in its entirety, including mini-Hunts, in record time!

          Who’s up for it?

          See you at STEAM X!

          I’d like to thank Perryn for his time and assistance in helping me prepare for this story.   Perryn has become one of my closest friends inworld and I’m grateful for the time he takes from his busy schedule to help me.

          As always, I’m grateful to all inworld for their kindness and time in stopping to talk with a stranger who was passing through their lives

My Twitter handle is @webspelunker.  Please feel free to follow me and I’d be happy to follow you.

I can be found on Google+ as webspelunker Ghostraven.

My flickr Photostream is located here.

On Skype I’m webspelunker Ghostraven.

I welcome feedback from readers, please either comment on my blog or e-mail me at webspelunker@gmail.com . 

          If you would like to read about my other adventures in Second Life please click here.

          Open roads and kind fires!