Ginette Pinazzo

This is the copy from a notecard we are sending inworld to anyone who might be interested in runninga class or workshop at Vortex. Feel free to pass the opportinity along1 WEEKLY CLASSES AT VORTEX Want to run a short class or workshop at Zindra Help Vortex? Send us an inworld notecard with a few details and so we can get you on our schedule! Feel free to submit as many ideas as you wish. Send information to Ginette Pinazzo, BBQBill Odriscoll, Huntress Catteneo, Hypatia Meili or any other Vortex staff TIPS: Business and/or Building topics preferred.Content that can help residents become more involved in content creation and/or business management/long term investment in SL experience.Presentations, Q&A's, workshops, lectures. 1. Your Name: 2. Proposed Class/Workshop Title(s) followed be brief description(s): 3. Include a full perm photo of yourself (a headshot) for promotional purposes. SCHEDULE We will need minimum 2 weeks to promote your sessions. Look at today's date, project at least 2 weeks forward and choose your days/times that work best for you. We recommend choosing at least 2 timeslots to allow residents more opportunity to attend. Assume most sessions to be one hour in length. STAGE, SEATING, ETC You can provide your own presentation and work props, or, if needed, we can provide this content for you. We look forward to hearing from you and your topics! - ZHV staff Zindra Help Vortex

I believe in transparency. Zindra Expo group did not 'submit a proposal' to a secretive and clandestine procedure because we opposed the entire process. Just because a RFP is setup doesnt mean you need to agree with the very conditions of that RFP. My statements in these forums are about the devaluing aspects of the process (and it goes a lot farther than the Zexpo Island travesty) LL framed this as a contest, but we did not agree w/ the contest guidelines. That can happen. Instead,we submitted a counter-proposal 'for the record' and published it openly for the world to see for weeks. Everything ZE has been involved with, as far as I can remember, has been done as openly as possible. All proposals have been published and alwys presented for public scrutiny. THAT is one way organic movements operate. (of course, I can't say I expected a counter-proposal to win. (No delusions there) It wasn't intended to 'win' because we weren't playing that 'game'. (it had a very different purpose, which I'm happy to say has been successful so far) And, for the record, I did receive offers of 'sponsorship', but it's wrong to accept it and I won't be in a position to see good people's resources abused. Somebody may have won that contest. Perhaps some very nice people with good skills. I would never take that away from them. And, if their plan synchs with the principles of ZE, there may be commonality. But understand is the contest itself that is wrong. End does not justify means. You want to destroy community? Make people compete'for resources instead of collaborate. (oh and make sure you devalue them at the same time) PS - Couldbe Yue, I see your point about the 2 meetings' history. I was actually referring to the split (and then later merge) starting from the moment of Zindra migration onwards., when the topics crystallized into their 2 categories. I apologize for any confusion.

The merge happened as part of the entire OH-becoming-User Group change (when OH's were rebranded as UGs) sometime within the final months of Blondin's tenure. In Blondin's case, it was his Wednesday meeting that merged into the Zindra (Monday) one, and I think you are right: it may have been a generic Wed community meeting at one point but (at least the way he described it) was all about adult topics. I forget that meeting's actual name (and can't be bothered to look it at moment). In any case, the Mondays had always been abt Zindra until that merge. Since the Zindra meetings had been very dynamic (a lot of content) at that point, after the merge Zindra topcis did still 'dominate' for a bit, but that changed and effort was made to include more and more non-Zindra topics. I think it came close to 50/50 eventually (depending on what was 'hot' at the moment As an aside: I predict that, as the importance of Zindra becomes mroe obvious to more and more people, especially Estate Owners (as demographics change and Zindra's relevance to the rest of Adult SL is more obvious), the content of discussions will shift back to more and more Zindra talk anyway.

Originally, there were TWO meetings conducted by LL: one for Adult Ciontent (general (policy issues, tech issues, etc) and one for Zindra (often Marketing issues, etc) This actually seemed a rather effective way to split things at the time. At that time, the style and subject of the topics really did seem split that way Then LL merged the Adult Content meeting into the Zindra one, creating a confusing dichotomy at first (eventually that relaxed because the Zindra meeting happened to have a strong meeting format that kept things profressional) Now, of course, the meeting format has been erased and it's little more than LL- led focus group (sigh).

Selestiall, my analogy is not close to perfect I know that, and I agree with your first 2 points. BUT just because a person or organisation CAN do something doesnt mean they SHOULD. As to your third point, I do have points to make because I feel passionate about what is being done. I am sorry if it comes off as negative, and I see why it would. But sometimes, injustice is being perpertrated and it is well within rigths and perhaps duty to proclaim this with boldness. Besides, most people are not involved in the ACUG meetings or other LL-derived proceedings and have no idea what is happening. (this must change). Please take my commentary as basic information if anything and recognize (as with all information sources) there is always an assumed perspective. My perspective I will never hide: I worked in Zindra Expo group for almost 2 years with many others to build some hope out of the chaos and much was accomplished. (I can quantify all of that) Now, all of those projects are being threatened. This latest development (selling off the zexpo island) is destructive in nature. I do hope it all works out, and maybe Ill even be helping out if the plan evolves to synch with Zindra Expo group's agenda. Anything is possible. But forums like this are where I am 'shouting' as best I can as other once-productive outlets have become useless. Axe to grind? I'm just shouting from the rooftops. Do with the information what you will.

Right, Venus, selling adspace would be a predictable method and I pray that is not the road traveled, because its entirely innapropriate for what should be a civic public space to be turned into an adfarm. By contrast, each and every project the Zindra Expo group works on does not promote specific commercial interests or 'lifestyles'. There are far more clever AND nuetral ways to draw residents into the Adult Sl experience without catering to unbalanced advertising gimmicks. It takes time and patience, and an eye for the common good.

You are so right, Venus. Paying someone (LL) so you can have the priveledge of running their own 24/7 marketing/outreach center is more than insane, UNLESS you take into the account the 'promise' that LL will market your own specific interests as being 'official' and (as a result) underme the rest of the population/market. That takes it from the realm of 'insane' to 'wrong'. Because it means that LL wont really hold the 'new owners' to the high standard of neutrality and fairness that they should with anything 'officially endorsed'. Even if the new owners try their best to be fair, the position itself is still unethical. You can't have true community-building if certain private interests are favoured over others . Making them pay for it is akin to letting private interest 'buy' their way into a coveted position. Hmmm. Buying a seat in government, so to speak I don't envy anyone who gets stuck in this arrangement, because the dynamics are set up for endless stress, from all sides. I only hope that a backup plan is realized, to save (once again) those who are harmed should things fall apart.

To even come close to guaranteeing a fair and neutral management of such a process (as Qie suggests with his list) is a lot more micromanagement than LL has ever done before w/ Zexpo Island or oither such projects., and it would seem a lot more involvement than they claim to desire (as they claim they want to have as little involveemnt as possible and be LESS involved than before) I see these 3 possibilities so far: 1. though they claim to want to be involved less, thats a lie or delusion and they will end up micromanaging this entire gateway 2. they will not really manage it at all and fairness/neutrality will be cast aside as a priorit 3. The weather will change at LL again and we will all have wasted or time and energy for no reason...again! In any case, I think someone needs to retrain LL's corporate culture so they actually know what 'organic movement' means, especially with regards to community. Something has gotten seriously mistranslated on its way from abstract thesis to actual application. I have said once at an ACUG meeting (back when I was permitetd to speak) that their idea of organic movement was chopping down a rainforest, and I still retain that sentiment.

Ive been intimately close to this entire process and it is indeed a scam somewhat like outsourcing, except that, in outsourcing, you typically pay the outsourced talent. In this case, LL is charging a private enterprise to run an 'officially endorsed' welcome center for ALL of Zindra and Adult SL. Its backwards, at least, and beyond that, highly unethical. Why? Because they are monetizing a so-called official 'gateway' to an entire section of Second Life. A private organisation will be paying to have the 'exclusive rigths' to the name Zindra? (amazingly, that's part of the contract) Think about that. Not only is it obviously unfair on a grand scale to anyone who resides on Zindra or any of Adult SL, it is akin to a government selling the name of its own country to a private corporation, rigth out from under the feet of its population. Its an amazing level of exploitation. Incidentally, I have been very close to this and I actually dont think its a move to 'wash hand clean' of Adult Content by LL. I actually believe they want to make it work and recognize that the adults-only market is about to explode in importance in the coming years.Their marketing department just hasnt quite sorted out how to cope yet. And their community relations department has no clue how to prepare for it. They are destroying previous 'organic' and successful community programs to create an undoable and grossly unfair situation. I believe this is coming from poorly applied principles rather than malintent. They have about half the ingredients and intelligence to do what needs to be done. It's that missing half we are all worried about.

Seems interesting that LL wants to talk about forums in the recent ACUG meetings but this particular forum (which supposedly involves some of the very participants they claim to want) has been virtually abandoned. Anyoen out there still interested in this forum and like to see it revitalized?

For Immediate Release ZEXPO 2011 runs AUG 26 thru SEP 4 Celebrating the Adult Side of Second Life: Zindra and Beyond ZEXPO is an annual convention/tradeshow/festival that takes place on a large region known as ZEXPO Island on the 'A' rated mainland of Zindra, in the virtual world of Second Life. The Island features a new large event every season and the ZEXPO show itself is an exciting convergence of merchants, performers, artists, play areas, famous personalities, speciality organisations and everything that represents SL's sophisticated adult side. ZEXPO is very inclusive and very innovative, mixing creativity and inspiration with business networking, education and hope for the future. The concept of ZEXPO 2011 (and other events on the island) is one of positive PR and outreach for the adult mainland of Zindra. While Zindra is 'adult' land, it does not contain only 'adult content' (though adult content is certainly permitted.) and is often known as the most liberating place in SL. While ZEXPO 2011 is about promoting Zindra, it also welcomes non-Zindran content in an effort to cross-promote interests and reach out across more of Second Life and beyond. Some believe that a healthy adult mainland means a healthy adult SL which means a healthy SL. This year's show features an emphasis on Creative and Active Investment, Adult Sophistication and a fun 'Forbidden Carnival' theme. Other innovations include a hotel booking system, where attendees will be able to obtain accomodations for the show's duration, a plethora of exciting Attractions and Mini-Events, and a Forbidden Float Contest, where exhibitors can create moving parade floats. SHOW WEBSITE: https://sites.google.com/site/zexpo2011/home/ LANDING AREA: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Distrel/194/62/57 First Contacts: Show Producer: Ginette Pinazzo Exhibitors Information: Bady Boozehound Presented by Zindra Expo group: http://world.secondlife.com/group/e5b52e79-818c-fcea-699b-fa1b7910d124

This June, The Zindra Help Vortex will present the first in its series of lectures and presentations designed to educate. stimulate and fascinate. SAT JUNE 4 Chelsea Malibu: 'Staffing For The Virtual Business' TWO SESSIONS! 10AM and 9PM SLT Chelsea has incredible experience running an 8-sim enterprise that employs over 100 and can share insights into the world of staffing. Invaluable! SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zindra%20Vortex/128/128/0 SITE: https://sites.google.com/site/zindrahelpvortex/ The Zindra Help Vortex is the first sandbox, mentor and outreach center on 'A-rated' mainland, featuring building workshops and contests, classes and inworld help, business networking functions and outreach for the adult continent of Zindra.,

Zindra Help Vortex Presents Castle Build Contest The Great Castle Build Team Competition Wed May 11 2011 Two teams will have exactly one hour to build the castle of their dreams in the first ever build contest event sponsored by Zindra Help Vortex, the premiere sandbox, mentor and outreach center on Second Life's adult mainland. The Great Castle Build competition emphasizes teamwork and is open to anyone with any level of experience. Professional builders and Second Life newbies are all welcome to participate. Vortex staff will be available to assist and inspire. The event will be unique due to several surprise 'twists' that will challenge the teams and their ability to adapt. The Zindra Help Vortex is the first adult sandbox in Second Life, and promotes fun and learning in a healthy and positive environment. The region is open to all residents who have age verified and want to build, learn and connect with others.. To register for the Great Castle Build Team Competition, contact BBQBill Odriscoll via notecard, choose your team and go to the Vortex website to read more. https://sites.google.com/site/zindrahelpvortex/ Teleport to the Zindra Help Vortex: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zindra%20Vortex/128/128/0

Hello Kim, welcome to the most free place in the world, Second Life. (that's one of the X factors, I believe......freedom). SL is a wonderfully large, messy place filled with opportunity that is driven by people. Creativity with building, designing, working together. Communication that is better than many other off-world options. (I actually consider doing business in SL very very efficient!). That's how I have seen it: 1. Creativity 2. Communication It's really that amazing when you can have an idea one minute, then (in SL) make that idea come to life so quickly. No matter your demographic, this is fantastic appeal: quickly bringing your own ideas to life, and also (for the mature ones out here) bringing them to life as you work with others. If you ever decide to host inworld brainstorming sessions about SL marketing topics, I'd love to be involved! (as I am sure would many others!)- - Gina