What you can do to make your online presence better

Running a successful online business can be a challenge — for one, you don’t always have regular hours you might have with an office job. No matter what area of industry you work in, you’ll want to use your time to its fullest and get as much out of the hours you spend working on your business as possible.

So how do you present yourself and your online brand better? There are processes that you can make more efficient, effective plans you can put into action, and other improvements you can make to your online presence. These are some suggestions that you could think about implementing as part of your business strategy:

Optimize your website for mobile

A mobile-friendly website is crucial. People use their phones to search the internet more than they do on their laptops, tablets or computers. It’s thought that the number of smartphone users is expected to grow to 2.87 billion in 2020, meaning that searches on phones are likely to increase.

As well as having a site that looks attractive, it should also be optimized for mobile devices. Being mobile friendly is a ranking factor for Google, and it is also important for your SEO (search engine optimization). You can use mobile-friendly test tools to check how Google Search will see your pages.

Create content with value

Every piece of online content contributes to a site’s online presence, and the organization that publishes them. This could be a blog post, an infographic or a video.

Content marketing is a great way of introducing your brand, so producing relevant, informative and engaging content should be paramount. High-quality content is preferred by Google, so your site will rank higher in search results. Being at the top of these results will boost your presence and increase growth, as well as sales.

Use keywords and backlinks

You should research keywords and phrases that are relevant to your brand. Also update items such as headers, links, bold text and other formatted items on all the pages and posts on your website. With your unique content, use uncommon subject lines that fit your brand and the audience you want to attract from search engine results.

One way to boost your online presence swiftly is to build backlinks and promote social sharing. This is because Google decides what is relevant or useful based on shares and backlinks, which is why backlinking is an important part of SEO. Using backlinking services will help you rank higher in search results, which will improve your online visibility.

Streamline your brand and social media pages

This will be beneficial to your online presence. Create social media profiles on the top-performing platforms for your target audience and demographics, and use the same page name, which should match your business name to minimize the risk of confusion. Use a high-quality logo that uses the same colors on all your accounts, and post updates in the same manner and voice.

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American Cancer Society in Second Life Campus Ribbon-Cutting and Open House Sunday January 26th 12 - 5pm

The American Cancer Society and its volunteers invite the residents of Second Life to visit the newly redesigned virtual office on Sunday January 26th from noon until five in the evening. Volunteers and staff will be available to greet visitors, explain about programs and services in world and in real and help visitors learn how they can join support and fundraising groups in Second Life.

The new open concept island features a resource area where residents can learn about cancer, the Society and its programs and services.  Survivors and Caregivers can visit Hope Haven to access the services offered by the American Cancer Society worldwide, and to join support groups within Second Life. 

Relay For Life, The Society’s signature fundraiser is headquartered at the campus, as is Strides, our breast cancer fundraising platform. Residents can find out how to take part in fundraising events, join teams, or hold events in their support.  Also represented at the new region are the annual Mega Events: Fantasy Faire (supporting the Society’s global outreach programs), The SL Christmas Expo (which supports pediatric cancer efforts), the Home & Garden Expo, and The SciFiCon.

Also located at American Cancer Society island are the ACS Museum, displaying mementos from the 17-year presence of the Society in Second Life and the Catt Gable Memorial Garden.

Curators and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors to these areas as well.

The event will conclude with a live broadcast of T1Radio’s Relay Rap featuring members of the ACS leadership within Second Life. The show will stream live, locally, from the roof of Hope Haven beginning at 3.30pm.

All residents are welcome to visit and learn how the American Cancer Society is Here To Help 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.  

The American Cancer Society is the world’s leader in the Fight Against Cancer
Need help with cancer? Needs answers or information? Visit the American Cancer Society region in Second Life®, call 800-227-2345, or www.cancer.org.

For More Information Contact

Stingray9798 Raymaker (jeffrey.montegut@cancer.org)

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AVIE POLL: IF YOU ARE MARRIED IN REAL LIFE, AND PARTNER IN SL, IS IT CONSIDERED CHEATING? - JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC)

So...this question has been asked at least once, and probably a couple dozen times, by every married guy or gal shortly after setting pixelated foot on the SL Grid. In keeping with SLE’s desire to remain relevant to the population we serve, we thought it would be interesting to make this ubiquitous question the subject of this month’s SLE Poll.  This proved to be a particularly easy question to ask, but difficult to get answers. Almost universally, whenever I posed the question, people had an opinion, but very few were willing to share it. So, My hat’s off to those intrepid few who dared to answer, and even more so to those who wished to be identified with their answer. So then...with that in mind….Let the Games Begin!

When asked, “If you are married in Real Life, and partner in SecondLife, is it cheating?, the first respondent had a very thoughtful answer.

Anonymous, SL Resident, (9 years 11 months; 3650 days)

“I feel my partner in sl just adds more enrichment to my real life.  Perhaps in many ways it fill in little little holes that even a happy marriage can have.  I have a very happy rl marriage, and my adventures in sl bleed out into my rl marriage. My exploration of bondage has lead to me exploring that with my husband, who was eager to take part.  He must wonder and realize what I may be doing in sl, but he knows I am happy and continue to make him happy. I in no way have a partner in sl to replace what I have in rl. Its a balance one has to be mature enough to engage in and have a big enough heart for, to keep that way.”  

Another respondent was equally circumspect.

Lora B. , SecondLife Resident, (12 years 8 months; 4643 days)

“I am happy to tell you my answer....  SL is an alternate existence, we can live by the same compass we use in RL or we can treat this world the way some people treat a video game.... there are video games where you engage in war and pretend to kill people... and video games where you pretend to steal things... I think those people are not truly murderers or thieves.... any more than the married people who are partnered here are unfaithful.... I dont agree with people who believe any division of the heart or mind away from a lawful spouse is infidelity...”

The next two responders brought a unique perspective to the question, since they are actually a RL married couple, as well as SL partners.

Kale Rayne, DJ, Owner Teaser's Lounge & Den (8 years 4 months; 3052 days)

“We are married in both RL and SL Delilah and I. To answer the question, I state this: I encourage her to play at her choosing whether I am present or not. The only thing I ask is that she tell me of her adventures if I am not present or online. She has told me every time therefore she is not cheating on me since I encourage her to play. Our relationship is defined as a Stag and Vixen whereas she may have different lovers and I do not touch any other woman , at times I may watch or even join in if all are willing. Now if at anytime she hides her adventures to me then yes that is cheating, but the trust I have in her is what she cherishes most . We have been together for 8 years plus in SL and she has never cheated.”

Delilah Rayne, Hostess, Co-Owner Teaser's Lounge & Den,  (8 years 11 months; 3270 days)

“No it is not cheating if your RL partner knows about it and is okay with it.  If its done behind your RL partners back and they are not aware then yes its considered cheating in our opinion.

This next couple were also in complete agreement

Richh Devin,  Builder of Dreams, Club Owner (11 years 10 months; 4345 days)

Alexxxa Devin) SL DJ and Hostess  (9 years 5 months; 3447 days)

“As long as both are on same page about SL, then no, it is most definitely NOT cheating.   Communication is key in both worlds.”

This next answer come from one who was holding one of those Magic 8-Balls.  She repeated my question for the benefit of the ball, and responded accordingly with a very reasonable and straightforward  response.

Hunnydumpling  O'Magah, SL Resident (8 years 7 months; 3140 days)

“After consulting my oracle I believe that partnering someone is cheating while just screwing them is not. TYVM”

While the responders answered some variation of the “it’s not cheating” theme, there was one particularly outspoken proponent of the opposite view.

Lisa Icandia,  Renaissance Woman, (9 years 2 months; 3364 days)

“Of course it is cheating unless you have lost all morality from sight. You are emotionally cheating on your real life partner. She/He may be sexually uninspired or fat or old but you're married. You are giving laughter, joy, fun, understanding and time to a total stranger who is a well made and sexy cartoon and is only made of pixel dust. And 9.5 times out of 10 it will end in one of you leaving SL or blocking the other person or cheating on that avatar along with your real life partner. But we ignore that it's cheating, don't we, because we love the thrill of the chase and we love feeling loved and as if we are young and beautiful and viable. There are no real obligations in here to mow the lawn or cook or clean house or bathe or go to work each day so we can always be charming and perfect spouses in SL even though we are not in real life. It's ALL an illusion!”

Often times when I asked a potential respondent, several answered that they did not feel comfortable answering the question, but would love to read the final poll results and asked that they be notified when it went to press.

S  male, (4 years 8 months; 1727 days)

“ummmm...I suspect if you are married in RL and partnered here the odds are that you are going to say no to cheating but I look forward to seeing the results.”

So there you have it folks...as many different answers as there were individuals who answered.  So then. What do YOU think? Leave a comment.

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GeekSpeak – How do we survive the Jobs Death Spiral? Join the discussion Saturday January 11th 12pm SLT

With more automation there will be fewer jobs for all of us, and therefore less money for us to buy stuff. This could lead to an economic death spiral; fewer jobs, less money, less buying power.

Until now, we always managed to create more jobs after automation events, but could it be different in the future?  Robots will take over every job we have ever had.  How will humans get their wages?  Will insurance companies prefer to insure hardworking robots instead of lazy, fallible humans?

Or will the coming future of automation make lives easier for humans?  Will we find a way to live with robots who do all the work?  Come and discuss your really lazy future.  Bring your friends!

IM Vulcan Viper, who teaches a class on meditation in the GeekSpeak auditorium every Wednesday at 1pm SLT,  if you have ideas for new subjects.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/143/127/51

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THERE BE ALIENS AMONG US?: THE AWAKENING PROJECT: – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING.

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

-Arthur C. Clarke

For all you Science Fiction fans out there, have we got a New Years treat for YOU.  This issue of SL Enquirer we take a look at one of the hottest Sc-Fi projects to hit the ethosphere in decades.

AWAKENING is an epic sci-fi adventure story of disclosure and extraterrestrial beings effecting developments on Planet Earth over a period of millions of years and their encounter with a reluctant hero and his journey into a distant place and time.

It is the year 2048. Alien captives unite to take back their power from their human masters and embrace the secrets of the mysterious quality of their psychic powers as they suddenly start to “awaken”. 

Working on pure intuition, with little time and limited resources, our hero - John Doe - decides he must help save the Scaliens and Humans from the destructive hostile elements and create a new unified world and harmonious civilization.

I recently had the pleasure of communicating with Douglas W. Green (SL Avatar Doc Grun), Author of The AWAKENING Project, and Lou CasaBianca, Editor.  Their answers were intriguing as they explained their unique and entertaining project.

Josh Bellic (JB): A quick review of your website shows blogs, books, podcasts, articles, and movie? Can you describe for our readers please, just what is “The Awakening” project all about?

Doc Grun (DG): The Awakening Project is a multi-level traditional and digital media project designed to be at the forefront of user-interactive experience, putting you literally side-by-side inside the story with the characters or even becoming a character in the action. The book started it all, then came the filming of teasers and trailers in Second Life, followed by discussions with interested parties for animated and/or live action versions of the story.

JB:  What is the story about?

DG: The story is about the impact of alien intervention in human evolution. How did humans suddenly make enormous leaps in technological advancements that do not follow the normal path of discovery evolution? Who helped humans advance along this path? And why? What was and is their reason for helping us? Are they benevolent strangers, or patient invaders?

JB:  When did you first get the idea for this story?

DG:  I have had this idea for over 10-years. I have always wondered how humans evolved to where we are so quickly. I started writing the book about 10-years ago, and finished 3-years ago, along the way with many changes and additions influenced by current events.

JB:  Where do you get your inspiration for this project

DG:  My wonder of what is beyond the next hill, next planet, next galaxy. Where are we going? How will we get there? and what will we find when we arrive?  My literary hero, Sir Arthur C. Clarke, wrote to me in a personal handwritten letter and advised that I should always look beyond the next horizon, for it is there I would find my destiny. This has guided me since early childhood.

JB:  Describe your writing regimen. What disciplines do you exercise when writing?

DG:  Many writers sketch out their story in outline form, then go back and flesh it out. I just started writing. I saw the entire saga in my mind as clearly as if I had already written it. I knew where I was going and I knew how to get there.  I could almost not keep up with the ideas rushing out of my head looking to be recorded on paper.

JB:  Just how did you and Lou first get together, and what does he contribute to the Awakening Project?

DG:  Lou and I met in Second Life several years ago, where he was using Second Life as a platform for virtual world filmmaking and live events. He is also a committed sci-fi fan and writer/director — and actually met, spoke with and was inspired by Arthur C. Clarke via satellite in the late eighties. We shared similar visions and I approached him about my idea, and together we have set our course. Lou is a pioneer in the new media and virtual reality creative, technology and production. He has worked with many well-known individuals (e.g. George Lucas, Francis Coppola, Ray Kurzweil) and companies (e.g. Apple, Disney, Sony) that continue to set the bar for entertainment. I knew I had the right partner.

JB:  What other writing projects are you working on now? Is there a sequel in mind?

DG:  "Awakening - The Eye Of The Scalien" is actually Book 1 in a trilogy of novels set in this universe of wonderment and contradiction. Book 2 is entitled "Awakening - Earthflight" and is actually a prequel to Book 1. Book 3 is a sequel to Book 1, and has the working title of "Awakening - Evolution.” Lou is leading on the screen adaption and interactive video game aspects of the creative content platform, as well as focusing on the project business and production development process.

JB: Tell us about The Awakening Science Courses. How developed are those?

DG:  Lou also introduced the concept of developing the “Science behind the Awakening the Science Fiction” project as companion courses geared to K-12 students who need to be prepared for the technology and engineering career opportunities that the future holds for them. We are working on courses that delve into such things as 'What is a Black Hole?' - 'How do lasers work?' - 'What is the true meaning of light speed?' and 'Is antimatter propulsion a real possibility?' We are also producing a Podcasts series and a YouTube Channel with invited guests sessions for both live and recorded Awakening content.

JB:  How might our readers get a copy of The Awakening?

DG:  "Awakening - The Eye Of The Scalien' is currently available on Amazon Kindle as an Ebook. The link is https://www.amazon.com/AWAKENING-Scalien-Douglas-W-Green-ebook/dp/B07HRSSCCM/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?keywords=awakeing+the+eye+of+the+scalien&qid=1576508710&sr=8-1-fkmr0

The soundtrack and audiobook will be available after the first of the year, as well. This Spring, as ebook sales continue to grow, we anticipate publishing hard and softcover print editions to be distributed via Amazon as well as our own project website store at, www.Awakeningtheseries.com.

JB:  Anything else you would like to share with our SLE readers?

DG:  The audiobook version which will soon be available on Amazon as mentioned above was read by the author (Yours Truly), doing all the voices for all characters. Six-hours of the history of Man's Evolution, with a little help from our friends. Or ARE they our friends? Listen and find out for yourself.

The audiobook series is currently available on Spotify by searching 'Awakening Chronicles.' Chapters 1 and 2 are online now, with upcoming subscriptions available for the remainder of the book.

So, there you have it folks.  Check out “Awakening - The Eye Of The Scalien” available wherever kick-butt sci-fi stories are found.  

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EVOLVE: DAVIDE owners have a special discount!

You can find it at the Flagstore:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dominus/12/131/23

Finally you can have an avatar that fully support alpha layers and also alpha via hud, retro compatibility with old system layers and specifically design to use universal layers at the best! Included in the package you can find an hairbase and an outfit in Bakes on Mesh, ready to play with full permission textures to allow you to custom your appareance!

What is included:

- AUTO SAVE BODY CONFIGURATION
- color picker for all layers
- ALPHA UNIVERSAL SYSTEM
- AUTOTAN SYSTEM (EXTAN)
- USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE
- Bakes on Mesh OUTFIT
- no-head optional body
- bakes on mesh OLD LAYERS SYSTEM
- BAKES ON MESH UNIVERSAL LAYERS SYSTEM
- Over 200 Alpha Cuts
- 2 shininess OPTIONS
- fluid realistic rig
- LIFETIME UPDATES
- physics enabled
- face animations
- hands animations
- no scripts option
- REALISTIC EYES SYSTEM

Don't miss also the head skin Daniel, first one of a long serie of skins ready to be release for your NEW AVATAR!

And to thanks you all, a FREE TATTOO for Bakes on Mesh avatar!

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8 Ways to Be More Frugal

Frugality is the way forward if you want to be smarter about money. Being more thrifty doesn’t mean living at a very basic level or depriving yourself of life’s luxuries; it simply means being smarter about your spending habits and taking more time to plan out your purchases, making savings wherever possible. 

Here are 8 surefire ways you can be more frugal with your finances.

1. Switch to a Smart Meter 

Utilities can be one of the biggest drainers of cash, simply because you cannot see what you’re using. You may be in the habit of leaving plugs and electrical items switched on, or using more than you think you are. 

Switching to a smart meter can help you visually see how much you’re spending on utilities, and help you to be more aware of your lifestyle usage. This means you’re more likely to be extra careful. 

2. Use Coupons Whenever You Can 

If you can find coupons, why not use them? Anything which can knock a small amount of money off a purchase is still a saving. Save up enough coupons and you may not even need to use any money to split the difference.

3. Don’t Buy Anything You Can’t Yet Afford

In order to be frugal and more sensible with money, you don’t want to get into debt, and this includes buying items on contract instead of outright. It may be tempting, but avoid it at all costs. 

In order to be more conscious with your spending habit, it’s important to understand the implications of debt — and you can always find help with lawsuits related to debt if you need to.

4. Look for Bulk Buy Deals 

Always see if you can find multibuy deals when you’re out shopping, especially for those items which you always need and buy regularly, such as toiletries. You will save money in the long run if you buy more at once, such as 3 for the price of 2. Multi-buy deals are usually listed on the same shelf anyway, so it won’t take much extra effort to find a bargain. 

5. Plan Out Your Grocery List 

Overspending is most easily done at the grocery store, especially if you’re a lover of food and have impulsive habits when it comes to culinary treats. Planning out a grocery list can help you to avoid overspending at the store, meaning you strictly stick to what you need and avoid all the distractions. 

You can still make room for a treat every now and again, just don’t overdo it — and stick to the planned list as much as you can.

6. Plan Out Your Meals

Planning out your daily meals means you’re less likely to waste food (and therefore money). If you plan your meals, you know exactly which ingredients and items you will need for the week. This is also helpful to plan those meals which you can freeze and store to get the most out of, such as a large pan of pasta or chili which can provide more than one daily portion. 

This will not only help you save money, but help you to eat more healthily, too. 

7. Check Out the Sales for Great Deals 

If you’re on the lookout for a new purchase and can afford to wait, then it’d be beneficial to wait for the next sale, especially during the main holiday periods such as after Christmas. You will be able to find the same items at reduced prices, so it’ll be worth the wait. 

You may even be able to find hugely reduced deals on monthly contracts such as your cell phone and internet provider, so if you’re looking for a new deal on those, it might be best holding off for the sale prices to find a great deal.

8. Prepare Your Lunch in Advance

If you have a busy lifestyle, grabbing lunch on the go is so easy to do, but this is where the high price tag comes in. A lot of ‘grab-and-go’ lunch joints are highly overpriced, and if you’re constantly making a stop at these places on a daily basis, you’re going to have a large lunch bill throughout the year. 

To avoid this, be more aware of your lunch preparation. You could use leftovers from an evening meal, or make up a quick sandwich or meal the night before. 

Even if you only do this a few times a week, instead of every day, it’s still a significant saving to be made.

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