Category: Second Life

2025 week #3: SL SUG meeting summary

Posted on by Inara Pey
La Côte Sauvage, November 2024 – blog post

The following notes were taken from the Tuesday,  January 14th, 2025 Simulator User Group (SUG) meeting. They form a summary of the items discussed, and are not intended to be a full transcript, and were taken from Pantera’s video of the meeting, which is embedded at the end – my thanks to her for providing it.

Meeting Overview

  • The Simulator User Group (also referred to by its older name of Server User Group) exists to provide an opportunity for discussion about simulator technology, bugs, and feature ideas.
  • These meetings are conducted (as a rule):
  • Meetings are open to anyone with a concern / interest in the above topics, and form one of a series of regular / semi-regular User Group meetings conducted by Linden Lab.
  • Dates and times of all current meetings can be found on the Second Life Public Calendar, and descriptions of meetings are defined on the SL wiki.

Simulator Deployments

  • On Tuesday, January 14th, 2025, the simulators on the Main SLS channel were restarted with no update.
  • On Wednesday, January 15th, all remaining RC channel outside of BlueSteel should be updated with the Apple Cobbler simulator update, which includes llGetAttachedListFiltered(),llGiveAgentInventory(),llMapBeacon(),llTransferOwnership(), and a modification to llModPow, so it should work faster (however, it does not correctly handle the full range of positive 31-bit integers -and Leviathan Linden is working to define the range for which it supplies correct answers, so check the wiki page for updates).

SL Viewer Updates

  • Release viewer: version 7.1.11.12363455226, formerly the ExtraFPS RC (multiple performance fixes, aesthetic improvements and UI optimisations), dated December 17, promoted December 20 – No Change.
  • Release Candidate: none at present.

In Brief

Please refer to the video below for the following:

  • Rider Linden:
 I have an internal change dealing with how the simulator makes outgoing HTTP calls. It’s just a proof of concept and changes how a few things at start-up are handled, residents shouldn’t see any differences. As that expands further in the future, I’ll start calling out things that people should be paying attention to.
  • Leviathan Linden:
Just a status update on what I’m working on: I’ve been trying to come up with a reliable repro for the “sometimes objects don’t show up upon login/teleport arrival — in order for them to show up you need to do a relog” problem. Although I don’t have a reliable repro for it I’ve verified it is a real server-side bug and have some ideas to try out. I got side-tracked on something but will get back to working on that later today.
  • A request was made on whether there could be a way for an Experience owner to see the data stored (e.g. as two-column spreadsheet) and without having to query the whole thing a few keys at a time. This led to a general discussion on now this might be achieved, with Monty Linden adding:
 KVP things are something we have to look at again in the future – if people have wants, now is a good time to start asking … if something’s needed, can add it to the stew pot.
  • The above led to a broader discussion on scripting – a viewer UI for LSD / status on the Luau project for the viewer (unclear, as Signal Linden had to depart the meeting before replying); the potential for a llLinkSetData equivalent on avatars (seen as unwise because of some of the potentials it might present – such as allowing a script to put “cookies” on avatars), data storage, touched on this Canny request, and circled back to user-supplied grid-wide experiences. This discussion ran through most of the rest of the meeting.
  • The question was asked whether it would be possible to have llGetObjectDetails respect parcel privacy settings, whereby if an object that isn’t on the parcel you are standing on has Avatars On Other Parcels Can See and Chat with Avatars on This Parcel toggled off, it won’t be able to get a list of your attachments – notably as a form of protection against data-gathering bots. Rider Linden requested a Canny feature request on this.
  • A discussion on llDerezObject.
  • Leviathan Linden suggested that a merge of 2k BOM has passed a QA review; however, as Pepper Linden was not available at the meeting to confirm overall status.

† The header images included in these summaries are not intended to represent anything discussed at the meetings; they are simply here to avoid a repeated image of a rooftop of people every week. They are taken from my list of region visits, with a link to the post for those interested.

“Nude” at Nitroglobus in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, January 2025: Kitten – Nude

In modern times, nudity in art – particularly photography – tends all too often conjure images leaning towards the pornographic, or which are at least intended to titillate. Yet the history of the female nude, from art through to photography, is both ich and varied, and has been accepted differently by various cultures and societies down the ages in reflection of the social norms of each.

As well as being associated with the more risqué / erotic, female nudity in art can be linked to  subjects as broad as the study of anatomy through depictions and interpretations both religious and mythological to the expression of ideal beauty and aesthetic perfection. But there is another aspect of of female nudity in art: the expression of vulnerability – even of innocence.

Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, January 2025: Kitten – Nude

This is very much the case with Nude, the opening exhibition for 2025 at Dido Haas’ Nitroglobus Roof Gallery. The work of Kitten (Joaannna), this is a stunning selection of pieces which are both highly personal – as Kitten notes – and which again demonstrates her skill in presenting images that are both marvellously artistic and highly emotive.

I’ve long admired Kitten’s work, and covered a number of her exhibitions, and have always been drawn to her use of monochrome / black-and-white, which she marries with a panoramic format which holds the eye.  Here she uses both, combining them with a considered use of focus and cropping to present a series of twelve utterly captivating studies, each with a story of its own to tell, and most offered in a perfect, minimalist style.

Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, January 2025: Kitten – Nude

Over the five years seen has been involved in photography – which started in 2020, Kitten’s abilities and style has grown in leaps and bounds to the point where  – to me a least – she is one of the foremost visual storytellers in Second Life arts. So much so, that alongside Scylla Rhiadra, she is one of the two Second Life artists I most admire for their ability to inhabit their work with a strength of narrative, meaning and emotion.

In this, Dido herself deserves acknowledgement; she has the ability to challenge artists to move outside of their comfort zones, to experiment, to reach into new areas of expression. Since first being challenged by Dido in 2022, Kitten has grown immeasurably in her ability to express through her art, and Nude perhaps represents her latest pinnacle, revealing not just her avatar as a nude, but her own vulnerability.

Nitroglobus Roof Gallery, January 2025: Kitten – Nude

An altogether exquisite exhibition, one which deserves time to see and consider.

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2025 SL viewer release summaries week #2

Posted on by Inara Pey
Logos representative only and should not be seen as an endorsement / preference / recommendation

Updates from the week through to Sunday, January 12th, 2025

This summary is generally published every Monday, and is a list of SL viewer / client releases (official and TPV) made during the previous week. When reading it, please note:

  • It is based on my Current Viewer Releases Page, a list of all Second Life viewers and clients that are in popular use (and of which I am aware), and which are recognised as adhering to the TPV Policy. This page includes comprehensive links to download pages, blog notes, release notes, etc., as well as links to any / all reviews of specific viewers / clients made within this blog.
  • By its nature, this summary presented here will always be in arrears, please refer to the Current Viewer Release Page for more up-to-date information.
  • Note that for purposes of length, TPV test viewers, preview / beta viewers / nightly builds are generally not recorded in these summaries.

Official LL Viewers

  • Release viewer: version 7.1.11.12363455226. formerly the ExtraFPS RC, dated December 17, promoted December 19 – No change.

LL Viewer Resources

Third-party Viewers

V7-style

  • Black Dragon for Windows version 5.2.2 (PBR) January 8, 2025 – release notes.

V1-style

  • Cool VL viewer Stable branch: 1.32.2.31, January 11, 2025 – release notes.

Mobile / Other Clients

  • No updates.

Additional TPV Resources

Related Links

A sense of Malice in Wonderland in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Malice in Wonderland, January 2025 – click any image for full size

I’ve covered a lot of regions inspired by, or in tribute to, Lewis Carroll’s Alice books. There are several reasons for this; such regions are oft highly imaginative, for example; I also particularly enjoy much of the nonsense and quirkiness with the stories, which helped end a period of literature in which it was believed all children’s stories should be didactic rather than being entertaining, and they are rich in allusions and symbolism. So, when I came across a region with intriguing name Malice in Wonderland, complete with an equally engaging description:

Not quite Wonderland, the place perhaps where Alice gave into her Malice? This destination is a fantasy, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, wonderland. Swim with mermaids, drink at the Cantina, and avoid the rains of the run-down streets. Secrets abound to explore.

– Malice in Wonderland Destination Guide entry

Malice in Wonderland, January 2025

The work of July Foxglove, Malice in Wonderland more than lives up to the rich and enticing mix of of genres and ideas promised it the description; so much so that while there are clear references to Alice and elements of Carroll’s stories, the region contains so much more, such that a better description for the region might be found in July’s Profile:

Malice’s Wonderland 2.0.
Is it finished? never will be – it’s a work of my madness! Its my second avatar! But with many more attachment slots!

– July Foxglove

Malice in Wonderland, January 2025

What is evident as one starts to explore this world sitting under an astounding night sky is that just as it has been born freely of the imagination, so too does it require an open imagination to fully appreciate all it has to offer. Surrounded by a mountainous region surround into which it blends, Malice in Wonderland is not so much a single setting as it is a series of settings – vignettes and chapters, if you will – containing their own story or stories. Many of these are in plain view and easy to find, others are hidden away and require discovery; all of of it quite marvellous to witness and photograph.

To walk through the region in words would actually be pointless simply because it is genuinely a place that should be experienced first-hand. To help people get around, the region has a Stargate-style system of ring transporters with a list of destinations. Most can be reached on foot and by keeping eyes open for ramps, tunnels, elevators and the like; however, several can only be reached via the teleporter system (such as V’s Apartment, the Tardis, the ballroom, for example), so use of it is recommended during visits (accept the system Experience) if required.

Malice in Wonderland, January 2025

Routes (and, one might say the roots) of exploration commence from the Land Point, as one might expect. Taking the form of a subway station, this offers an obvious exit up to ground level, exiting into the rain-drenched setting of a small town which in turn anchors an interconnected archipelago of island floating overhead. However, check the tunnel mouths either side of of the portrait of Malice at the Landing Zone and you’ll discover why I reference “roots”.

A further way of getting around is using the various zip lines dotted around the settings, so its is worth keeping and eye out for them as well.

Malice in Wonderland, January 2025

Within the ground level space it is possible to find a very steampunk Tea Party, bubbling streams, a winter scene, nightclub, a stunning model of a certain spaceship for which I have a lot of affection (and had me singing about not being able to take the sky from me 🙂 ), an X-Wing whose pilot is liable to see his or her insurance premiums go up, the rain-drenched town, to mention a few of the more obvious points of interest. There’s also a tree house and a deep quarry with another series of secrets awaiting under the surface of the water – possibly best reached via the teleport rings.

Above this, the floating islands offer multiple vignettes (including an actual Stargate), reference to popular fairy tales, a floating bridge leading to a manor house where time can be spent – and where two of the zip lines can be found, one leading down into the quarry while another provides an alternate route to the manor house from the other end of the floating islands.

Malice in Wonderland, January 2025

When exploring, keep an eye out for the smaller vignettes, the use of art (2D and 3D) and the rich mix of genres and ideas. As noted I don’t want to go too much into specifics here, as exploring and encountering really is the best way to fully appreciate all this region has to offer, underground, on the ground and above the ground (can you find Mjölnir, for example? Or Cthulhu? How about Little Red Riding Hood?).  However, there is a slight spawn issue with the mini subs, when you find them, which means they may not allow you to sit &require resetting to Guest mode. Keep an eye out as well for the Stargates (upright and laid flat); touching one  will offer URL listing regions – enter a destination using local chat as “/d [region name]”  – without the quotes – to teleport to the region.

I do recommend using the local environment setting when visit Malice in Wonderland, and also in setting aside as much time as possible to explore – even if you split it over several visits, because it really is the kind of place where just as you think you’ve discovered everything, you find something else.

Malice in Wonderland, January 2025

So enjoy!

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Stevie Basevi at BOSL in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Stevie Basevi at BOSL, January 2025

Like many of us who have become engaged with Second Life, Stevie Basevi  has seen her involvement in the platform grow over the years, branching and flowering in numerous directions; from content creator to estate holder (she has been responsible for the 3-region Sanctuary RP Community, for over 16 years), to working extensively with the American Cancer Society (14 years), One Billion Rising, and Seanchai Library’s Special Projects Creative team.

In all of this her appreciation of, an involvement with, the Second Life art scene has often featured in her in-world activities. As a result of this exposure to the broader community of SL artists, Stevie has come to see in-world photography as a means to explore a new avenue of creative expression, and an opportunity to connect with SL on more of an emotional level as she travels the grid.

Stevie Basevi at BOSL, January 2025

A growing confidence in her work, complimented by studying via the Visionaire Institute, encouraged Stevie to start exhibiting in Second Life for herself, joining in with ensemble exhibitions as well as  presenting her own solo exhibits (and launching her own gallery in 2022).

Several of the latter have been within the BOSL Innovation Pavilion curated by Jamee Sandalwood, which has featured Steve’s work in exhibitions within the main gallery space, as well as a solo exhibition within the smaller (and cosier) Waterfront Café gallery. And it is at BOSL where Stevie now has a new gallery space.

Stevie Basevi at BOSL, January 2025

Located within the region’s shopping precinct, Stevie’s gallery space sits alongside that of Jamie Sandalwood, allowing visitors to witness works by two very excellent Second Life photographers who have each made a name for themselves in landscape photographer (although both Stevie and Jamie’s portfolios cover much more).

For her first display at the new gallery, Stevie presents a collection of images celebrating both winter and the holiday season. These are engaging pieces, presenting scenes we can all appreciate, often offered with muted tones which reflect the season as much as the settings captured within them. From reindeer grazing in the snow to brooks and streams bubbling through snow-frosted landscapes and avenues white with winter’s delights, and which include Santa enjoying a little off-duty fun, these are all pieces ready to engage the eye and offer unique and beautiful views of familiar places within Second Life.

Stevie Basevi at BOSL, January 2025

And when you’ve visited it, why not hop over to her main gallery?

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After the Rain in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
After the Rain, January 2025 – click any image for full size

Note: After the Rain has been updated to become Sous Les Oliviers – read here for more, and the SLurls here have been updated to the new landing point.

Ely (Elyjia Baxton) recently opened a new Full region design entitled After the Rain, and as always with her work, it is an absolute delight to visit, explore and photograph, being packed with detail. It is also a setting with a couple of related venues about to come on-stream, although at the time of my visit, one had only “soft” opened, and the other was still being finalised.

I’ve covered Ely’s work extensively in this blog – all the way back to some of her earliest co-designs, in fact; and it has been an absolute pleasure to be able to witness and share in her growth as a noted and visual region designer in that time, and After the Rain continues to demonstrate her skill in presenting richly engaging and photogenic locations.

After the Rain, January 2025

This is a place offering everything from a bustling little town through quiet country walks and rural retreats to a coastal fishing harbour, passing by way of livestock farming, natural parkland and cosy homes, all without ever feeling overcrowded or cramped.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of After the Rain, a place of tranquillity and beauty. Discover a quaint little town, a charming harbour, and welcoming homes. Stroll along trails that wind past picturesque farms and peaceful rest areas. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, explore, or simply admire the view, After the Rain is the ideal retreat. Every nook and cranny is designed to offer you an immersive and soothing experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Let yourself be swept away by the magic of After the Rain; here every visit is a new adventure. 

– After the Rain Destination Guide description

After the Rain, January 2025

The Landing Point sits in the south-east corner of the region, where lies the little town. Small it might be, and with the buildings largely unfurnished, the town still has a feeling of life about it, and (Land Capacity allowing) it might yet see a little décor entering some of the shops. This aside, the streets are certainly decorated and offer nice touches of detail.

Follow the cart track north from the town and you’ll pass by the park offices and the hilltop park with its cosy places to sit. Winding on, the track reaches to a covered bridge passing over one of the many channels and bodies of water breaking up the landscape. It is here that the farmstead might be found. With the house furnished and plenty of little details scattered around the horse meadow and barns, there’s a lot to take in here.

After the Rain, January 2025

Carry on westwards along the track, and a slightly rickety bridge provides access to another farmstead where sheep and chickens are being raised, prior to the track reaching the little fishing harbour.

However, before carrying on the the harbour, take a moment to wander through the garden of the farmhouse; you’ll find stone steps rising to a rugged and wooded headland carrying on it signs of abandoned use: a broken greenhouse, abandoned furniture and a deserted cabin and outhouse crouch among the trees and rocks, largely ignored by the stream tumbling and bubbling through the headland to drop into one of the region’s larger bodies of water, overlooked by a comfortable camp site.

After the Rain, January 2025

A second way out of the town lies under the umbrella-hung archway down the steps from the Landing Point. Here, the cobbled street passes an outdoor market and up to an impressive covered square and its nearby stone bridge standing tall over the same body of water as the covered bridge mentioned above. Beyond this stone bridge one might find a cottage with a charming view over another body of water, the region’s lighthouse (again furnished), and walks among the trees and uplands on this southern side of the region.

All of this barely scratches the surface of After the Rain, given I’ve skipped over many of the little touches – from wildlife to places to sit, indoors and out – some of them on the water or tucked away – to cats and horses and sheep, to a richness of flora throughout. However, two I really should mention are the café and music venue, both of which, at the time of writing, had yet to formally open – although the café is available for visits.

After the Rain, January 2025

The Loulou Café sits on the north side of the region on  square of land which, but for the two short causeways reaching out to it, is close to becoming and island in its own right. Presented within a wild garden and offering its own indoor and outdoor seating, the café is available for people to visit, and its terraces and ivy-hung walls, welcome visitors who find it by watch of the parkland or the horse farm. I understand from Ely that it will be used for a music event venue in time.

Located in the sky over the café, Loulou club. Yet to open to the public, this presents a fusion of avant-garde and art deco  stylings with a fusion of techno and retro in a manner which both captures the eye and reflects the kind of music it will offer once open: deep house, prog house and electro, and will feature DJs and live performers.

After the Rain, January 2025

I’m not sure when the club is due to open – the best way to find out is perhaps to visit the region and see when the club is accessible (or ask Ely – there is no Group to currently join).

That said, whether or not you’re interested in joining events at the club, After the Rain is a must-see setting for anyone who enjoys exploring Second Life; you’re not going to be disappointed. My thanks to Cube Republic for the pointer!

After the Rain, January 2025

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