Watch Again: Patch Linden At VWBPE 2022


For anyone that missed the Above the Book interview today featuring Patch Linden and Phelan Corrimal then here is the full video above. The interview runs for 53 minutes and 15 seconds. Patch talks about the passing of Ebbe Altberg, Philip Rosedale role as advisory, the use of the AWS infrastructure, new event regions, Mobile is still in the works, general improvements and more.

Patch mentioned a lot about improvements made to Second Life recently from the Marketplace changes, the new search look, the introduction of Multi-Factor Authentication and performance improvements. Over the next few years the lab hopes to improve the new user experience on-boarding processes like the avatar system. Patch hopes to double the number of active online residents in-world within the next few years.

The part I found interesting was when Patch talked about the new event regions capable of running up to 150 avatars and there is a target of 200 which would be a challenge to meet later in the year. Apparently there have been some testing going on at some shopping events and soon it may be possible at RFL events.

For all those waiting to hear about Mobile well it’s in active development with a possible streaming option being considered. IOS is the still the main focus and costs may be included in the near future. I’m sure more will be shared in the weekly web user group meetings soon.

There was not really a mention of Premium Plus (big announcement coming up maybe ? ) or any Linden Home announcements. This interview is more like a general catch up on the past year on what’s going on. I would imagine we will have to wait now until SL19B to hear more announcements on upcoming Linden Home themes.

Stay updated on the latest events here at VWBPE 2022.

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VWBPE 2022 Conference Opens


VWBPE 2022 Regions (builds are in the sky with teleports)

The 15th annual Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education (VWBPE 2022) conference opens today at 8am SLT where the Gateway for the Kick Off Event will start. Phelan Corrimal will officially declare the beginning of VWBPE 2022 along with the conference planning committees who will be sharing upcoming conference highlights. From 9am SLT there will be a keynote speech by Oksana Levytska at the VWBPE Auditorium who will be talking about the use of virtual technologies and practices in support of ongoing education during world events.

Patch Linden will be live from 11am SLT to 11.50am roughly at the Above the Book interview talking about what’s new at Linden Lab and the impact that education (non-profit organizations) has in Second Life. This event will take place at the VWBPE Auditorium so please arrive early to get a seat.

There will be swag bags around where it has a teleport HUD, conference information and the schedule. Here is the VWBPE 2022 full program schedule and let’s spread the word about this to your friends and on blogs across the metaverse.

  • Check out the program schedule for more events. I have picked out some recommended cool events below that you may be interested in.

Friday 1st April 2022

Saturday 2nd April 2022

VWBPE 2022 Sponsors

Please spread the word about VWBPE 2022.

Fantasy Faire 2022 Blogger Applications Now Open


Great news to share today is that the Fantasy Faire 2022 blogger applications are now open and you can apply here. The Fantasy Faire is a huge charity event in Second Life benefiting the American Cancer Society. It offers live performances, immersive quests, auctions, Literary Festival events, roleplay, games, shopping and much more. There is a Discord group or the inworld group while we wait for the event to start.

The 2022 Fantasy Faire will open to the public on Thursday 21st April 2022 through until Sunday 8th May 2022. For more event details please read the press release below and spread the word around the grid. Thanks.

* * Fantasy Faire 2022, April 21 – May 8* *
A Benefit for the American Cancer Society

Many Realms – One Vision.
Fantasy Faire 2022: Building a World Without Cancer


Since 2009, Fantasy Faire has been the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, role-players, and performers in the virtual world of Second Life®. It is also one of the most successful Relay For Life (RFL) fundraising teams worldwide. The 2021 Faire ranked 19th out of 5,000 RFL teams around the globe. Over its fourteen years, the Faire has raised close to $530,000 US Dollars, or over L$133,250,000 Linden Dollars.

For the past five years, the Faire has dedicated its fundraising efforts to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) global service and support programs, including the recently launched project BEACON (Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation).

A partnership with nine health institutions and organizations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, BEACON builds on the success of similar ACS programs in the US and elsewhere. The project answers the call from healthcare professionals and cancer patients in those areas for life-saving information that can dramatically increase survival rates. “Fantasy Faire is one of the cornerstones of our vital work,” says Kristie McComb, Managing Director of Global Capacity Development and Patient Support at the ACS. “It’s an inspiring example of a global community working together to address a global challenge.”

The Faire has long been considered the premier annual shopping event for fantasy-themed merchandise in Second Life, showcasing fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets, and exclusive items by 250 of the grid’s top fantasy creators. In addition, Faire visitors enjoy dance and theater performances; attend auctions, art galleries, and a Literary and Film Festival; and share in an interactive quest and roleplaying events and classes.

Fantasy Faire Radio provides the soundtrack for visitors exploring the Fairelands, featuring music from blockbuster fantasy films along with a rich variety of world music traditions. A second radio station, “Live at the Fairechylde” features DJs spinning an upbeat, eclectic mix of tracks including classic rock, club music, jazz, blues, and pop hits. In 2021, more than 30,000 unique listeners tuned in from over 150 countries around the world.

It all comes to life again this year when the Fairelands return on April 21st. “I’m always deeply moved that a realm made of ones and zeros has become home to a global community capable of affecting positive change for all humankind” says Elizabeth Tinsley, Executive Director of Fantasy Faire. “It doesn’t stop at the border between the virtual and the physical. In fact, that’s where the real magic truly starts.”

Fantasy Faire 2022 will be open to the public April 21 – May 8. The SLurl to the event will be found on the website on our opening day. We welcome you to come and join the story.

Fantasy Faire 2022 is made possible by the generous support of our Region and Event Sponsors, all of whom you can learn more about on the Faire’s website. For more information please contact one of the Faire coordinators:
https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/organizers/

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) 800-227-2345.

Email: FantasyFaireRFL@gmail.com
Website: http://fantasyfaireSL.wordpress.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfairesl/
Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/FantasyFaireSL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FantasyFaireSL
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/fantasyfairesl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FantasyFaireSL
Discord: https://discord.gg/cxN5NEzBe5
RFL in SL: www.relayforlife.org/secondlife

American Cancer Society SLurl:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/127/103/21

SL19B Theme Is Steampunk & Applications Now Open


On Thursday 17th March Linden Lab officially announced details for the upcoming 19th annual Second Life birthday celebrations (SL19B) which will be held from 16th June through until 5th July 2022. The theme for SL19B is Steampunk!. There will be “three fun-filled weeks of live music, performances, shopping and amazing community exhibits!” this year.

Applications are now open for SL19B Performers (apply before 8th May) and for those interested taking part in the SL19B Music Fest happening 16th to 18th June 2022 (apply before 10th April). Applications will open soon for Volunteers, Exhibitors and Merchants. The lab will announce those applications within the next month or so.

SL19B Logo

The full blog announcement about SL19B…

Save the date! On June 23rd, Second Life will be turning 19! The 19th annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL19B) will be held from June 16th to July 5th. The theme for SL19B festivities is Steampunk! Get ready for three fun-filled weeks of live music, performances, shopping, and amazing community exhibits!

To get things started we are opening applications for Music Fest, to be held June 16th-18th. Music Fest will kick off the overall SL19B celebration with three days of live music performances featuring some of the most talented live musicians in SL!
To sign up for a Music Fest audition, please complete this application form by April 10th, 2022.

We are also opening up applications for the general performance schedule. Why celebrate for one day when we can party for a week! We are looking for all types of performers to join the week-long festivities from June 19th-26th. Are you a DJ who can spin up a great party set or a live performer who can jam all night? You might be one of the grid’s amazing Dance companies, or perhaps you’re a Particle Performer? One of the things that makes Second Life so vibrant and exciting is the wide range of performers who share their talent with our Residents. Whatever your medium, we would love to hear from you!

Fill out the official performer application form by May 8th, 2022 and tell us a little about how you roll.

While we encourage all interested performers to sign up, please note that it does not guarantee a spot. We will review all submissions and extend audition invitations via a follow up note in-world to the SL username that you provide.

Over the next few months, keep an eye on our blog for more opportunities to participate in the SL19B celebrations as an Exhibitor, Volunteer, and Merchant!

CURRENT APPLICATIONS FOR SL19B:
Performer Application – Applications close on May 8th, 2022 
Music Fest Application – Applications close on April 10th, 2022

Please spread the word and if you can please participate in one of the biggest Second Life events of 2022. In the mean time planning has started for SL19B it appears. I will blog more on SL19B when new developments happen.

SL19B applications Opening Soon


On Monday 14th March 2022 Mischievous Mole posted this group notice to the Second Life Birthday group inworld (8, 537 members) announcing that the lab are about to open up applications for SL19B (Second Life 19th Birthday). Mischievous Mole says it’s worth keeping eyes on the official Second Life blog in the next few weeks for more information including ways to get involved with the birthday celebrations.

Group Notice

Hello everyone!

I suspect people are starting to wonder what’s up with this year’s Birthday celebrations. Squeaky and I are deep in the planning stage and just about ready to open up applications. Watch the blog for information coming in the next few weeks for all the opportunities to get involved this year!

Missy 🙂

SL19B Dates

I have already blogged about the SL19B dates here.

On the Second Life public calendar if you fast forward to June 2022 the dates for SL19B have already been officially confirmed. It appears that for the 2022 Second Life 19th birthday celebrations will take place from Thursday 16th June to Tuesday 5th July 2022.

SLB Regions

The “SLB” regions are still on the grid from last year it appears and they are closed for public access until June 2022. In the south east nearby there are four SLB Planning regions that are new which is interesting. I will be watching this area closely over the next few months or so.

Ideas

It would be great to see the return of meet the Lindens series and maybe have three weeks of birthday events and more regions this year. It would be good to see more press coverage about it around the world. I think having a planning SL19B and SL20B planning group would be most useful just like the weekly user group office hours.

Previous Birthday Themes

  • SL1B – Second Life First Year Anniversary Gala
  • SL2B – Giant museum displaying various large builds, pictures of SL over time
  • SL3B – Hooray for diversity and Looking towards the future
  • SL4B – “era” of SL
  • SL5B – SL Culture
  • SL6B – The Future of Virtual Worlds
  • SL7B – Unexpected Collaborations
  • SL8B – Magic of Second Life
  • SL9B – Community – (resident run event)
  • SL10B – Looking Forward. Looking Back – (resident run event+)
  • SL11B – The empires of the future, are the empires of the mind
  • SL12B – What Dreams May Come 
  • SL13B – The Shared Adventure
  • SL14B – Carnivalesque 
  • SL15B – Crystal
  • SL16B – Sweet Sixteen
  • SL17B – Road Trips and Vacations
  • SL18B – Hidden Worlds
  • SL19B – To be confirmed
  • SL20B – To be confirmed next year

I can’t wait to hear more about SL19B and blog about it.

VWBPE 2022 Program Released


All sessions of the upcoming VWBPE 2022 conference have been published on the VWBPE Program page. This year marks the 15th annual Virtual Worlds Best Practices In Education conference which opens officially on Thursday 31st March 2022 through until Saturday 2nd April 2022 in Second Life. The theme for 2022 is Phoenix Rising and the conference is free for everyone to attend. All times are SLT!

The Kick Off Event of VWBPE 2022 starts at 8am to 8.50am SLT where Phelan Corrimal (Executive Director) will officially declare the beginning of VWBPE 2022. It’s best to arrive early to make sure you get a seat and to be able to access the VWBPE regions before they become full. On the VWBPE Program page you can add events to your personal calendars by clicking on the selected session. There is a Subscribe button at the bottom of the page to stay updated.

What’s Up at the Lab? – Thursday 31st March 2022

  • Patch Linden
  • 11am to 11.50am SLT
  • Join Phelan and Patch at this Above the Book interview as they explore what’s new at Linden Lab and the impact on educators and non-profit organizations in Second Life.
  • VWBPE Auditorium

Looking at a glance overview there are many interesting sessions and keynotes planned from The Beauty of STEAM education in virtual worlds, Out of this World Parade, Phoenix Egg Exhibit Hunt, Spirit Light Dance Company performances and much more. Virtual Worlds after COVID is a must for those that want to know what’s coming next.

There is a special Above the Book Interview with Maria Korolov (Hypergrid Business editor and publisher) live at 3pm-3.50pm SLT on Friday 1st April 2022 talking about the state of virtual environments.

The closing ceremony will be on Saturday 2nd April from 6pm to 7pm SLT including closing remarks and highlights of the conference held at the VWBPE Auditorium. The 2022 Thinkerer Award Recipient will be named during this ceremony. The dance away night party will be held from 7pm to 8pm SLT. There will be live music and dancing. It’s going to be great fun.

The wait is almost over. Yay! 🙂

Fantasy Faire 2022 Press Release


Fantasy Faire 2022 in Second Life will be officially opening on Thursday 21st April through until Sunday 8th May 2022. The Fantasy Faire is the largest gatherings of fantasy designers, performers, role-players and enthusiasts in Second Life. This is a great opportunity to raise money in support of the American Cancer Society.

It’s a great event as it showcases the latest fantasy avatars, clothing, gadgets and exclusive items from 250 of the grid top fantasy creators. There is live performances, art galleries to visit, auctions, classes, literary & film festival and more.

Last year in 2021 the Fantasy Faire ranked 19th out of 5, 000 RFL teams around the world which is quite impressive. The event relayed L$23, 794, 648 ($95, 178) by the end of the Faire. Over fourteen years, the Faire has raised more than $533, 000 US Dollars (L$133, 250, 000 Linden Dollars).

Here is the full press release below. Please spread the word to your friends and through the metaverse.

* * Fantasy Faire 2022, April 21 – May 8* *
A Benefit for the American Cancer Society

Many Realms – One Vision.
Fantasy Faire 2022: Building a World Without Cancer


Since 2009, Fantasy Faire has been the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, role-players, and performers in the virtual world of Second Life®. It is also one of the most successful Relay For Life (RFL) fundraising teams worldwide. The 2021 Faire ranked 19th out of 5,000 RFL teams around the globe. Over its fourteen years, the Faire has raised more than $533,000 US Dollars, or over L$133,250,000 Linden Dollars.

For the past five years, the Faire has dedicated its fundraising efforts to the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) global service and support programs, including the recently launched project BEACON (Building Expertise, Advocacy, and Capacity for Oncology Navigation).

A partnership with nine health institutions and organizations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, BEACON builds on the success of similar ACS programs in the US and elsewhere. The project answers the call from healthcare professionals and cancer patients in those areas for life-saving information that can dramatically increase survival rates. “Fantasy Faire is one of the cornerstones of our vital work,” says Kristie McComb, Managing Director of Global Capacity Development and Patient Support at the ACS. “It’s an inspiring example of a global community working together to address a global challenge.”

The Faire has long been considered the premier annual shopping event for fantasy-themed merchandise in Second Life, showcasing fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets, and exclusive items by 250 of the grid’s top fantasy creators. In addition, Faire visitors enjoy dance and theater performances; attend auctions, art galleries, and a Literary and Film Festival; and share in an interactive quest and roleplaying events and classes.

Fantasy Faire Radio provides the soundtrack for visitors exploring the Fairelands, featuring music from blockbuster fantasy films along with a rich variety of world music traditions. A second radio station, “Live at the Fairechylde” features DJs spinning an upbeat, eclectic mix of tracks including classic rock, club music, jazz, blues, and pop hits. In 2021, more than 30,000 unique listeners tuned in from over 150 countries around the world.

It all comes to life again this year when the Fairelands return on April 21st. “I’m always deeply moved that a realm made of ones and zeros has become home to a global community capable of affecting positive change for all humankind” says Elizabeth Tinsley, Executive Director of Fantasy Faire. “It doesn’t stop at the border between the virtual and the physical. In fact, that’s where the real magic truly starts.”

Fantasy Faire 2022 will be open to the public April 21 – May 8. The SLurl to the event will be found on the website on our opening day. We welcome you to come and join the story.

Fantasy Faire 2022 is made possible by the generous support of our Region and Event Sponsors, all of whom you can learn more about on the Faire’s website. For more information please contact one of the Faire coordinators:
https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/organizers/

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) 800-227-2345.

Email: FantasyFaireRFL@gmail.com
Website: http://fantasyfaireSL.wordpress.com/
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/fantasyfairesl/
Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/FantasyFaireSL
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FantasyFaireSL
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/fantasyfairesl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FantasyFaireSL
Discord: https://discord.gg/cxN5NEzBe5
RFL in SL: www.relayforlife.org/secondlife
American Cancer Society SLurl:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society/127/103/21

The SLURL to the Faire will be released on the Fantasy Faire website (links above) on opening day. I will post more updates nearer to the time of the event.

Dunk & Hug a Linden Event 2022


Isle of View Regions 2022

The 2022 annual Dunk-A-Linden & Hug-A-Linden Event will be officially happening from 1pm to 3pm SLT/PT on Monday 14th February 2022. Show your love for the makers of Second Life. There are four Isle of View regions like in previous years and they are open to the public now.

Check out the Love Pavilon, Love Maze, Romantic Park and go on the Swan Ride.

It’s great fun and it’s worth the visit if you have spare time in the days ahead.

It’s a great chance to meet your Valentine in Second Life while enjoying music on the Isle of View regions which are absolutely incredible.

Spread the love.

Ready For The Valentine’s Love Boat Cruise and Party ?


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On 7th February 2022 Patch Linden announced event details for the upcoming Valentine’s Love Boat Cruise and Party via the Second Life Forums under the Linden Homes section.

The 2022 romantic valentine’s cruise will start at Campwich Forest starting at 10am SLT on Saturday 12th February 2022. The route goes up north through the nice river areas and then it finishes at the Bellisseria Fairgrounds where there will be a party lasting for roughly four hours until 2pm SLT.

  • 11.30am SLT+ – special live performer followed by live DJs until 2pm SLT

The cruise should last approximately 50 minutes and there are kiosks placed inworld to collect the map of the route along with music streams. It’s actually a good route to follow on both legs to be honest.

Useful SLURLS

Event Guidelines

  • Please keep it within the General maturity rating only.
  • No political signs or themes.
  • Please keep all decorations in a Valentine’s theme.
  • No cruise ships or extra-large ships that would block the waterways for other residents taking part.

Join in with the valentine’s celebrations this year and spread the word.

Lab Gab Special: Philip Rosedale & Brad Oberwager – 9am PT on 31st January 2022


There will be a special pre-recorded edition of Lab Gab with Philip Rosedale (Philip Linden) Second Life founder / current Strategic Advisor and Brad Oberwager (Oberwolf Linden) Linden Lab Executive Chairman starting at 9am PT on Monday 31st January 2022.

I can’t wait to hear about what Philip and Brad have to say about the big news recently on High Fidelity investing in Second Life, Tilia inc reaching a deal with Unity (Verified Solution Partner) and answering the most popular questions from the Second Life community. There will discussions about Linden Lab and probably what’s coming next on the roadmap.

The official news came via tweet on the official Second Life Twitter page on Saturday 29th January 2022. This is going to be a big show drawing in hundreds of viewers I would imagine.

Please spread the word to your friends and share this on your blogs etc. Thanks 🙂