Flotilla Killings by Israelis in the Mediterranean Provoke Incendiary Protests at Jewish Sites in Second Life
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Finished Story
Seated in a concrete auditorium, surrounded by various non-profit organizations, the members of the “Nonprofit Commons” listen intently to a meeting hosted by a cartoon penguin and a green feline. Non-profit organizations are turning to the Second Life community as a means to promote their organizations.
Second Life is the Internet’s largest user-created 3D virtual world community, developed by Linden Labs, first launched on June 23, 2003. Users are able to create an avatar within the world, with any name, character traits or appearance the creator wishes to include. Each person is able to live out any role they wish; it is in essence a second life outside the real world.
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are turning to this virtual community as a means to promote and further their causes. With the help of Techsoup, an organization dedicated to helping corporations understand the use of social media to promote themselves, these organizations are able to set up shop within the “Nonprofit Commons.”
The Nonprofit Commons is an area set up in Second Life, which consists of four separate virtual cities. In total these locations house over 80 social benefit organizations. The Nonprofit Commons is managed by a community of volunteers, under the leadership of TechSoup Global. With the help of Techsoup, as well as a number of charitable donations, this area was able to grow.
Techsoup created the Nonprofit Commons “to lower the barriers of access to Second Life, to create a community of practice for nonprofits to explore and learn about the virtual world, and to investigate the many ways in which nonprofits might utilize this unique environment,” according to their blog. “Through this community, we provide free office space to qualifying groups, meet and network, create a cooperative learning environment and foster outreach, education, fund-raising, all in a virtual space.” At present a representative from Techsoup was not available for further comment.
Bruce Hestley, Vice President of Vietnam Veterans Buckeye Foundation(VVBF), is currently occupying an office space within the Nonprofit Commons. This property was donated to his organization by Techsoup; normally property within the Second Life community would cost a fair amount of Linden Dollars – the currency set up within the game. However, thanks to what Techsoup is doing, these spaces are provided free of cost to interested non-profit organizations.
Hestley’s organization is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation organized in Ohio by several veterans of the Vietnam War. Incorporated in 2002, it has the purpose of providing education to the general public regarding veterans’ affairs as well as outreach and assistance for all veterans and their families. In world the VVBF is represented by Vice President Murray Haefnir (the avatar of Bruce Hestley).
“A friend of mine talked me into looking into Second Life. I ran across the Nonprofit Commons,” said Hestley. “After attending several Friday meetings, I thought this might be a good way to touch base with other groups and help them or get help. The only cost was the stamp to mail the Memo of Understanding with proof of our incorporation. [The] biggest difficulty is trying to explain how a cartoon can help us.
“To operate in Second Life [there] is little or no real cost,” said Hestley. “Just a decent computer, which I already have, and an Internet connection, which I also had anyhow. When you are in your real life office reading the CPA report or searching for grants, it gets a bit lonesome. Being in SL gives you the opportunity to meet such a diverse group of people. The socializing is nice too.”
Over the past three months, his SL office has averaged 2.5 people per day, a considerable increase over the traffic their website generated. In addition, Hestley is proud to say he is learning about Facebook, Twitter, and other means of communication.
The VVBF shares their in-world office with the representatives of the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA). Founded in 2003, TAVA is an organization that acts proactively with other concerned gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) organizations to ensure that transgender veterans will receive appropriate care for medical conditions in accordance with the Veterans Health Administration’s Customer Service Standards promise to “treat you with courtesy and dignity… as the first class citizen that you are.”
Janelle Levenque, National Treasurer of TAVA, first heard about the Nonprofit Commons on a Yahoo group. “[I] thought I’d take a look,” said Levenque. [I] thought an office here would be a good way to attract people. [The] only cost was furniture, minimal as there is a reasonable amount free. [It] took a couple of hours.”
Second Life offers “the ability to meet, network, learn, and teach others,” said Levenque. “It’s invaluable.”
She recommends three reasons other Non-profit organizations should turn to Second Life. “One, inexpensive, basically no cost required. Two, chance to network with some truly savvy international people. Three, opportunity to connect with potential members and/or supporters.
Over the last several months, TAVA has been averaging five visitors per day, several of which have become permanent members.
In travelling around the Non-profit Commons, I came across GiftstoGive, a NPO that gives new and gently used items to children in need.
Paula Ritchotte, a retiree, is a full-time volunteer within the organization. Although their organization has not had a considerable amount of response and very few Linden donations, she still had a positive outlook on the Second Life community.
“Since GiftstoGive is a hands-on tangible working charity, the impact of using Second Life at this stage has been negligible,” said Ritchotte. “Our hope is that as we grow and our reputation spreads, that those interested in having a GiftstoGive in other cities will be enhanced by our Second Life exposure.”
“The best result has been the ability to network with other similar charities,” said Ritchotte. “I would recommend Second Life to other charities because of the worldwide exposure and the relative ease of using Second Life along with low cost.”
Second Life is the Internet’s largest user-created 3D virtual world community, developed by Linden Labs, first launched on June 23, 2003. Users are able to create an avatar within the world, with any name, character traits or appearance the creator wishes to include. Each person is able to live out any role they wish; it is in essence a second life outside the real world.
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are turning to this virtual community as a means to promote and further their causes. With the help of Techsoup, an organization dedicated to helping corporations understand the use of social media to promote themselves, these organizations are able to set up shop within the “Nonprofit Commons.”
The Nonprofit Commons is an area set up in Second Life, which consists of four separate virtual cities. In total these locations house over 80 social benefit organizations. The Nonprofit Commons is managed by a community of volunteers, under the leadership of TechSoup Global. With the help of Techsoup, as well as a number of charitable donations, this area was able to grow.
Techsoup created the Nonprofit Commons “to lower the barriers of access to Second Life, to create a community of practice for nonprofits to explore and learn about the virtual world, and to investigate the many ways in which nonprofits might utilize this unique environment,” according to their blog. “Through this community, we provide free office space to qualifying groups, meet and network, create a cooperative learning environment and foster outreach, education, fund-raising, all in a virtual space.” At present a representative from Techsoup was not available for further comment.
Bruce Hestley, Vice President of Vietnam Veterans Buckeye Foundation(VVBF), is currently occupying an office space within the Nonprofit Commons. This property was donated to his organization by Techsoup; normally property within the Second Life community would cost a fair amount of Linden Dollars – the currency set up within the game. However, thanks to what Techsoup is doing, these spaces are provided free of cost to interested non-profit organizations.
Hestley’s organization is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit corporation organized in Ohio by several veterans of the Vietnam War. Incorporated in 2002, it has the purpose of providing education to the general public regarding veterans’ affairs as well as outreach and assistance for all veterans and their families. In world the VVBF is represented by Vice President Murray Haefnir (the avatar of Bruce Hestley).
“A friend of mine talked me into looking into Second Life. I ran across the Nonprofit Commons,” said Hestley. “After attending several Friday meetings, I thought this might be a good way to touch base with other groups and help them or get help. The only cost was the stamp to mail the Memo of Understanding with proof of our incorporation. [The] biggest difficulty is trying to explain how a cartoon can help us.
“To operate in Second Life [there] is little or no real cost,” said Hestley. “Just a decent computer, which I already have, and an Internet connection, which I also had anyhow. When you are in your real life office reading the CPA report or searching for grants, it gets a bit lonesome. Being in SL gives you the opportunity to meet such a diverse group of people. The socializing is nice too.”
Over the past three months, his SL office has averaged 2.5 people per day, a considerable increase over the traffic their website generated. In addition, Hestley is proud to say he is learning about Facebook, Twitter, and other means of communication.
The VVBF shares their in-world office with the representatives of the Transgender American Veterans Association (TAVA). Founded in 2003, TAVA is an organization that acts proactively with other concerned gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) organizations to ensure that transgender veterans will receive appropriate care for medical conditions in accordance with the Veterans Health Administration’s Customer Service Standards promise to “treat you with courtesy and dignity… as the first class citizen that you are.”
Janelle Levenque, National Treasurer of TAVA, first heard about the Nonprofit Commons on a Yahoo group. “[I] thought I’d take a look,” said Levenque. [I] thought an office here would be a good way to attract people. [The] only cost was furniture, minimal as there is a reasonable amount free. [It] took a couple of hours.”
Second Life offers “the ability to meet, network, learn, and teach others,” said Levenque. “It’s invaluable.”
She recommends three reasons other Non-profit organizations should turn to Second Life. “One, inexpensive, basically no cost required. Two, chance to network with some truly savvy international people. Three, opportunity to connect with potential members and/or supporters.
Over the last several months, TAVA has been averaging five visitors per day, several of which have become permanent members.
In travelling around the Non-profit Commons, I came across GiftstoGive, a NPO that gives new and gently used items to children in need.
Paula Ritchotte, a retiree, is a full-time volunteer within the organization. Although their organization has not had a considerable amount of response and very few Linden donations, she still had a positive outlook on the Second Life community.
“Since GiftstoGive is a hands-on tangible working charity, the impact of using Second Life at this stage has been negligible,” said Ritchotte. “Our hope is that as we grow and our reputation spreads, that those interested in having a GiftstoGive in other cities will be enhanced by our Second Life exposure.”
“The best result has been the ability to network with other similar charities,” said Ritchotte. “I would recommend Second Life to other charities because of the worldwide exposure and the relative ease of using Second Life along with low cost.”
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Success
After posting in my blog yesterday, I spent some time wandering around the Nonprofit commons. I came across two female avatars in the amphitheater both belonging to the Nonprofit commons group, or so said the tags over their heads.
Quite relieved that I may be getting somewhere this time i clicked on their in-world profiles. I noticed that in one of their profiles they had a contact e-mail for Techsoup. I e-mailed her immediately and minutes later one of the avatars approached me in-world to inform me that she had received my e-mail and would be forwarding it on to the correct person.
I apologize to Techsoup for stating in yesterdays blog post that your organization had not replied in two weeks. I take full responsibility for this lack of response as I am certain I e-mailed the wrong person at that point.
I am very excited that Techsoup is willing to talk to me and I can not wait to hear what they have to say. More on this to come :)
Quite relieved that I may be getting somewhere this time i clicked on their in-world profiles. I noticed that in one of their profiles they had a contact e-mail for Techsoup. I e-mailed her immediately and minutes later one of the avatars approached me in-world to inform me that she had received my e-mail and would be forwarding it on to the correct person.
I apologize to Techsoup for stating in yesterdays blog post that your organization had not replied in two weeks. I take full responsibility for this lack of response as I am certain I e-mailed the wrong person at that point.
I am very excited that Techsoup is willing to talk to me and I can not wait to hear what they have to say. More on this to come :)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I am an outsider...
I am currently in the process of writing an article on non-profit organizations using Second Life, a virtual reality world, as a means to promote their organizations. In a previous post I had mentioned how an organization known as TechSoup had been successful in creating a community where non-profit organizations would be able to have a free in-world office space.
This space was paid for and supplied by an organization known as TechSoup, simply by registering with the TechSoup group. According to the TechSoup blog there are two areas for non-profits to set up shop. These locations are known as the “Nonprofit Commons.”
Intrigued by this idea, I decided I would contact the people at TechSoup to find out more about what it is they are doing. I sent an e-mail… that was two weeks ago… I am unfortunately still waiting to find out more about what it is they’re doing.
Seeing as I was getting nowhere through email, I decided I would check out the Nonprofit Commons myself in order to uncover some things on my own.
I searched for the Nonprofit Commons within the virtual world and quickly came up with a response and seconds later I was teleported to this location. Upon arrival, the first thing I noticed was the absolute beauty of this place: from the details of the cobblestone roads to the vines creeping up the cement walls of the non-profit offices, this place is truly peaceful.
Once again the game seemed to know what I was doing here, I am labeled "outsider," I hope that changes in the near future.
I decided to venture around the grounds; curiosity may have killed the cat but it certainly wasn’t going to stop me. Through my adventure I discovered that inside every organizations’ office their contact information, or at the very least web-site, is displayed. This is exactly the type of lead I need.
I began with the first office I found and continued to walk around through random non-profit organizations. By the end of this first day I had reached and e-mailed at least 40 organizations… And now I must wait for responses.
Members of Nonprofit Commons meet each Friday at 8:30 PST/SLT at Plush Nonprofit Commons Amphitheatre, visitors are always welcome.
This space was paid for and supplied by an organization known as TechSoup, simply by registering with the TechSoup group. According to the TechSoup blog there are two areas for non-profits to set up shop. These locations are known as the “Nonprofit Commons.”
“‘Nonprofit Commons1 sim’ was donated by Anshe Chung Studios and ‘Nonprofit Commons2 sim’ donated by TakingIT Global. The third Nonprofit Commons location, ‘EcoCommons’, was developed in partnership with OneWorld/OneClimate specifically for environmentally-oriented organizations. Our fourth sim, ‘Health Commons,’ is focused on health-related nonprofits,” says the TechSoup blog.
Intrigued by this idea, I decided I would contact the people at TechSoup to find out more about what it is they are doing. I sent an e-mail… that was two weeks ago… I am unfortunately still waiting to find out more about what it is they’re doing.
Seeing as I was getting nowhere through email, I decided I would check out the Nonprofit Commons myself in order to uncover some things on my own.
I searched for the Nonprofit Commons within the virtual world and quickly came up with a response and seconds later I was teleported to this location. Upon arrival, the first thing I noticed was the absolute beauty of this place: from the details of the cobblestone roads to the vines creeping up the cement walls of the non-profit offices, this place is truly peaceful.
Once again the game seemed to know what I was doing here, I am labeled "outsider," I hope that changes in the near future.
I decided to venture around the grounds; curiosity may have killed the cat but it certainly wasn’t going to stop me. Through my adventure I discovered that inside every organizations’ office their contact information, or at the very least web-site, is displayed. This is exactly the type of lead I need.
I began with the first office I found and continued to walk around through random non-profit organizations. By the end of this first day I had reached and e-mailed at least 40 organizations… And now I must wait for responses.
Members of Nonprofit Commons meet each Friday at 8:30 PST/SLT at Plush Nonprofit Commons Amphitheatre, visitors are always welcome.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Is Second Life the marketing tool for you?
"The mainstream has yet to be lured in by the potential offered of a second life for all," or so says an article posted on thedrum.com an online news site out of the UK.
The article circles around the question of whether or not virtual worlds like Second Life are still viable marketing tools. Yes the Linden Dollar(second lifes form of currency) is up this year, and yes there are still new users joining the network everyday but are they really the kind of clients that organizations are vying to market to. The answer is unfortunately no given the fact that a vast per cent of the users within these worlds are under the age of 16.
However thanks to legendary director James Cameron and his film Avatar more and more people are buying into the idea behind having an avatar. Perhaps he has played a part in saving our virtual worlds, perhaps not.
What do you think?
The article circles around the question of whether or not virtual worlds like Second Life are still viable marketing tools. Yes the Linden Dollar(second lifes form of currency) is up this year, and yes there are still new users joining the network everyday but are they really the kind of clients that organizations are vying to market to. The answer is unfortunately no given the fact that a vast per cent of the users within these worlds are under the age of 16.
However thanks to legendary director James Cameron and his film Avatar more and more people are buying into the idea behind having an avatar. Perhaps he has played a part in saving our virtual worlds, perhaps not.
What do you think?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Canada's First Virtual Law Conference
Second Life is set to to hold Canada's first “Virtual Law Conference” Thursday. The conference is being put on by Queens University’s Faculty of law, and will be hosted in world at the “Queen's Faculty of Education Island.”
The story “Lawyers boot up for ‘virtual law conference'” was picked up by CTV news today.
From the looks of it participants do not have to be professional Second Life players, or even be remotely familiar with it, which is a definite positive for those taking part. The idea of Law Conferences being held in a virtual world through the use of an avatar is intriguing, it saves money and people are able to attend from the comfort of their own living room or office… but what comes next virtual trials, virtual juries, or even virtual prisons?
I'm curious if those partaking in the event were given a quick lesson in the use of Second Life, otherwise it could be a fairly entertaining experience.
The story “Lawyers boot up for ‘virtual law conference'” was picked up by CTV news today.
From the looks of it participants do not have to be professional Second Life players, or even be remotely familiar with it, which is a definite positive for those taking part. The idea of Law Conferences being held in a virtual world through the use of an avatar is intriguing, it saves money and people are able to attend from the comfort of their own living room or office… but what comes next virtual trials, virtual juries, or even virtual prisons?
I'm curious if those partaking in the event were given a quick lesson in the use of Second Life, otherwise it could be a fairly entertaining experience.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Get ready to beleive in a new world. GO JIYO.
Watch out Second Life, you've got competition on the way!
The Godrej group a self proclaimed leading business group in India has announced that they are going to launch a virtual world site similar to Second Life. The difference however will be that this world focuses on Indian users.
GoJiyo.com is set to launch in 6 days 20 hours according to their website.
According to Watblog.com the world will offer:
However there is some controversy behind the world, seemingly "Adi Godrej (Godrej’s chairman)had recently spoken about the GoJiyo platform and how it would be a platform to connect youth to the godrej brand."
Do you see anything wrong with creating a virtual world simply for the purpose of drawing youth in to buy products and could this be considered manipulation of unsuspecting youth?
The Godrej group a self proclaimed leading business group in India has announced that they are going to launch a virtual world site similar to Second Life. The difference however will be that this world focuses on Indian users.
GoJiyo.com is set to launch in 6 days 20 hours according to their website.
According to Watblog.com the world will offer:
Three kingdoms to live in: Urban Super City, Ancient Kingdom and Moon Colony.
Your digital avatars live a life and mingle with various Godrej properties.
An economy called ‘Karmic’ is going to run this world.
However there is some controversy behind the world, seemingly "Adi Godrej (Godrej’s chairman)had recently spoken about the GoJiyo platform and how it would be a platform to connect youth to the godrej brand."
Do you see anything wrong with creating a virtual world simply for the purpose of drawing youth in to buy products and could this be considered manipulation of unsuspecting youth?
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