Friday, May 29, 2015

Tradewinds Yacht Club in SL (with a note on the Twitch ban on SL)


On a side note, I was very disappointed to learn of the Twitch ban on Second Life today. The ban occurred months earlier but was too vague for many, including me.

Yesterday, I completed a 20 minute test of Bright Canopy / Frame / Second Life on Twitch  and was fairly satisfied with the results. I had big plans to do regular SL live streams and conduct curated tours of interesting places.

All that said, I understand the reason why Twitch would ban SL.To quote the recent New World Notes article on the subject:

"...just about every SLer knows the noobie humiliation of accidentally taking off their pants in a public space when they meant to remove another article of clothing. In other words, it's very easy for an SLer to suddenly, inadvertently become Adult-rated -- even when they're not trying to do so."
In my own experience live streaming SL on Twitch about a month back, I did a stream of interesting places in SL. One of the stops I made was Fogbound, a very popular blues club. But as the venue and people started to rez, I realized I had to leave quickly in order to protect my Twitch Account. Not because this is a nudist beach. And not because of any sexually charged intentions on the part of the staff, DJs or patrons, but the simple rezzing of avatars provide for more than a second of unintentional nudity. 

At least now, today, it's very clear that SL is banned so I won't have the fear of being banned later. SL was less than 10 percent of my Twitch live stream content. I'll move on and stream a game. 

I could point out Twitch's hypocrisy and unfair policy but nothing will counterbalance the years of negative press SL has received. I'm only one man without the means of fighting an extremely successful company. A company I like and enjoy anyway.

But here's the bigger issue... In this age of easily excitable social justice warriors and outraged Twitterers, expect that Twitch ban list to grow.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Sunday, February 1, 2015

My New Look and Roleplay Options in SL

For many months, I've intended to change my look in SL. Now that day has come!

Eladrienne is doing her own Elf-related RP lately. I'm happy she's having fun, but it's not really my idea of a good time - so I'll leave her to it. Besides, why not have interests apart from one another?  Friday afternoon after work I finally took steps to change my look and initiate some new roleplay options.

I've read many posts from Mr. Wooster's fine blog and his insights have been very valuable. Hat tip: Gabrielle Riel.

I decided to re-customize my avatar, props, and wardrobe in a way suitable for any roleplay between say, 1925 to 1965.

I have two particular ideas in mind for RP.
# 1, 1940 Private Eye


# 2, 1962 Cold War Spy

this guy looks familiar


I don't quite have the 1940 Private Detective appearance yet, but below is an interpretation of the posh white jacket Cold War Spy look...




Thursday, January 29, 2015

SLGo Mobile and Firestorm

I had a chance to chat with OnliveJDub from the SLGo group in Second Life the other day.

Looks like the folks at OnLive are just as anxious and excited about having Firestorm on their mobile app as the rest of us.

The Firestorm we know and love has some additional challenges for the development team, but they want it available as soon as possible.

We Firestorm Fans will need extra patience.

Meanwhile, I've tried to show SL Viewer on SLGo Mobile some love, even a little like, but it ain't happnin'

SL Viewer, I'm just not that into you.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Another visit to Steehead

I'm ready!


I went to the Steelhead meeting to spend some time with Elle. But look - See the placement of the tiny seats? We may as well be in separate rooms!

Steelhead is against Squirrel couples and families!

 


Sunday, January 25, 2015

ATEK, Seven Days Later

 Here I am on the 6th and 7th day. Not bad for Free Stuff.



More views of the rez-in point on the main sim.














There's even a lounge you can use if you plan to meet current friends, or make new ones.

I'll have pretzel sticks with my beer. Mmm!




It's nice here. I think I'll keep exploring... I'll see you in SL, and ATEK.


The ATEK Grid Website

 The ATEK Grid http://www.atekgrid.com


The webpage is a little clunky but it works most of the time. Note the current Grid Stats. Statistics were up to date as of 3:00 PM Mountain Time USA on Sunday 25 Jan. 2015.


Here are the Standard Grid Services, also known as Free Services.


It's easy to join the Grid and get started.


You can also load up your avatar with hundreds of free items before your first rez inworld.


You may buy Game Tokens or GT if you wish. GT is similar to Lindens in SL.


You'll be able to find plenty of Free Items in ATEK so it isn't necessary now, but as the population grows there will be a greater demand for avatar customization and various accessories, buildings, vehicles, etc. ATEK is two months old and stores for avatar skin and clothing are popping up here and there.


My First Few Days On The ATEK Grid


 This is the ATEK Grid home rez spot where everyone arrives. It's fairly well organized.


I even met grid owner Stevie Cooperstone.



Destinations are prominently featured at the home rez point.


My new friend Angel (who is also in SL) shows me around her very affordable sim.


There seem to be many people from Second Life creating their own very affordable worlds in ATEK.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

SL Places: Gothmas by Gaslight

It's winter, and although I'm not dressed for it, I decided it was time to visit Gothmas by Gaslight. 

SLurl below. 












Just an FYI: Photos were taken inworld using the SL GO SL Viewer on an iPad 2.