This week – come and Meet the Lindens – and the Moles!

There won’t be a Designing Worlds show this week. Instead you are invited to join us at SL19B, where Saffia will be hosting the first of the Meet the Lindens events at 2pm SLT at the SL19B Arboretum in one of the three audience regions –
SLB Wonderous: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Wonderous/236/2/25
SLB Fascinate: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Fascinate/4/243/25
SLB: Exhilarate: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Exhilarate/235/233/23

Today Saffia will be talking to Patch Linden, who has some exciting news to share. And there’ll be lots to say about Linden Homes too!

If you can’t join us live, then you’ll be able to catch the discussion at: https://youtu.be/g9UJjr7sZxk

Then, over the course of this week, at 2pm SLT every day in the Arboretum, Saffia will be talking to more Lindens – and the Moles.

On Tuesday, in a pre-recorded session, Saffia will be talking to Oberwolf Linden and Philip Linden, talking about strategy, the Metaverse – and much more!

On Wednesday, in a second pre-recorded interview, we meet the Marketing Team, cosisting of Second Life Marketing Team, consisting of Feuling Linden, Chief Marketing Officer, Brett Linden, Vice President of Marketing, Darcy Linden, Director of Marketing, Strawberry, Senior Social Media Manager, Maveric Lindeen, Senior Marketing Analyst, and Emika Linden, Senior Marketing Manager.

Although these two sessions have been pre-recorded (due to the difficulty of matching up schedules), there will be a chance to discuss the issues raised – and questions that can’t be answered can be forwarded from these sessions to the Lab.

On Thursday, Saffia will be talking live to Grimpity and Mojo Linden about technical issues, what they’s been doing over the last year and plans for the future.

And finally on Friday, we’ll have a chance to Meet the Moles, and learn about the vital work these residents working for the Lab are accomplishing.

All the talks will be livestreamed on YouTube, and available afterwards.

Thanks to Strawberry Linden for the livestreaming and the posters!

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Designing Worlds discussion with Patch and Brett Linden – see it here!

A Bellisseria Fantasy Home, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Catch up with the discussion – when Designing Worlds met with Patch Linden, Vice President, Product Operations and Brett Linden, Vice President of Marketing at Linden Lab, to talk about some developing projects – and the possibilities of the sudden popularity of and conversations about the metaverse.

We started off in the newest area of Bellisseria, which we first saw at this year’s Second Life Birthday celebrations – the Fantasy homes. We discovered the magnificent Community Centre – The Eyrie – and the progress of Linden Homes, as well as current interest in the metaverse. And the wonderful photoshoot from Wildstar Beaumont was all about the fantasy Linden Homes.

Then we moved on to discuss and explore current joint projects between Linden Lab and third parties, bringing new experiences to Second Life: Film Threat and Zenescope. And we also talked about what the future might hold for virtual worlds in general and Second Life in particular.

Inside a Bellisseria Fantasy Home, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

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Places on the show:
The Eyrie – community centre for the Bellisseria Fantasy Linden Homes – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eyrie/127/169/37
If you would like to visit some Fantasy Bellisseria Homes, look at this page in the Bellisseria Parade of Homes Review: https://lastditch.typepad.com/belli_parade_of_homes/fantasy-homes-bellisseria.html
Film Threat – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Film%20Threat%20A/254/25/27
Read more about Film Threat here: https://filmthreat.com/
Zenescope – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zenescope%20Metaverse%201A/113/140/22
Read more about Zenescope here: https://zenescope.com/

A Bellisseria Fantasy Home, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

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Designing Worlds talks projects and possibilities with Patch and Brett Linden

Photographs of Bellisseria Fantasy Homes by Wildstar Beaumont

Today, Monday 13th December, Designing Worlds meets with Patch Linden, Vice President, Product Operations and Brett Linden, Vice President of Marketing at Linden Lab, to talk about some developing projects – and the possibilities of the sudden popularity of and conversations about the metaverse.

Are we smug? Well, perhaps a little! Second Life has been around for nearly twenty years now, after all!

From 2pm today you can see the show on the Designing Worlds Vimeo channel at: https://vimeo.com/channels/dworlds. Or you can join us for our Watch Party in the beautiful Designing Worlds studios in the Garden of Dreams!

We start off in the newest area of Bellisseria, which we first saw at this year’s Second Life Birthday celebrations – the Fantasy homes. We discover the magnificent Community Centre – The Eyrie – and the progress of Linden Homes, as well as current interest in the metaverse. And this weeks wonderful photoshoot from Wildstar is all about the fantasy Linden Homes.

Then we move on to discuss and explore current joint projects between Linden Lab and third parties, bringing new experiences to Second Life: Film Threat and Zenescope. And we also talk about what the future might hold for virtual worlds in general and Second Life in particular.

Join us at 2pm SLT to learn more of this fascinating discussion by tuning in or by coming to the Watch Party in Garden of Dreams!

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Places on the show:
The Eyrie – community centre for the Bellisseria Fantasy Linden Homes – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eyrie/127/169/37
Film Threat – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Film%20Threat%20A/254/25/27
Read more about Film Threat here: https://filmthreat.com/
Zenescope – http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zenescope%20Metaverse%201A/113/140/22
Read more about Zenescope here: https://zenescope.com/

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Designing Worlds remembers Ebbe Linden

Like so many in Second Life, the Designing Worlds team were greatly saddened to learn this weekend of the passing of Ebbe Altberg, known on the Second Life grid as Ebbe Linden. Elrik and Saffia were fortunate enough to be able to interview Ebbe on a number of occasions, both with Designing Worlds, and with Saffia’s annual “Meet the Lindens” talks at the Second Life Birthdays.

Ebbe was a wonderful guest to talk to – and always willing to share ideas and plans for Second Life. In today’s Archive show, we look back to the very first interview we did with him, back in 2014. You can see it on this blog, or watch it directly on Vimeo at: https://vimeo.com/107624666. You can also join the Watch Party at 2pm SLT Monday June 7th in our studio on Garden of Dreams, where we are sure there will be lots of discussion about Ebbe and his contributions, in so many ways, to Second Life.

Ebbe arrived at the Lab in February 2014, at what was a low point in the Lab’s fortunes. From the heady early days when the Lab, residents and the grid had grown together, a widening division became perceived between the Lab and the residents. Lindens were no longer allowed to go on the grid and socialize with residents; residents increasingly felt that the Lab didn’t “get them” or their needs and desires (having said that – the Lab is such a multifarious place that it would be difficult for anyone to “get” everything!). There seemed to be an animosity of both sides that made many people very sad.

Ebbe came in – and was like a breath of fresh air. Suddenly, Lindens were back on the grid. The team was smaller as Sansar was developed – but the amount of content and new innovations grew amazingly. And best of all, the closed doors were opened – and residents were allowed to share in the ideas and plans for the future. The enthusiasm of the team working on the Second Life grid seemed power-charged, with the Bellisseria Homes, the development of material, the Bento project, animesh .. and much more. This all came to fruition on Ebbe’s watch – and a reason why, when the pandemic struck, Second Life was in such a healthy place to welcome back old friends and new.

He not only made changes to the infrastructure – he made changes to the culture of Second Life – and that in a time of darkness, when many despaired of the real world around us. Under Ebbe’s leadership, Second Life became a place of hope for a better world.

Interview with Ebbe, Elrik and Saffia, photograph by Honour Macmillan

The interview we’re showing today was recorded in October 2014 for the 250th edition of Designing Worlds. We were hoping to have Ebbe back on the show for the 500th – and we are devastated that interview will now never happen.

In the words of Shakespeare (almost) …
Small time, but in that small most greatly lived
This star of Linden.

Come and join us for today’s Designing Worlds and see again our first interview with Ebbe Linden at our Watch Party in Garden of Dreams – or see it on the web.

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Designing Worlds talks to the Lindens – now on the web!

Patch and Brett Linden, in conversation with Saffia and Elrik, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

In our most recent episode of Designing Worlds, we sat down for a chat with Patch and Brett Linden, about recent happenings in and future plans for Second Life. And we covered a wide range of topics – with some interesting side trips!

DW426 – Lindens & Stilt Homes from Richard Elen on Vimeo.

Brett Linden is VP of Marketing for Linden Lab and Patch Linden is Vice President of Product Operations for Linden Lab. We had a wide ranging discussion that covered the Uplift to the Cloud, now largely completed, and – now that new land is once again an option – the forthcoming Linden Homes release of Stilt Homes.

Stilt Homes, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

We also discussed the impact of the pandemic on Second Life and how the Lab has handled the significant influx of new and returning residents as the virtual environment has become increasingly important, including the availability of “turnkey” educational and conference environments that users can adapt and configure from a range of available designs.

The Town Hall – one of Linden Labs turnkey designs, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Wildstar Beaumont gaves us a look around Rosehaven in the autumn and finally, we looked ahead to winter treats the Linden have planned, with a visit to Winter Wonderland … and news of a planned snowfight. Linden Lab versus the Residents – bring it on!

Snowfight Arena In Winter Wonderland

 

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Designing Worlds talks to the Lindens about Stilt Homes, Special Designs, uplifting to the Cloud … and more (including a forthcoming snowfight)

Futuristic – one of Linden Labs turnkey designs, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

In our new episode of Designing Worlds, we sit down for a chat with Patch and Brett Linden, about recent happenings in and future plans for Second Life. And we cover a wide range of topics – with some interesting side trips!

Patch and Brett Linden, in conversation with Saffia and Elrik, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Join us at 2pm today Monday 30th November  when you can see the show on the Designing Worlds Vimeo channel at: https://vimeo.com/channels/dworlds. Or join us for our Watch Party in the Designing Worlds studios in the Garden of Dreams at 2pm SLT.

Patch and Brett Linden, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

We talk to Brett Linden, VP of Marketing for Linden Lab and Patch Linden, Vice President of Product Operations for Linden Lab in a wide ranging discussion that covers the Uplift to the Cloud, now largely completed, and – now that new land is once again an option – the forthcoming Linden Homes release of Stilt Homes.

The Stilt Homes, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

We also discuss the impact of the pandemic on Second Life and how the Lab has handled the significant influx of new and returning residents as the virtual environment has become increasingly important, including the availability of “turnkey” educational and conference environments that users can adapt and configure from a range of available designs.

Academic Campus 4 – one of Linden Labs turnkey designs, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Wildstar Beaumont gives us a look around Rosehaven in the autumn and finally, we look ahead to winter treats the Linden have planned, with a visit to Winter Wonderland … and news of a planned snowfight. Linden Lab versus the Residents – bring it on!

The Dino – one of Linden Labs turnkey designs, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

It’s a really interesting discussion – with peeks at parts of the grid you may not have seen – so do tune in or join us at 2pm SLT at the Watch Party in Garden of Dreams!

 

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Designing Worlds explores Hallowe’en sites – now on the web!

Halloween in Darkwood, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Have you seen our Designing Worlds exploration of Halloween sites on the grid?

Here it is … for your Halloween pleasure …

DW424 Hallowe’en 2020 from Richard Elen on Vimeo.

We kick off with a visit to Linden Lab’s Portal Park, from where you can join the special Linden Tour – with new extensions this year.

Then it’s on to Bellisseria, to visit a strange new region that’s appeared there – and to meet the inmates of the Millbank Asylum with our guide – Prudence Anton.

Halloween in Bellisseria, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Our next port of call is an extraordinarily detailed experience inspired by the country song, “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” telling the eerie tale of Lucius Clay. We’re joined by the creators, Aleriah and Mathias Laurent, who help us explore the beautifully detailed swamp and its mysterious inhabitants – and they share a few secrets with us too!

Halloween in Rosehaven, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Next we visit Haunted Hollow in the company of one of its creator, Honey Heart, which features skeletal horse-riding, Russian folk-tales, the odd Headless Horseman who may lob a pumpkin at you, readings under the Hallowe’en Tree and a rather whimsical tower that’s full of fairytale left-overs under the auspices of its skeleton crew.

The episode ends with a visit to Frightened Pink – a region that combines scariness with fund-raising to fight breast cancer.

Halloween in Rosehaven, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Places we visit on the show:
Portal Park – Halloween entrance: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Portal%20Park%202/119/77/53
Millbank: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Millbank/173/71/23
“The Legend of Wooley Swamp”: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairytale/237/237/21
Haunted Hollow: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Island%20Of%20Joy/241/12/97
Frightened Pink: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Westone/116/147/2201

Plus, of course, there’s a slideshow of fabulous images of Hallowe’en across the Grid created by Wildstar Beaumont.

Halloween Portal Park, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Wildstar visited the Linden Halloween Tour (accessed via the Portal Park) and explored beautifully decorated Halloween Homes in Bellisseria. In addition, he visited:

Rosehaven starting point: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rosehaven%20Laudanum/64/164/23
Darkwood: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Enchanted%20Rock/22/13/22

Halloween in Darkwood, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

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Designing Worlds explores Hallowe’en in 2020!

Halloween in Darkwood, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

In our new episode of Designing Worlds, we visit some of the scary regions you can visit around the Second Life Grid for Hallowe’en 2020.

Join us at 2pm today Monday 26th October for our special Hallowe’en edition when you can see the show on the Designing Worlds Vimeo channel at: https://vimeo.com/channels/dworlds. Or join us for our Watch Party in the Designing Worlds studios at 2pm SLT.

Halloween Portal Park, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

We kick off with a visit to Linden Lab’s Portal Park, from where you can join the special Linden Tour – with new extensions this year.

Then it’s on to Bellisseria, to visit a strange new region that’s appeared there – and to meet the inmates of the Millbank Asylum with our guide – Prudence Anton.

Our next port of call is an extraordinarily detailed experience inspired by the country song, “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” telling the eerie tale of Lucius Clay. We’re joined by the creators, Aleriah and Mathias Laurent, who help us explore the beautifully detailed swamp and its mysterious inhabitants – and they share a few secrets with us too!

Halloween in Rosehaven, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Next we visit Haunted Hollow in the company of one of its creator, Honey Heart, which features skeletal horse-riding, Russian folk-tales, the odd Headless Horseman who may lob a pumpkin at you, readings under the Hallowe’en Tree and a rather whimsical tower that’s full of fairytale left-overs under the auspices of its skeleton crew.

The episode ends with a visit to Frightened Pink – a region that combines scariness with fund-raising to fight breast cancer.

Halloween in Bellisseria, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Plus, of course, there’s a slideshow of fabulous images of Hallowe’en across the Grid created by Wildstar Beaumont.

It all makes for a great scary show – so do tune in or join us at 2pm SLT at the Watch Party in Garden of Dreams!

Halloween Haunted Tour, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

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Places we visit on the show:
Portal Park – Halloween entrance: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Portal%20Park%202/119/77/53
Millbank: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Millbank/173/71/23
“The Legend of Wooley Swamp”: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fairytale/237/237/21
Haunted Hollow: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Island%20Of%20Joy/241/12/97

Halloween in Darkwood, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

 

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See the news about the Second Life Endowment for the Arts on Designing Worlds – on the web!

Launch of the SLEA on Designing Worlds, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

We started our new season with a look at the forthcoming launch of the new Second Life Endowment for the Arts (SLEA).

DW423 – Launch of the SLEA from Richard Elen on Vimeo.

The SLEA picks up where the Linden Endowment for the Arts left off, supporting and encouraging the arts in Second Life. We talk to Tansee and Hannington Xeltentat who originally developed the idea, and to Patch and Brett Linden who have been helping to realise the vision under the auspices of Linden Lab.

Launch of the SLEA on Designing Worlds, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

This show looks at the structure of the new SLEA and how people can become involved, including how they can apply for grants.

And Patch and Brett also talk about some exciting new packages they are planning to support communities in Second Life!

Launch of the SLEA on Designing Worlds, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

In addition, in film and pictures, we look back on the nine years of the original Linden Endowment for the Arts, which closed a year ago.

 

 

 

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All About the New Second Life Endowment for the Arts – on Designing Worlds!

Launch of the SLEA on Designing Worlds, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

Today, Monday 14th September, Designing Worlds is back for its new season – we look at the forthcoming launch of the new Second Life Endowment for the Arts (SLEA), which picks up where the Linden Endowment for the Arts left off, supporting and encouraging the arts in Second Life. We talk to Tansee and Hannington Xeltentat who originally developed the idea, and to Patch and Brett Linden who have been helping to realise the vision under the auspices of Linden Lab.

Join us at 2pm  when you can see the show on the Designing Worlds Vimeo channel at: https://vimeo.com/channels/dworlds. Or join us for our Watch Party in the Designing Worlds studios at 2pm SLT. We hope to have Tansee and Hannington join us to be on hand for a post show discussion with our live audience.

Launch of the SLEA on Designing Worlds, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

This show looks at the structure of the new SLEA and how people can become involved, including how they can apply for grants.

And Patch and Brett also talk about some exciting new packages they are planning to support communities in Second Life!

In addition, in film and pictures, we look back on the nine years of the original Linden Endowment for the Arts, which closed a year ago.

Launch of the SLEA on Designing Worlds, photographed by Wildstar Beaumont

It all makes for a fascinating show – so do tune in or join us at 2pm SLT at the Watch Party in Garden of Dreams!

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