AVIE POLL: What is the funniest / Craziest experience you witnessed or had in SL?- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

 I’ve been around nearly 2 decades and have seen my fair share of some crazy sh*t in Second life. Some off the wall and others just so funny that I found myself laughing even after logging out.  Have you ever been in a situation where you witnessed something funny or crazy  in Second life and thought… If no one was there to witness it, they would never believe it. Well here are some interesting stories from across the grid.

AFK ROCKET WOMAN

About a year ago, I hung out with a close-knit group of friends who had left Second Life but returned for a spontaneous reunion. We all enjoyed having fun and being silly, often spending our time building together. One of our friends, Ruaelle, who we affectionately called "Captain of the Neverthere," had a habit of frequently running to the restroom, going to get coffee, or popping out to the store for 20 minutes to sometimes hours—often forgetting she was online, especially at the most inconvenient times. We preferred to chat using voice instead of typing because several of us are dyslexic. One day, I had just finished putting together an elaborate build when Ruaelle stood in the middle of a very high crosswalk, blocking the way for everyone. She was "AFK" again without a word. So, my friends Zoey, Kenny, and I decided to build a rocket around her out of physical prims. We were able to finish it before she returned! Just as I "launched" the rocket from that high walkway toward the bottom of the sim, she came back and we could hear her laughing all the way down. Good times!-  Cecilia

IMPROMPTU SL PORN DIRECTORS

I will not act like an innocent bystander to the antics of Second lifers doing things for a laugh so I will share one of my most memorable moments with my ride or die bestie “Darron”. If anyone remembers us from The Sims Online.. We go back even before Second life was a thing. In fact, he is to blame for my presence in Second life all those years ago with the great migration into Second life during Beta days. Well anyway…. Amongst our old friends we are notorious for doing some pretty crazy pranks on the grid whenever we have a chance to hang out.  One day we decided to purchase cameras and boom mics on SL  marketplace and go around to nude beaches and well known open sex sims to see if we can find couples going at it.  With the abundance of debauchery it was not hard to find couples… doing the deed in bushes, on the beach, in cabanas, and well… all out in the open so we pulled up maps of various locations and teleported wherever we saw 2 balls close together . We would walk right up to them and begin directing and narrating their sex scene and asking for the money shots all while Darron walked around them with the boom mic.  We got banned from one beach after being chased away and yelled at by the unsuspecting couples. We laughed so hard we were crying. Harmless fun but I’m sure it was a total mood killer for the couples trying to get their freak on…  - Abrielle

I’VE BEEN GRIEFED FOR SEX

I was griefed by an avie with a chicken on a stick asking for sex when I was a noob and was completely thrown off guard and confused at what I was seeing. I didn’t know the term griefer at the time.  - Jen

THE GOOD OL’ MAFIA RP DAYS

Back in the beginning of Second Life there were multiple Mafia Families that came from The Sims Online. There were about 12 families with about 25-40 members in each. They were always at war with each other for power. For the most part it was very interesting to be a part of. One day I remember being invited to what I thought was a concert by one particular Mafia family. Everyone was seated in a theater style setting facing a stage with a red curtain. I wasn’t sure what was going on until the curtain rose up and there was a bed , female avatar and a completely naked rival Mafia member standing on stage. Come to find out. The female had coerced the rival mafia member to come over to “ her place”  for sex. Unbeknownst to him it was a set up! As he stripped naked getting ready for some action, up went to the curtains to a full audience of mafia members  bantering and laughing. Needless to say, that poor guy shot out of there quickly!  That had to be the funniest well executed prank I had ever seen in Second Life! - -LaRayna

NEVER GO AFK  SITTING ON AN ADULT COUPLES BEACH CHAIR

I once went afk to use the bathroom and when I came back I was being humped by a Noob. Good thing I had a bikini on!  I would say this was a lesson learned. - Anonymous

ONE NIGHT STAND TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT

I was talking to this guy for about a week and he invited me over to his skybox for some alone time. We were flirting and one thing led to another and we ended up in his bed. Things were getting hot and heavy when a woman showed up right on top of us. It turned out he had a girlfriend and he got caught cheating with me in their bed!  He told me he was single! I left without even putting my clothes back on and I blocked him. How embarrassing! - Anonymous

ALWAYS CHECK IF YOUR MIC IS ON!

I was at an event and someone had their mic on but I don’t think they knew. All of a sudden I heard the loudest and  longest fart I ever heard in my life followed by an AHHHH of relief.  Everyone started laughing and trying to tell the person their Mic was on but he didn't realize until someone messaged him. I’m sure they created an ALT after that! - Josie

GENDER IMPOSTER HEARTBREAK

I was dating an avie for about a month. She seemed very nice and we had a good time together. We always had interesting conversations and went to concerts and danced.  I started to really fall for her. She never wanted to get on mic but I didn't find it strange because most avies don't use voice chat and that’s fine with me because I usually type too. We shared pics once but it was never a big deal since I wanted to respect her privacy. We got intimate for the first time after getting to know each other and while we were laying there in bliss she told me she had something she wanted to tell me. At first, I thought she was going to tell me she had a boyfriend but when she told me she was really male and wanted to experience being with a man. I was gutted. I am in no way homophobic. I have friends that are gay but the fact that he hid this information from me was very hurtful. I am a straight male and should have been told. Now I have trust issues in Second life. - Danny

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The Latest Hairstyles in Second Life: A Look at Top Designers- Wanda Starchild Reporting...

Second Life continues to be a hub for fashion innovation, and the virtual world’s hair industry is no exception. From sleek modern styles to intricate, bold designs, the latest hairstyles from some of the most renowned Second Life designers are offering plenty of fresh options for avatars looking to up their fashion game. Let’s dive into the newest collections from S-Club, Stealthic, Monso, Magika, and Rama Salon.

1. S-Club: Stylish Simplicity and Customization

S-Club has long been recognized for its versatile and high-quality styles, and its latest hair releases are no different. Known for a combination of sleek and modern aesthetics, S-Club’s hair designs offer a perfect balance between elegance and practicality. Recent styles like Sophia and Doris showcase this well with their smooth, adaptable textures. For those who enjoy personalization, S-Club provides hair packs that come with HUD customization options, including color-tinting and multiple style choices. Their detailed mesh textures and color selections ensure that you’re not only fashionable but also have the flexibility to match your avatar’s unique look​

S-club - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pleasure%20Grove/106/226/21

2. Stealthic: Realism Meets Fashion Forward

Stealthic continues to impress with its impeccable craftsmanship and stunning realism. Their latest collections, such as Exist and Fury, emphasize soft textures, natural flow, and a touch of sophistication. The brand’s use of sleek, modern cuts and versatile designs ensures that their styles can easily complement both everyday casual outfits and more formal ensembles. Stealthic’s intuitive HUDs allow for detailed customization, enabling users to tweak every hair strand’s look. Stealthic's hair often includes multiple variants per pack, giving users an array of styles, from voluminous waves to sleek, straight locks​

Stealthic - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pleasure%20Grove/106/226/21

3. Monso: Playful and Quirky Styles

Monso’s latest offerings include bold, youthful styles that are perfect for avatars who want to experiment with fun and quirky looks. Styles like Vasha, with its flowing, wavy texture, and Chaeng, which features playful twin buns, are great examples of Monso’s creativity.These hairstyles come with various customization options, including bangs, adjustable textures, and color-changing HUDs. Monso’s designs are perfect for adding that pop of personality to your avatar's wardrobe, whether you’re going for a cutesy look or something a little more edgy​

Monso - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sweet%20Isle/196/108/21

4. Magika: Trendy Yet Timeless

Magika remains a favorite in the Second Life hair community, offering versatile styles that appeal to a wide range of avatars. Known for both short and long cuts, Magika's recent releases like Angelica and Bonnie combine trendy textures with an easy-to-use HUD for color changes. Whether you prefer something chic, like the sleek Mira, or a more dramatic style with volume and curls, Magika has you covered. Their designs feature mesh hair with realistic textures, and the HUD options allow for extensive color variations, so your avatar can sport a personalized look with ease​

Magik - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magika/135/128/21

5. Rama Salon: Unique Designs with High Customization

Rama Salon is another brand that has continued to evolve with the times, offering modern yet playful designs that cater to a variety of tastes. Their Stacy Hair, featuring bossy ponytail and hair claw clips, and Riley, with short sleek look, are perfect examples of their commitment to creativity and customization. With detailed HUDs, users can change colors, adjust materials, and tweak the glow and brightness of their hair. Rama Salon ensures that each style is flexible, offering fitting mesh for popular head types like Lelutka and Catwa​

Rama Salon - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Clothes/128/65/22

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for something sleek, trendy, or uniquely bold, the latest hair releases in Second Life are packed with options to fit any style. From the sophisticated designs of S-Club and Stealthic to the fun, playful creations from Monso and Magika, and the customizable flair of Rama Salon, there’s a hairstyle for every avatar. With intuitive HUDs for color adjustments and sizing, these brands make it easier than ever to experiment with your virtual look. So, whether you’re attending a fashion event or just upgrading your everyday style, these new hair releases offer something for every fashion-forward avatar in Second Life.

Stay tuned for more updates as designers continue to push the boundaries of virtual hair fashion!

 

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Building Virtual Success: The Inspiring Journey of Luchenpur Darwin in Second Life. Moonite1687 Reporting...

 

In a world where digital landscapes offer boundless opportunities for creativity and innovation, the personal and professional journey of Luchenpur Darwin, the owner of the enterprise Center Ground in Second Life (SL), stands out as a testament to resilience, community, and the power of virtual worlds.

His journey into Second Life (SL) began with a practical purpose: to model a real-life home that was planned for construction. Unfortunately, the Great Recession derailed this project, but his fascination with the virtual world of SL only grew. What started as a means to an end became an end in itself, as the endless possibilities within this digital realm captivated him.

In 2007, he stumbled upon information about 3D modeling in Second Life, a concept that was entirely new to him at the time. The virtual world was bustling with real-life businesses, educational institutions, architects, and engineers, all exploring and creating within this space. It seemed like the perfect environment to experiment with the design of his green home. This initial curiosity and the potential he saw in SL for creative expression and innovation drew him deeper into the virtual world.

His business decisions are deeply rooted in the principle of treating others as he would like to be treated. This translates into a professional ethos of respect and attentive listening. He strives to be open and considerate, avoiding dismissiveness unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, he believes in the importance of self-trust coupled with thorough verification, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and reliable.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a business owner in Second Life has been the recognition from his patrons. This acknowledgment, along with receiving the Soul Train Legends award a few years ago, has been incredibly gratifying. It validates the hard work and dedication he put into creating a meaningful and engaging virtual space.




Despite not being a builder by trade, he embarked on a significant project with the help of a close friend who served as the chief builder. However, a falling out led to the project's near collapse, with much of the work disappearing. This setback was disheartening, and he contemplated leaving SL. Fortunately, the support and encouragement from those around him convinced him to stay. Together, they rebuilt the sim, and Center Ground emerged from the ashes, a testament to resilience and community support.

Maintaining a balance between his virtual business and real-life commitments is a constant challenge. However, he prioritizes real life, recognizing that it is the foundation that enables his participation in Second Life. Without a stable real-life foundation, his virtual endeavors would not be sustainable.

For those considering starting a business in Second Life, his advice is to take your time and conduct thorough research. If, after careful consideration, you still feel compelled to proceed, do not hesitate. The virtual world offers unique opportunities, but success requires preparation and commitment.

Staying motivated in a virtual environment is facilitated by having close friends and associates. Additionally, exploring the creativity of others within SL can be a significant source of inspiration. The diverse and dynamic community continually offers new ideas and perspectives.

Success in Second Life demands a good sense of humor and an open mind. These qualities help navigate the complexities and challenges of the virtual world, fostering positive interactions and innovative thinking.

Since joining Second Life, he believes he has become more open and considerate of others' ideas. He is less quick to dismiss concepts that do not immediately align with his perceptions, allowing for a broader and more inclusive approach to problem-solving and creativity.

Over seventeen years in Second Life, his perception of people has evolved. It is fascinating how one can often sense the vibe of others even before engaging in conversation. While some individuals exude a welcoming aura, others may signal a preference for solitude despite their profiles suggesting otherwise.

Looking ahead, his primary goal for Center Ground is to increase its fame and keep the location bustling with activity. This involves actively promoting the sim and the various destinations and experiences it offers. By doing so, he hopes to create a vibrant and engaging community space that continues to attract and inspire visitors

https://www.slcenterground.com/

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OPEN MIC AUDITION WINNER FOR NOVEMBER, 2024 –SVOXY, TALENT EXTRAORDINAIRE: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING.

I was cruising around the grid the other day, just kind of sim hopping with no real objective, minding my own business. I was kind of floating along, “in the zone” as it were, when my reverie was interrupted by a captivating melody?  Had I strayed over an Adel Concert, or perhaps some other great soul singer? Or maybe it was the voice of an Angel?  I had to find out.  Following the sound of the music, I came upon a lovely lady, standing before an audience and a microphone, just singing her heart out. It turns out, the voice I heard belonged to none other than this month’s winner of the SL Enquirer Open Mic Songwriters Contest.   The lovely and talented  - SVOX.

After her stunning performance and the winners were announced, I asked SVOX if she would agree to sit for an interview, as I was certain our readers would enjoy reading about this Melodious Marvel.  This Wizard of Words.  This plucker of guitar strings and of heartstrings.  And she said “Yes”.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     So SVOXY,  Congratulations on your win.  It was well deserved.   Thanks for agreeing to chat with me.  To begin with, how long have you been performing your music, and what sorts of venues?

SVOXY:     It's been about 2 years. It started at the Savoy Ballroom and then about a year ago, I joined Simstar. I met the founders, Darius Anthony and Melly Faith who founded Simstar in 2023. The idea was to create a community of artists that support each other and since then, I've been performing at many different kinds of venues. Anything from beach cafes to large Latin style venues to big stage events. Charity Events like " Scare me silly" for diabetes Awareness Team.. "Relay for Life " American Cancer Society.. And at the Savoy Ballroom they collect for the research of Parkinsons.

Simstar has helped me explore and broaden my exploration of different Venue’s

I choose to do 1-2 sets a week on SL maximum so I can keep exploring and listening to other artists.

JB:     Who were your music idols, and those who most influenced your musical style?

SVOXY:     I love all kinds of music so there's no specific influence I can state. There are some amazing 60’s soul singers like Etta James and Aretha Franklin, there are awesome 70’s composers, 80s style and pop, 90’s Grunge and ROCK scene. BBKing from the blues scene and Erika Badu from the RnB Jazz world.

JB:     What was the inspiration for the song you sang at the contest, and why did you choose that particular song?

SVOXY:     When at a new venue I just grab for the newest things I've worked on to display if it be at an open mic. I chose my latest song “Just the way it is” because of the high energy and relatable story behind the lyric… at some point every one meets and connects with someone that can sweep you into a whirlwind of excitement.

My second song being called “one way” is more of a reflection of life, your choices pave the way of life path. You can always be kicked back to the start again but you often need to endure and learn, so that song is about being strong and empowering yourself to make the choices you need to make.

JB:     How would you describe the brand that you now represent? To really stand out in the SL Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How do you define your music style?

SVOXY:      I strive to represent myself by keeping true to the journey in life. I am not sure it is a brand or if it makes me stand out. I am just being me in the world, gaining and sharing experiences and then telling those stories through lyrics; if it be about connectivity and love or just fantasy. So, I think what I try to make special is sharing the stories with the listeners and that lets us all feel connected as people during the live sets.

The other thing is I keep the music organic. We play and record everything you hear with real instruments and microphones and I think (hope) that comes across as relatable and engaging. I love talking to listeners, laughing at mistakes and having fun together so we all feel good at the end.

JB:     What are your landmark performances?  Best Memories performing both in RL and in SL?

SVOXY:     In SL, it would be sharing the stage with Dorian Dragon at the Renaissance Fair 2023 for the American Cancer Society. I truely love supporting other artists. I consider us all on the same path to sharing our talent. In RL, I have great memories of a world tour I did many years ago as part of a live stage production, singing to lots of people in so many different countries.

JB:     How did you take the news when they first announced your name as the winner?

SVOXY:     Overwhelmed and surprised. A friend, Samuel James, sent me a link to jump in a check it out so it was a surprise to be competing and a bigger surprise to win. It's very humbling and I'm so thankful to everyone involved. It's a true honour.

JB:     What does it take to be a successful musician these days?

SVOXY:     I think it's the same as it has always been and that is to really connect with people. If you create the music you love, it will eventually find it's right audience and the connection will happen. Of course, you need to learn how to create the music and make it sound good which can be very challenging, but once you get to a point where it's ready to share, then you find your listeners one by one. Just like they did decades ago, you hit different venues to find your audience except now we are doing it in virtual venues and not in a touring van haha. It feels like the real success is finding people that you can enjoy the experience with.

JB:     You’ve been on the grid for over 17 years now What advice could you give to someone who wants to be a songwriter?

SVOXY:     We all love stories so focus on telling a story through lyrics and melody. And tell the stories that you enjoy yourself. Life and experience is the best inspiration for relatable stories and remember there are lots of people out there with similar tastes to you so if you feel connected to what you've written, others will too. Once you have some stuff written, then be brave and share at open mics. Enjoy the journey and be patient with your songs finding their audience.

JB:     Do you have any social media sites that folks can visit to see more of you and your work?

SVOXY:     I mainly use one focal point for social media:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/selaperforms

JB:     Do you post your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your gigs?

SVOXY:     I have some regular gigs that I do each fortnight or month. The easiest way to see them is on the SIMSTAR Website: under artist SVOXY you can access my Calendar to catch my show information - date and time. You can also join my Svoxy group so you get notified when I'm hoping on for a live set.

https://simstarsl.com

JB:     Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?

SVOXY:      I send greetings and Happy, Happy Holiday Season

And so there you have it folks.  Direct from the Singer’s mouth to the written word.  As you can see, SVOXY is a multitalented musician, composer and performer. For those of you who enjoy the finest in live entertainment in SL – and you KNOW who you are – make it a special point to catch SVOXY Live, in concert. Go to the website above and check it out.  Believe me when I tell you, you do NOT want to miss this Lady.

And by the way…when you do….Tell ‘em Josh sent ya.  You’ll be glad you did

Be there! Aloha!

JB

 

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Welcome to Swiftwater City: A Thrilling Urban Roleplay Experience in Second Life

 

Swiftwater City Roleplay proudly announces its grand opening as the newest destination for immersive urban storytelling in Second Life. Offering a richly detailed setting and dynamic opportunities for players, Swiftwater City is a vibrant community where creativity and collaboration thrive. Nestled in a sprawling urban landscape, Swiftwater City is a place where stories unfold against a backdrop of modern-day challenges and intrigue. From the bustling downtown core to the state-of-the-art nuclear research facility, the city offers a vast array of opportunities for characters to thrive, from law enforcement and medical professionals to everyday citizens, entrepreneurs, and adventurers. Key Features of Swiftwater City: Diverse Career Opportunities: Step into roles such as law enforcement, fire rescue, medical staff, business owners, or even underground figures in the city’s shadowy underbelly. Unique Points of Interest: Explore the cutting-edge nuclear research facility, a pivotal location that brings depth and high-stakes drama to the roleplay experience. Dynamic Roleplay Environment: With player-driven narratives and a strong emphasis on community interaction, Swiftwater City is built for those who enjoy collaborative storytelling. Leadership Opportunities: The city is actively seeking dedicated individuals to lead key departments such as law enforcement and fire rescue, fostering an inclusive and active community.

A Message from the Founder: “Our goal with Swiftwater City is to create a roleplay environment where everyone feels welcome to explore their creativity. Whether you’re here for action-packed storylines, emotional character development, or simply to meet new friends, Swiftwater City has something for you.” – Draven Malakai, Founder Looking for Talent: Swiftwater City Roleplay is actively recruiting individuals to fill vital positions. If you’re passionate about law enforcement, firefighting, or other key roles, we invite you to join our growing community. Message Nightingale.Foxpaws in-world for more details.

About Swiftwater City: Swiftwater City is a new urban roleplay sim in Second Life, blending realistic elements with unique storytelling features. Our community is built on collaboration, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to fun and immersive roleplay. For more information, visit us in-world and become a part of the action. Swiftwater City is waiting to welcome you into its vibrant community!

More information:

https://discord.gg/VCudB4ah56

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beast%20Estate/174/226/34 Contact: Draven Malakai, Founder In-world Contact: Nightingale.Foxpaws

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1st Annual Giano Christmas Stroll- December 14th from 4:00-8:00 pm SLT

Date: Dec 14, 2024
Time: 4-8 PM
Location: Downtown Giano
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Newport%20Keys/142/120/24

The 1st Annual Giano Community Christmas Stroll is an opportunity for the community and our friends to come together this holiday season.

Welcome to the longest running family friendly community called Giano Properties! Giano was founded in 2007.

Our small New England community has a lot to offer! First, our colonial history dates back generations. Giano families have strong cultural roots in farming and ranching. And not to mention our beautiful lakes which offer the best fishing in the north east.

Please take your time as your journey through our coastal plains, rolling hills, and forest areas. Be sure to bring warm clothes as we have short summers and long winters.

Giano offers an affordable lifestyle filled with deep rooted culture and history.

We are a family friendly community with homes for all size families from small town homes, boat houses up to larger mansions. We also offer parcels to rez your own home and homesteads for that more private home. Come and visit us today !

Event Information:

Starting at 4 PM, we will gather on Newport Ave in downtown for a social time with lots of desserts and hot coco. We anticipate Santa arriving shortly thereafter for photo opportunities. And finally, we will end the evening with a movie in our community drive-in theater.

So dress warm and bring your family and friends!

Learn more at: https://www.gianoproperties.com/

Contact:
Stacey Giano (stacey.zirgar) 
Ikonn Giano (Ikonn.Giano) 

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING & BLACK FRIDAY FROM THE SL ENQUIRER! 50% OFF 1 MONTH ADS! DEADLINE NOV 29TH AT MIDNIGHT!

 

Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving is a time to get together with the people you love and celebrate with a feast in RL. In SL this holiday also is about togetherness and being thankful for what we have and the people we care about.

We want to give thanks to you all for supporting and being a part of our virtual family! 

ALL AVAILABLE SLE 1 MONTH AD BOARDS WERE SWITCHED TO 50% FOR THANKSGIVING AND BLACK FRIDAY!

BLACK FRIDAY SALE WILL END AT MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY NOV 29TH! HURRY! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE! LANDMARK BELOW. 

1 Ad/1 Month per person limit. New clients only.

TELEPORT NOW TO CLAIM YOUR BOARD!

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akamai/232/33/23

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MAGNOLIA CITY – SECONDLIFE’S PREMIER ROLE PLAY COMMUNITY: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Sooooo..I was out sim hopping the other day, looking for new stories to share with our SL Enquirer readers.  It was getting late, and I was just about to call it a night, when I noticed a glow on the horizon.  I was intrigued and thought I would give a look before heading home.  The closer I got, the brighter the glow, until I realized this was no mere hovel I had stumbled upon in the vast expanses of the SL Grid, but was instead a fully functioning CITY of massive proportions!

At the side of the road stood a sign, noting that I had entered the great and fabled RP build – Magnolia City. I located the Municipal Center and located the office of Mr. Vic Mornington, Director of Marketing.  He was busy approving some newly printed posters announcing the upcoming FLICKR Photo contest they are running, and he graciously agreed to chat with me about this marvelous build.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):     Hi Vic...for the benefit of our readers...just what is this place called Magnolia City all about?

Vic Mornington (VM):     Hi!  So, to break it down to its basics...Magnolia City is a family roleplay town which, as the name suggests, is set up for town style roleplay.  We have the foundation elements already in place, police, fire dept, hospital etc.  It's based in Florida, somewhere south of Miami. Its currently at 7 regions, with the 7th region, the marina, currently under development.  There are plans for future expansions of the city.

JB:     But aren't there several "RP Cities" in SL?  What would you say is the "Magnolia City" difference"?

VM:     At the last count, at least in the Destination Guide ran by Linden Lab, there are about 16 RP towns and cities.  Some of them are in the past (Victorian Age) some of them are sci-fi and set in the future.  Magnolia City is set in the contemporary current times.  Practically all of the large RP town and city communities are set either on the west coast, or the north east coast.  Magnolia is unusual in that its set on the south east coast...Florida, where we can do some things a bit differently than a lot of other communities have done, especially with the landscaping of the regions

JB:     OK.  Share with us some of the history of Magnolia City?  Is there anyone still around from those early days?

VM:     It officially opened on June 1st of 2024, so it’s still a relatively new community.  At the start, it was a group of people who were already all friends due to being in another RP town which was having difficulties, later on that RP town basically shut down. 

At the beginning of May of this year the original Magnolia website was launched with a 30-day countdown to the regions opening up.  Most of the people who moved in to the then two region sized city are still around to this day,

JB:     Who are some of the key Movers and Shakers here?

VM:     Well, you have Niko as the owner, then Jenna as the City Admin and Roxy as the moderator.  The landscaping is down to Dacio and Violet, with Dacio being the design director for all 7 regions.  The main departments, including my own (marketing) is listed on the site here https://www.magnolia-sl.com/officials/ there are a lot of people who are running the roleplay side of things, the Fire Dept and Police Departments for instance.

When it comes to the IT side of things, the Magnolia City website is run by Niko and includes some things not seen before in websites that cover Second Life RP towns.  Character sheets, job applications, a direct chat tie in to discord – it’s all available on the Magnolia website!

Events are very important for any community in Second Life as well.  Well-run and regular events ties a community closer together.  Electra runs the events department, and she going to get busy with the Christmas season just around the corner.

JB:     What types of activities can folks get involved with here?

VM:     Events and RP are the mainstays of Magnolia. Every week there are regular events on like Bingo.  Murphys Old Ale House has live singers on as well and Loose Change has semi regular parties.  My own bar will hopefully soon be starting up mid-week events.  Trivia night has recently become a regular event in the city too and we also have games nights ran by the Dept of Public Works.

The events aren’t just dictated by the staff either.  Anyone living in Magnolia City can submit an event idea in the Discord channel and the events team will work with them to see if it can be done in Magnolia, the team will help organize it and even provide a DJ if the person with the event idea doesn't know any DJ's.

On top of that, there is the roleplay.  The police dept, fire dept, department of public works, hospital, criminal group (yes, we have a criminal group), and the DMV all roleplay around the town, currently the Dept of Public works is replacing all the fire hydrants in the town, and medical dept is in the process of giving residents flu vaccinations. Whatever your flavor of RP, there’s something to do in Magnolia.

JB:     I notice several distinct areas here.  can you break it down for our readers?

VM:     The original two regions, Magnolia City and Paradise Palms laid down the foundation of what is the eastern end of the city.  A more contemporary themed Floridian city with the beach and boardwalk taking up the far eastern edge.  Those two region themes move north into the Coconut Terrance and Sunshine Keys regions which are an extension of that city feel.  The western side of the city though slowly transforms into something you would expect to see in the south of Florida.  Swamplands.

Bramble Brook, Mango Grove and then Mandarin Marina is the first stage of the westward expansion of the city, with Bramble Brook and Mango Grove being the first section of what will be a large swampland area in Magnolia.  The way it was landscaped is a "Partial Drained" swampland, so yes, there are houses actually in the swamplands that are only accessible by boat, there are off branch roads leading in to more contemporary streets which are surrounded by swamps.

The entire northern edge of the town is the "Downtown" area of Magnolia.  High rise condo apartments and hotels and a concentration of businesses surrounding them (including the gym).  The main events park, which is a 100m x 60m open land area is, as the name suggests, set aside for large events, like the Christmas event which is currently being set up by the events team.  The area surrounding the events park is still currently under construction but eventually will have the docklands and the new city hall.

JB:     So, Vic.  Tell me about this FLICKR contest?  There must have been a typo on the poster I saw because it said there are 40 THOUSAND lindens in prize money up for grabs.  Really?  40K?

VM:     Nope it's not a typo!  The Flickr contest runs until November 30th and the prize money is from the sponsors of the event, those three women you seen in the video with the Scottish accents.  They go by the name Charlie's Angels in Second Life.  So, they are putting up the money for 1st place (25,000), 2nd place (10,000) and 3rd place (5,000).  Judged by the angels and two of their blogger friends if a tie-break should happen.  If you want more info, have a look at the post in the Flickr group here https://www.flickr.com/groups/magnoliacity

JB:     Just where might someone go to learn more about Magnolia City?  Social Media sites, SURL, etc?

VM:     All of the major info on Magnolia can be found on our awesome website, to gain access to it all you’ll need to make an account but once you do, you’ll have access to job listings, character sheets and more!  https://www.magnolia-sl.com

I run the social media side of things, the two to keep an eye on would be:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/magnoliacitysl/  and

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@magnoliacitysl

However, the Discord is the central place for chatter and news. 

The Discord main channels (Chat and RP Chat) have got relays into the same group channels within Second Life.  So, if you are in the RP and chat groups for Magnolia City inworld, you can chat to those groups via Discord and vice versa!  You can find the Discord link on the social media bar at the very top of the site page.

JB:     Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

VM:     If you do decide to visit Magnolia, I hope you have an awesome visit!  Also, we have been running a Thanksgiving month special rental offer for current and new renters.  If you rent three weeks, you get one week added free!  That offer, like the Flickr contest, ends on November 30th!  If you have any other questions, pop into the discord or just pop a message off to me inworld! :D

So, there you have it, Folks.  Whether you are a noob RPer, a more experienced person interested in the field, or one with years under your belt as a seasoned RPer…or just interested in visiting this amazing build…Magnolia City is DEFINITELY worth checking out.  

So, head on over to Magnolia City. Tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad ya did

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magnolia%20City/208/41/22

Be there! Aloha

JB

 

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