Author: Inara Pey

Eclectic virtual world blogger with a focus on Second Life, VR, virtual environments and technology.

The solitude of WQNC in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
WQNC, December 2022 – click any image for full size
At the start of the year I made a return visit to WQNC, an iteration of the Wo Qui Non Coin region design by Maasya I first visited in September 2021. With the end of 2022 approaching, Shawn Shakespeare suggested I make a return and witness the current version of the setting, which has relocated since my January 2022 visit, and downsized to a Homestead region. Not that the downsizing makes a difference; Maasya has a talent for creating captivating settings, and whilst this one may well be within a Homestead, that certainly remains true. In fact, I would suggest that it is perhaps a design that speaks closely to her self-described isolationist nature.
WQNC, December 2022
The setting takes the form of an east-west oriented island, a slender finger of rock rising from the surrounding seas, cut almost all the way through by a canyon, the western end of which blocked by a high table of rock, and what would otherwise by the open eastern end partially enclosed by a high-rise apartment building of indeterminate age. It is at the foot of this high-rise that visitors initially find themselves, standing knee-deep in tidal waters lapping a small beach. This gives the impression of literally having just arrived – whether by boat or by swimming or simple luck on having survived some event, is hard to tell. However, the overall design of the location does suggest some form of apocalyptic upheaval may have taken place.
WQNC, December 2022
A tunnel passes under the foot of the apartment building to provide access to the canyon beyond. A teleport sign is mounted on one wall of this tunnel; at the time of my first visit, this provided access to the skybox, but on my return visit it appeared to have restricted access, as attempting to use it left me floating in the air within the tunnel. Beyond the tunnel, a path winds through the canyon – a street winding through tall buildings backed against the rock walls of the natural canyon, such that they form their own man-made gorge. Neon and LED lights glow from street lamps and signs on the buildings and signs, some of which are mounted on metal poles to span the width of the road like latter-day Torii gates – much of the signage suggests this island street lies somewhere amidst the string of islands which make up the nation of Japan.
WQNC, December 2022
Follow the path to its western end, and the rock walls close to a narrow stair leading upwards, the bottom end marked by a traditional Torii gate. Ancient-looking lamps (fitted with LED or neon illumination) light the steps as they climb to the western table of rock to where a shrine is guarded by a pair of stone kitsune. Quite where the power for the lights is coming from is a mystery as this is hardly a bustling thoroughfare; the buildings are heavy in vines, shrubs have claimed ledges and windowsills and also the rooftops – together with the odd tree have claimed. Thus, there is a sense of this strange location having been deserted a long time ago – although quite why is for your own imagination to determine; to me, there is a hint of a global catastrophe having overtaken a city (or the world), leaving this enclosed alley with its cliffs of buildings as the sole survivor of a drowned township.
WQNC, December 2022
The sense of mystery prevalent throughout the setting is added to by the ambient sound system;  a distant sound of electronic drumming reverberates through the air, mixing here and there with echoes of music coming from somewhere – including one decidedly season tune. Also mixed in with the hissing crackle of electrical shorts from fallen power lines. Alongside of this is a sense of isolation and separation, as if this might be the last remnant of civilisation. In this, and as noted above, the setting might be seen as a reflection of Maasya’s nature; her Profile defines her as someone preferring her own company, and perhaps not overly friendly towards strangers. This is something I can actually attest to, having been summarily banned from the region (without much of a prior warning) as a result of standing still for too long whilst taking photos during my visit; so I would advise visitors to keep on the move, just in case!
WQNC, December 2022
Outside of this (while at the same time keeping it in mind), the region is as photogenic and eye-catching as Maasya’s previous builds and well worth witnessing.

SLurl Details

  • WQNC (Blue Reef, rated Moderate)

Cloud Galleries in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

Cloud Galleries, November 2022

November 30th, 2022 saw the opening of the latest arts centre within the broader selection of galleries spaces and art walks making up the Corsica South Coasters, a group which includes the NovaOwl Gallery and the South Corsica Art Trail, both of which I’ve written about in these pages, and CK’s Corner.

The new facility is located on a sky platform and is called – appropriately enough – the Cloud Galleries. It has been created by arts patron Owl Dragonash, and offers 10 galleries spaces available for rent use by artists.

Cloud Galleries: Owl Dragonash

For the opening, se were occupied by:

  • Elan (Ineffable Mote) – primarily paintings from the physical world at the time of my visit.
  • Michiel Bechir – Second Life landscapes.
  • Anna Maria (AnnaMaria Lysette) – avatar studies.
  • Prins (Skylog) – images from Second Life.
  • Suzen JueL (JueL Resistance) – physical world art.
  • Pau (Paula Sieberi) –  abstract expressionism.
  • KayLy (Kayly Iali) – animal and pet paintings from the physical world.
  • Jaminda Moon (Jaminda) – Second Life landscapes.
  • Raisa Reimse (RaisaReimse) – Second Life landscapes and images.
  • Owl Dragonash – Second Life landscapes.

Cloud Galleries: Raisa Reimse 

Set within a garden, the gallery units are all built to the same style, offering split-level display space  indoors, and a small outdoor display / sitting space to the rear.

Unit rentals are set at L$100 a week for 50 LI. CasperLet rent boxes are located at the rear of each studio, should one be available. General enquiries on availability and other requirements for using the gallery units should be passed to Owl Dragonash.

Cloud Galleries, November 2022

As a part of the broader Corsica South Coasters, Cloud Galleries can form part of a wider visit to locations in the group, and can be enjoyed alongside group music events and activities. Details of the group and everything going on within it can be found on the Corsica South Coasters website.

SLurl Details

Your pocket guide to the RFL Xmas Expo 2022 in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
The RFL Xmas Expo 2022

The annual RFL Christmas Expo opens its gates on Friday, December 2nd, 2022, and will run through until Sunday December 11th in support of The American Cancer Society and RFL of SL.

This year the Expo takes on a tales and fables theme entitled The Magic of Holiday Stories, and in keeping with this, with 11 of the 12 regions presented as “Chapters” in a storybook, with each telling its own story to visitors and landscaped by a guest designer. Rounding out the dozen is the Linden Lights of Hope region by Linden Lab, highlighting Linden Homes. Thus, the full dozen region comprise:

Notes to the above list:

  • Links provide SLurls to the regions.
  • Chapters 1 through 6 are the main shopping regions.
  • Chapter 7 and 8 are the Breedables / Pets regions and auctions areas.
  • Chapter 9 is the Expo Market.

As with past years, the event enfolds Fashion & Accessories, Home & Garden, Animations, Breedables and Pets, together with entertainment, auctions, hunts, special events, and more. All to help raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Childhood Cancer initiatives, where they will be used in support, research and palliative efforts to help children with cancer.

The best way to get all the information on the event is via the official website. Here you can find a complete on-line shopping directory for direct SLurls to stores; the full schedule of entertainment for the entire event; the Breedable Faire and Auctions; a breakdown of all major events (outside of entertainment) with SLurls for teleporting; the event sponsors and more. The following highlights some of these activities and the special events for the Expo.

RFL Xmas Expo 2022: Photos with Santa

Auctions and Raffles

Breedable Auctions

Linden Special Auctions

  • One of a Kind Auction Package: TWO 12 month Premium Plus Subscriptions (one for the winner and one to gift to
    a friend,) and a Homestead Region with no monthly maintenance fees for 12 months.
  • Linden Holiday single item auctions:
    • 1 x 12-month Premium Plus Subscription.
    • 1 x 3-month Premium Plus Subscription.
    • 1 x 1-hour hang-out / photos with Patch Linden.
  • Linden Holiday auction package: 1 x 12-month Premium Plus Subscription; 1   x  free Name Change; 1 x 1-hour hang-out / photos with Patch Linden;  2 x limited edition Patch Linden Bear (1 to keep and one giftable). 
  • Linden auctions landing point.
RFL Xmas Expo 2022: 3 of the Linden Lab auctions

Raffles

  • TWO L$50,000+ Shopping Spree Raffles: to be drawn on Sunday, December 11th. Tickets L$100 or L$200 for three. Also available at kiosks throughout the Expo.
  • Linden Holiday Raffles a  set of individual raffles:
    • 1 x 3-month Premium Plus Subscription.
    • 1 x 12-month Premium Subscription.
    • 1 x 3-month Premium Subscription.
    • 1 x free Name Change 
  • Raffles landing point.

There are also daily Jolly Holly Raffles.

All proceeds from the auctions and raffles go to RFL of SL / The American Cancer Society.

Special Events

Lights of Hope landing point: once again Second Life’s premier builders are joining the SL Christmas Expo to present the 5th Annual Lights of Hope Home Decoration Contest, and this year, the region has been been playfully designed based on The Nutcracker story by SkyeRyder Varriale, of Varriale Designs. 

Each of the builders has decorated the outside of one of their stunning houses in holiday style and brought it to the Expo. Stroll the Holiday Road neighbourhood at the Expo and vote for your favourites by donation to the American Cancer Society kiosk in front of each home! 100% of all donations go directly to the American Cancer Society. You can even purchase some of the homes and / or  decorations from the American Cancer Society Christmas Expo vendors some of the builders have placed in front of their homes. 

Linden Lights of Hope landing point: an adjunct of the Lights of Hope events, featuring Linden Premium Homes decorated by Lindens and Moles. 

Build a Snowman Contest: get rolling those prims and build your snowman (build dates: December through 6th, inclusive). Plots are L$50 each (100% of all donations go directly to the American Cancer Society). original and unique snowman designs are encouraged, if prefab snowmen are used, they must include unique elements added to them.  The best builds will be decided upon by popular vote, which will be open between December 7th and 10th, 2022, with the winners announced on December 11th.

RFL Xmas Expo 2022: Build a Snowman Contest

Photos with Santa: Santa and the Elves are at the Expo – see the schedule of their appearances and visit the Photos With Santa area and snap your holiday picture. 100% of the donations go to the  American Cancer Society.

Santa’s Sleigh Ride Tour: join Santa in his sleigh at Tour Ride 1 or Tour Ride 2, for a reindeer powered flight around the Expo regions (optional donations can be made via the kiosks alongside the tour start points).

The 7th Annual Stocking Stuffer Hunt: find the Christmas Stockings hung in participating Expo merchants shops. Pay L$25 (all donations to RFL of SL / The American Cancer Society) and claim a copy of its contents. And take note – there may be more than one stocking in a store!

Don’t forget – full details of all activities and events at the Expo can be found in the SL Christmas Expo website.

RFL Xmas Expo 2022: Linden Lights of Hope

SLurls and Links

All regions rated Moderate.

December Premium / Premium Plus land offer in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

via Linden Lab

On Thursday, December 1st, 2022, Linden Lab announced a suspension of set-up fees for regions ordered during the month of December – but only for Premium and Premium Plus members placing such an order with Linden Lab.

The offer means that a Premium / Premium Plus subscriber renting any Private region from the Lab stands to make the following first month savings:

  • Homestead region: US $40.
  • Full region: US $120.
  • Skill Gaming: US $245.

Additional notes:

  • All land fees are subject to VAT or Australian GST where applicable,
  • The requirement to hold at least one Full region in order to be able to hold one or more homestead regions still applies to Premium subscribers throughout this offer period (Premium Plus subscribers are exempt from this requirement).

The announcement reads in part:

Premium and Premium Plus subscribers will pay no setup fees for any new regions purchased during the month of December. Only pay the first month’s maintenance fee and move right in.
Here’s how to take advantage of this offer:
    • Have a Premium or Premium Plus account
    • Order a region between December 1 and December 31, 2022 by filing a support ticket with your order request using the Land and Region -> Order Private Region ticket type
    • Region delivery will occur within 2 business days once all details have been verified. For quickest delivery:
    • You will be billed for the first month’s maintenance fee at the time of delivery
For more information about Private Regions, please review the Private Regions knowledge base article and Private Region Pricing.

It is at times claimed that the set-up fee is often the reason people do not obtain their own regions from the Lab (although it is more likely the reality of having to pay the monthly tier has a far greater impact on people’s decision on whether or not to keep their region once rented); so it will be interesting to see what short and longer term impact this may have on region counts within Second Life, as reported monthly by Tyche Shepherd through her Grid Survey.

A gentle November Rain in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey

November Rain, November 2022 – click any image for full size

From time-to-time in these pages I’ve asserted that holding a complete region, be it Full or Homestead, is not a prerequisite to being able to design a setting which can be opened for public enjoyment. What matters is not the size of the land held, but the creativeness in using it, and I’ve offered numerous examples of this through these pages: parcels within a region which have been carefully and lovingly curated to present an engaging and inviting place to visit.

Another example of such a location is November Rain, a 4096 sq metre parcel sitting within a Full region, and in which Semina (Semiiina) – Sem to her friends and fans – has established a cosy, atmospheric setting where people can come, explore,  take photos and listen to music.

November Rain, November 2022

Come and explore the autumn themed café: November Rain. Grab an umbrella, take lots of pictures and meet new friends. Curl up with a hot drink in the Café and listen to live music and the sound of autumn rain.

November Rain About Land

I was alerted to the café’s existence by reader Morgana Carter, who IM’d me the SLurl and a note after my recent piece on three Mainland cafés (see The coffee houses of Heterocera in Second Life), suggesting it might be a suitable addition to that series. Whilst clearly not on the Mainland, after visiting November Rain, I had to agree that the setting did deserve being written about (in fact, I’m not alone in this, given the location has recently been featured in the official blog).

Located on a sky platform, this is a setting that doesn’t need a lot of description in terms of exploring and looking out from things; it is small enough to get around easily, and the focal point is obviously the café in terms of where to go.  What I will say is the to appreciate the setting fully, visitors should used the local environment settings (menu World → Environment → Used Shared Environment).

November Rain, November 2022

This is because November Rain is richly atmospheric, the environment settings reinforcing the sense of the month in the Northern Hemisphere, a time when autumn is definitely on the wane, the days are shortening and darkening, the weather is on the turn with rain and leaden skies – but there is also a promise of winter and the romance of snow and starry skies lies just over the horizon, complete with cups of hot chocolate and roaring fires.

The stone-built café sits at the end of a gate path winding through the surrounding trees.  A large sign to one side of the landing point offers links to the expected info on the setting, its guidelines and the opportunity to join the local events group. A link to a calendar of events is also provided, although at the time of my visit this appeared to be largely devoid of dates. Still in bloom, the woodlands around the café offer and assortment of details to discover: a fox curled up sleep here, a reindeer with antlers strung with lights there, a vixen with her cubs sheltering from the rain falling from the evening sky, cats playing on the front porch…

November Rain, November 2022

Inside, the two rooms of the café offer a warm and decidedly cosy setting, the first room offering couch seating and the café’s serving counter with a rich selection of cakes and drinks suitable for the festive season. More seating can be found in the second room, together with a stage for live music sessions and a small dance area underneath the skylight. For those who like the outdoors, a table and chairs can be found under a parasol next to the front door to the café, while back among the trees is a romantic little hideaway.

Compact, rich in detail with plenty of opportunities for photography (limited rezzing available to group members, but please pick up after yourself if you make use of it). November Rain is a delightful visit.

November Rain, November 2022

SLurl Details

2022 SUG meetings week #48 summary

Posted on by Inara Pey

Moorcroft, October 2022 – blog post

The following notes were taken from the Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 Simulator User Group (SUG) meeting. They form a summary of the items discussed and is not intended to be a full transcript. A video of the entire meeting is embedded at the end of the article for those wishing to review the meeting in full – my thanks to Pantera for recording it.

Server Deployments

This week will see all simhosts on all channels restarted, but no deployments.

There should be a new RC release available in Week #49 (commencing Monday, December 5th, 2022. This should include a fix for BUG-229301 “Maximum Memory allowable by scripts not being reset until teleport or relog”.

Available Official Viewers

On Monday, November 28th:

  • The Performance Floater / Auto-FPS project viewer was promoted to RC status with the release of version 6.6.8.576737.
  • The Maintenance P (Preferences, Position and Paste) RC viewer re-upped to version 6.6.8.576812.

The rest of the official viewer currently available official viewer remain as follows:

  • Release viewer: version 6.6.7.576223 – MFA and TOS hotfix viewer – November 1 – No change.
  • Release channel cohorts:
    • VS  2022 RC viewer, version 6.6.8.576310, issued November 4 – utilises Visual Studio 2022 in the Windows build tool chain.
  • Project viewers:
    • PBR Materials project viewer, version 7.0.0.576331, issued on November 3.
      • This viewer will only function on the following Aditi (beta grid) regions: Materials1; Materials Adult and Rumpus Room 1 through 4.
    • Puppetry project viewer, version 6.6.3.575529,  issued on October 12.
    • Love Me Render (LMR) 6 graphics improvements project viewer 6.6.2.573263, July 21.

In Brief

Refer to the video below for more information on the following:

  • There has been a noticed uptick of objects failing to rez / render (see this forum thread). Whilst the issue has been around long enough to have been reported at least once (see: BUG-9439) and for workarounds such as ALT-zooming out  a long distance from a region and the using ESC to “jump” back to it, it is thought it issues might be related to the Interest List (simply put, the exchange of data between simulator and viewer as to what is in the region, what you should be able to see, how / when it is updated, etc). LL have noted the uptick  in issues, although no underpinning cause has been indicated, although there is an internal lean towards the Interest List theory.
I’m fairly certain that the current vanishing object issue is in the Interest List. I’m not sure what we changed that could have aggravated though. I’ve been seeing it pretty regularly for about a month now.

– Rider Linden

    • The discussion of this issue takes up the majority of the meeting, and touches other issues related to object rendering, / rezzing / re-rendering, and also includes views on improving the robustness of the Interest List as a whole – including a capability function (for which LL has requested a Feature Request Jira).
  • There is some further discussion on combat in Second Life,  and the need for improved projectile systems and generally improving the current capabilities. This follows on from the last meeting, and involves this forum discussion.
  • The final 10 minutes of the meeting touches on potential updates to the recently release Linkset Data (LSD)