SLOz archived by National Library of Australia
March 26, 2007
We don’t tend to blow our trumpet often, but were just a little bit excited to have been archived by the National Library of Australia.
Ego aside, it’s great to see the NLA being so proactive with New Media.
Popularity: 3% [?]
“second life online university degree”
March 26, 2007
Those are the terms I used for a recent Google search. And what do you think was near the top of the list on the results of this search?
The listing of Ohio University - their presence in SL was my first look at an in-world university when I was wandering aimlessly around some time ago. The Ohio University Island is a replica of the real life campus in pathways, buildings and layout.
Their presence along with a top 5 Google search billing makes for a formidable competitor to the Australian pathfinders currently under construction and development.
What makes this the more pertinent is the recent article “PM, analyse this: IT is going down the gurgler” by Grahame Philipson, which lays out some fairly startling facts and issues about Australia slipping down the IT rankings in a global market.
With the rapidity of technological change, the emerging powerhouse of India and almost weekly prognostations from political leaders that Australia is in some sort of parlous state education-wise, perhaps, the question that needs to be asked is can any amount of cash injection for broadband access from the Future Fund come close to reversing the kind of decline that Grahame Philipson has indicated.
SL has been around for a few years now. Ohio University has top billing on Google. India is currently dominating in many circles of technology R&D and commercial enterprise (remember where Hotmail started?).
Perhaps an articulated IT policy that goes beyond rhetoric and supports the future of an Australian based knowledge industry is in order?
Popularity: 6% [?]
Looking to start a business in SL?
March 25, 2007
This article provides some business ideas, albeit directly from the SL website.
If you’ve got friends or family still looking at you a little strangely when you talk about Second Life, the article does provide a simple overview that may help explain things to them.
Popularity: 4% [?]
Chez Xay
March 24, 2007
The Chez Xay Tropical Island Resort covers all of Tamita Island, Irukandji (a type of jellyfish native to North Queensland). I stumbled across Chez Xay when doing a search of classifieds using the term ‘Australian’. In Xay Tomesen’s own words:
“The resort is gay owned, straight friendly, with a focus on harmony and nature. Beyond the main beach and shops, Tamita Island is a maze of deep ravines, untouched plains, walking tracks, and rainforests.
Our residents are few and enjoy a quiet lifestyle. Most of the island’s visitors come to see its attractions, including a large RL art gallery, house and land rentals, and one of the largest menswear stores in SL, featuring original Australian designs.
The resort also houses the SL corporate head office of Body Sync, a Brisbane based chain of beauty salons, who use our facilities for staff training and conferences.”
Popularity: 4% [?]
ABC versus Telstra visitation - it’s a close thing
March 23, 2007
With the launch of the ABC and Telstra presences, it’s worth comparing some initial visitation figures. Lindens own ‘ Traffic ‘ monitor is being used for the sake of this discussion - we know it’s reliability can be variable but we took readings from both areas at the same time so it’s at least indicative. I chose the busiest location for each area - the Welcome Area on The Pond and the Sandbox at ABC:
So the ABC experience is giving Telstra a run for their money - it’s not a competition but given the large influx of BigPond users directly into the Telstra area, ABC should be fairly happy with their level of visitation.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Opera House build and upcoming stories
March 23, 2007
Warda Kawabata is responsible for the Sydney Opera House build on Telstra’s BigPond islands launched a fortnight ago. She has described the build in her blog.
Coming up also in the next few days is an interview with Gary Hazlitt, who oversaw both the Telstra and ABC builds. We also have stories coming up on a couple of smaller Australian businesses as well as news about Australia’s first SL magazine….
Popularity: 5% [?]
Aussie fashion style wins out again
March 22, 2007
After a couple of weeks of solid coverage of corporate launches in SL, it’s easy to get bogged down in business jargon and sociological debate. It’s great to see that new Australian SL users are registering with their sense of humour well and truly intact. Seen this evening on BigPond Island:
That’s what SL is all about.
Popularity: 2% [?]
