It is not easy to understand the subtleties arising from PCs and Internet, besides all benefits already known. The computer age and its portability brought “urgency” and “needs” without which many people feel it is impossible to live. It’s a bit like trying to imagine life without electricity even before the advent of radio and TV. It’s like feeling empty and without purpose, even still, because this generation, accustomed to so much comfort, is not prepared to “only” light a lamp or candle and find something else to do, that does not depend on electricity or at least a battery powered source.
I recently read an interesting article on The New York Times, which inspired me to write. It talked about ideas and books by Sherry Turkle, a professor of social science studies and her thesis that “the online world is no longer a place of freedom and reinvention.” The digital age has brought great benefits of which I am a fan and I agree that when used in a balanced way, these resources are fantastic! However, the fine line between good use and dependence is not always perceived. Many people are already enslaved to the appeals of profiles on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace and Google +.
It is fact that social networks and virtual worlds are very useful for marketing, socialization and access to such instant “information”, conveyed in a few characters on microblogging. But, a social trend that has grown can be summarized in a term which defines what we are living in this digital age: FOMO (Fear of missing out). In a competitive and so immediate world, people need to know everything faster, buy something or attend to an event before the others, to avoid the fear of exclusion and the anxiety of making wrong choices.
There is certain nostalgia for well-written texts and the fast communication is summarized in words, which are lost in the jumble of unintelligible abbreviations of semicolon, commas and the “Internet” language. Languages are poorer. We must say all in just few characters and the dependence of an immediate response drags more slaves of fear of losing something. Read a book, even on your tablet (after all, you are at the forefront). Ahhh, such laziness if the text is longer than one page. Emotions are represented now by spaces, dots, brackets, commas and all kinds of symbols. The joy is so trivialized, isn’t t it?
Fomo is the urge of our time. Someone says he will attend to a show of the x, y, and z band. Another says: Today the club a, b, c has an amazing party. The Twitts are pumping on your screen and sending an avalanche of information about art exhibitions, meetings, events and everything that you enjoy. It is wonderful to receive so much information, but you’re there, facing so much stimuli and want to do everything. But, you know that it is impossible to attend to all events at the same time. You feel anxious: Did I choose the best party or should I have gone with another guy to dance?
This anxiety prevents you from living the “here and now”, when you could just have a delightful meeting with friends or someone special, and laugh, dance, enjoy everything there, at that moment; but, you share the attention with hundreds of screens full of information that arise. The technology releases also drive you anxious, even if you bought your smart phone or tablet just 3 months ago. It is impossible to follow the speed of our times.
Being informed has become an overwhelming need and it is wide open for all to see. But, the amount is not accompanied by information quality. You can find millions of topics on the Internet on the same theme and lots of what is published has no scientific backing or truth. The Internet is a paradise and a maze of mistakes at the same time. What we do in the virtual world is doomed to over-exposure and, as it is said: – if it fell into the net… it will never go out.
You can create an online identity with profile on social networks or virtual worlds like Second Life. You can be whatever you decide to be, a real one or because you dream of being your Alter ego. Having a profile visited and known by thousands is like a treasure for many. It is your online identity!
Have we become slaves of the screens and connectivity? People feel chained to the keys of their computers, tablets, smart phones and all possible technologies. We created such expectation, that we expect more of the social networks and “technological toys” than people. Relationships and feelings are trivialized, as so many “love” strangers they never met or will meet in life and some talk too much to be accepted in such social networks. What is the usefulness and need to be dependent on their “followers”? We have never seen so much unnecessary exposure and futility. The contact with our idols is narrower, but it created also the loss of the “aura of myth”, because they behave like the normal people they are, and sometimes have awful arguments and problems in virtual chats with fans. People became disposable objects with a simple “delete”, “mute” or “block” and the true relations with affective interaction, which does not depend on a list of followers and instant “friends”, is relegated to just a few taps on your screen.
We live in a time that people need to be connected. Knowing how to use this advantage is a wonderful art and can be extremely positive. The question is how to interact and not become dependent and compulsive?
Virtual worlds have also caused dependencies, as people leave their real lives and frustrations, dedicating lots of energy to a dreamy and perfect “shape” or life (which could be a great stimulus, as an incentive to change what you don’t like in your real being and life). But, many people come in a vicious cycle of dependency on what happens there. They also need to know and feel anxious if they can’t login. This social phobia is very harmful for those who want a balanced life because when you enjoy less a real life to depend and put too much energy into avatars, tweets, posts on social networks, etc, it can be an extremely limited way of life.
It is normal now days to meet people in a lift, and they don’t even say hello, as they are checking whether they have messages to read in more than one cell phone / tablet / etc. Others are in a date at a nice restaurant, but they don’t turn off their electronic “gadgets” to really appreciate the company.
It is true that the Internet, virtual worlds and social networks have many qualities that we love, but we can not deny its alienating power. The most interesting is that so many people complain of excessive messages or do not want to speak to anyone and put themselves “invisible”. Why don’t you put away or even turn off your “toys” while you are busy? It is a matter of focus and priority.
It is perfect to have new tools to interact and socialize. The matter is not in the digital world and its wonderful ways to make our lives better. I think that people should learn how to use better those resources to ensure they will live fully, if sometimes they turn off their “toys” to have a face to face chat.
Ananda Valeeva
Creators, who were attuned to the graphics capabilities of SL, already were familiar to the word “mesh”. But, for most residents the term needs to be better explained.
Mesh = collection of polygons, which share vertices and edges forming a connected network.
Before you assume that Mesh is something completely new and revolutionary, it is important to understand that everything in Second Life has always been made of mesh. If you press Ctrl-Shift-R you can see how SL is made of mesh. So what could be considered “new” now, since from the beginning there was always mesh in SL?
In fact you need to understand that the only change is that it gives us the possibility to edit, move and change the number of vertices and textures to work in more details. We can also move individual Sculpt vertices, however the big difference is that there are numerous limitations, which became more free and easy in the case of Mesh.
Creating in Mesh is freer than in sculpt, but some people prefer other resources. However, this is one way trip. Those who build in simple ways only and don´t know Sculpt, will experience problems. Perhaps the way to build will change completely with the release of Mesh, but this discussion will go far further.
Another advantage is the end of the 10 meters restriction as the maximum size for a prim. Prims have a fixed geometry, Sculpts have a fixed number of polygons defined by UV map and Mesh can have the number of polygons defined by its creator, also having up to 8 maps where to apply UV textures. You don´t have limit of points to work in Mesh. Also, in the case of clothing, for example, it will not be necessary anymore the use of multiple prims and attachments to have a perfect look.
Now it is even possible to create the avatar in mesh with random action and not only those two basic options offered by SL and with custom textures. The combination of textures will be perfect and simpler to work. You can work your bones and joints, providing incredible flexibility with moving animations.
So, know that the “newness” will make it easier for developers, but it still has its secrets.
Lets see what comes next! :)
Ananda Valeeva
After thinking a lot I write to you to inform the only reason that led me to decide to discontinue the publication of InnerWorld Magazine. The fact is that the original design was a monthly magazine and it also had more content. But, due to the limited time available for the designer to create the art, this project has undergone several changes to try to adapt to this. The issues are no longer monthly and the content had to be more concise. I supported and was flexible as much as possible to adapt the magazine to a new dynamic, but without the original design, the magazine has lost something of its identity that I liked.
And so it is time to break the cycle of this magazine and open another new cycle, which is more mature and experienced, reviewing new and old perspectives and redemptions that were changed in the course of nearly three years of existence. Decisions involve waivers; I believe that a perfect history must have a good start, a great plot and a flawless and unforgettable ending.
And now, a bit of our history for those who want to remember or learn a little more, if you have time and patience to read it :-)
Since I joined Second Life in 2006, I had a goal and wanted to write and spread the word of SL, as a natural extension of my RL degrees. I have written my impressions on this amazing virtual world from the beginning. Even before many people even imagined and we could see and read hundreds of blogs and magazines, I used to write to a Dutch blog, and then for the biggest Brazilian Blog and as a reporter in a magazine for a year, a columnist in another major RL/SL magazine and other blogs, as they arose.
I wrote countless texts since 2006 for many blogs and publications, and worked as marketing advisor and publicist among other actions, while others had different activities. I used to write for one of the few magazines in SL for almost a year, when I met a talented designer in 2008, Thereaver Barrymore; we became friends, and I thought it would be great if she showed her RL skills in SL, as it would be a waste not to do so. We worked together in another mag for a little while, but soon I felt it was time to create a magazine. That was my dream since the beginning: a Culture Center with an Art Gallery and a monthly artistic Magazine, which would release art, lifestyle, behavior, highlighting talented designers and special events. So, I invited her to collaborate with me as a designer and be part of my dream. This union was a perfect combination of our creative mind and crazy, perfectionist and artistic ideas and opinions of how to make a magazine.
Since then we met wonderful and creative people from all over the world and learned a lot from each other and those people. Each issue was like giving birth to a baby, and sometimes, some deliveries were difficult. But, because of them, we have built an intense relationship, full of passion for InnerWorld magazine and our mutual respect and love. We knew we were taking a crazy thing, since we were only two passionate women. Probably many marriages are not as intense and intimate, and I’m sure we gave our best to be flexible and understanding to each other, since no one is perfect and we made mistakes; every relationship is an exercise of tolerance and dedication, and I believe a friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway. It inspires me gratitude and pride to see the elegant, artistic and professional result that we have reached after nearly three years. We never “played magazine.” Everything we have done reflects our knowledge in real life and commitment to the best.
I say “This is not goodbye, this is a see you soon.” I hope this is the case with us, as I write my note as your publisher and will follow for new searches. The InnerWorld Magazine will stay online, of course, and I am just announcing that this is the right time to quit while it is so beautiful.
While my skills as a writer and editor brought me to Second Life, and fortunately, to the InnerWorld Magazine – my passion for living a healthy and peaceful life, writing and traveling will take me to the next chapter of my life and who knows what else will come next?
As a writer at heart you can find me in SL and Internet, because I will never fail to write, create, and act in art and communication and love challenges. Publishing, writing and editing this magazine was a beautiful privilege and an adventure. My efforts in the InnerWorld magazine marked one of the most significant learning experiences of my life.
I offer my gratitude to Thereaver for Everything she did in every way (and she knows what I mean), to whom I wish lots of success and luck in a new project that she decides to follow. You can contact her in-world. I am very grateful to the dear collaborators Silton Mindes, Vick Spitteler, AmabileSciavo Olivieri, Evora Laminsk, Geppex McCaw and Uriah Eulenberg and Betwixt Epsilon for their participation and valuable assistance. Thanks for the amazing support from Anderson Toll, of SexMachine, Alee Luik, of Horizontes and Dean Ashby, of Redgrave and Deep House Island, who offered their islands as a space for the Culture Center, Gallery and Magazine. I will keep such generosity forever. And finally, I thank all readers, advertisers, partners and friends. You welcomed us with open arms and it was a pleasure to serve you.
I humbly hope that our lives and dreams will evolve more and more. We all offered our best to make this magazine for you. Hearing so many compliments makes it worth our efforts and inspires pride. I’m so happy to have achieved this dream and will never regret my decisions, and an end. Rather, I will always celebrate the joy of all that was done and what existed.
And to sum up my feelings:
Everything always worth it, and if you want to be successful in any project, never measure or weigh your decisions. The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live.
And remember, “see you soon.”
My best feelings and gratitude to all.
Ananda Valeeva
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Avination was an opportunity of something fresh and different, where I could create the first magazine as the same way I did more than two years ago in Second Life, with the amazing art and indispensable support and friendship of Thereaver Barrymore.
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We wish we could spread culture, art, information and charming life style by offering the InnerWorld Culture Center and Magazine to the residents of AVN also. I thank so much all merchants who also believed in this dream and installed their store in the Boulevard. That was very nice to have you with me.
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However, I was more than patient to wait for the “wonderland” I dreamed of and am really very frustrated. I don´t believe in the grid anymore and the way some people are just “Disposable”. I am one of the pioneers here and have witnessed how much help and efforts some very nice people offered to the grid and Melany; but unfortunately it seemsshe doesn´t care and what I saw when Dean and Mimi left was a total lack of gratitude. (I will keep my groups, anyway, and I DON´T WANT TO HAVE ANY PROBLEM. THEY ARE MINE AND NOBODY CAN TAKE MY GROUPS FROM ME AS IT HAPPENED TO OTHERS) !
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The second reason why I and also the Culture Center and Magazine are leaving AVN, and this is really VERY serious, is that this grid became a Den of Casinos. It is known that those people who enjoy gambling, generally care little for fashion or making over their beautiful avatars, and of course, they are not so interested in culture and art. So, Avination has lots of nice creators now, lots of Casinos and just a few residents more interested in gambling. InnerWorld Magazine has nothing interesting I could report about and the Culture Center would be just empty.
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I am leaving for good and deleting my two Sims: InnerWorld and Surya. I am sad that My Sand Castle was too fragile and fell down. I built it on weak bases, this grid and its management. I even believed I could have my Surya Isle again here and Morgana built a so nice fantasy Isle for me. But, I really lost the magical interest in Avination, specially because of its management and not clear intentions when they accept so many Casinos here.
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To me, PEOPLE and friendship are more important than anything and I dreamed AVN could be a place to rebuild dreams, but I found only deceptions and empty promises.
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For the ones who will stay I wish good luck, success and happiness (BUT, OBSERVE WELL). I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the nice readers and people who were supportive and kind and helped me in many ways and will keep our true and sincere friendship, doesn´t matter where. I feel very sorry that I put energy, faith, ethics, my good name, efforts and work on who doesn´t deserve this. Money from Casinos…. Gosh… It is really ugly !!!!!
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Best regards,
Ananda Valeeva
We inform that our HQ will be off for a while, so if you want to receive our kiosk, please send a request to Thereaver Barrymore or Ananda Valeeva. We will inform our new location soon.
Thank you for your understanding.
Ananda and Thereaver
One year ago Uriah Eulenberg joined the InnerWorld Team and has been developing exclusive gifts for the magazine´s readers. Uriah is the designer of Balaclava and has created more interesting gifts for each new issue! All gifts are still available at the magazine´s HQ, at Horizontes Island. Grab yours now! They are outfits, jewery, items for home decoration and even a skybox!
Uriah knows how to please everybody and always offers gifts for men and women. It worths to check …
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We thank Uriah immensely for the design of all items, as much as for the wonderful art he creates for the ads of his gifts. The look below is one example of the wonderful creations available at the InnerWorld HQ.
Thereaver wears:
Babydoll: Stuff – #02 Black Tops for Night-Out by BALACLAVA!! (InnerWorld Gift)
Shoes: Pump (Black Patent) by Stiletto Moody
Jewelry: Long Pearls Nite Set by YS&YS
Pose: Contour Line – Pose 1 by Di’s Opera Poses
Silton wears:
Shirt: Stuff – #02 Black Tops for Night-Out by BALACLAVA!! (InnerWorld Gift)
Pants: Straight Fit Jeans / Dark Rinse by Muism
Pose: DW Zephyr 1 by Diesel Works
Teleport to the magazine headquarter and get your gift!
Thanks Uriah !!!
And you can be part of it. You can advertise with us. Just read about that in the mag and our website. We guarantee this issue is pure magic, beauty and fantasy. This historical Issue is simply unmissable!
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