Second Life's SLCC mixed reality community event has been a hot topic of late. Since the publication of a "community standards agreement" which among other things prohibits the recording of panels, even by the panelists themselves, residents have been in uproar. The overbearing, restrictive rules being imposed upon attendees is not the only point of contention however. The question monopolization, and the "non profit" status of the organizers, Future United and their partners Phreak Radio, (who have exlusive rights to everything panelists and musicians produce at the show), was called into question today by vocal critic, Prokofy Neva.
Live Musicians are up at arms at the unconscionable contract foisted on them from this thinly-disguised "non-profit" and "community" entity (Scare quotes are definitely required for all these so-called outfits claiming falsely and wrongly to represent the large loosely-knit communities sharing the virtual space of Second Life). Business panelists are surprised to learn they can't tape themselves even if presenting, that some unnamed ones of their number don't want to be taped *at all*, and that their papers, ostensibly submitted to a professor to be peer-reviewed and published in a scholarly journal, are also to become the unrevocable and perpetual property of these "community entities".
From conversation I've had both privately, and publically, though not on this site, it's clear to me that this event is being organized by a bunch of poo throwing monkeys. The entire event is becoming a sham, and I think that not only do the organizers need to backpeddle very, very rapidly on the comedy of errors their poor public relations and community skills have produced, they also owe the community an unresevered apology.
Normally I'm not inclined to speak out on such events here at Metaversed, but this is beyond insult. Though I won't be attending, I feel that as a member of the larger community of residents in general, I should make clear how I feel.
Hope I wasn't to ambiguous...
An update: I am still waiting to hear back from an unnamed "committee" that the professor running the business track has referred to me, regarding clarification of the matter of the "academic papers" submitted to this track, and who will own the rights to them, and how they will be published. That was unsettling, since I thought as the listed contact person, he'd be in charge himself and would explain all this. Instead, he referred me to "the committee".
Is that robert bloomfield prokofy?
"From conversation I've had both privately, and publically, though not on this site, it's clear to me that this event is being organized by a bunch of poo throwing monkeys."
I share this opinion with you.
I am very sad to see this transpiring. I do know some very good people that have placed time and effort into making guests welcome and comfortable at this event and to see it fall apart in this manner invokes great sympathy from me for my friends and their expectations.
I really don't see how damage control is possible at this point. I put on events for years and not once did I find it necessary to post rules that were regarded as common sense practices unless the venue in which the event was being staged was in a locale that had local laws that we were bound to enforce for the protection of the attendees. (ie. no glass containers. no pets etc). There are instances where performers did not wish to allow cameras or recording devices and of course that was posted and enforced but it was done so politely and people were happy to respect what was asked of them because they were asked respectfully. If at the SLCC event there were persons that worked in the field of security and abuse and did not want their photos made public, then a sign or documentation posted during that portion of the presentation would be understandable. I can sympathize with that having worked in that field for some time. Having people stalk and threaten me at my home was not a pleasant experience. If you work in that field, that is a risk you run and it is only wise to minimize it if you are able. I do not think anyone attending the event would want to see anyone come to harm and would be more than happy to comply if ASKED.
Likewise I was horrified to hear that performers were asked to play for free without travel or lodging expenses included or arranged. (Accepting such a gig is unwise even in a charity, non-profit capacity) Anything can happen on the road and just because you have agreed to extend a donation of support and kindness, it does not mean that you should not be looked after, fed, watered and made comfortable. I cannot even begin to comment on the contract that was passed to the performers AFTER they had already been engaged to perform. It angers me beyond measure that anyone would insult a person that has agreed to help and support them at no cost by stripping them of their rights and their dignity and making it very clear that they have every right to continue stripping them of their rights and their dignity indefinitely and without compensation.
The pity of it all is that from the start all that was required was common courtesy and respect which costs NOTHING. Now at a much greater cost than can be quantified, damage control must be run and this will continue right through the event. There will be no peace for anyone until it is over. It is just so dreadfully sad.
I was so saddened to hear about all of this transpiring. As a huge supporter of live music in SL and a club owner who has become close virtual friends with several of the performers, I was thrilled at the prospect of meeting them at SLCC. Due to the horrible way that they are being treated, I am glad that I am a procrastinator who had not yet sent in my registration fees. Hopefully this will get straightened out - or better yet - an alternative (and properly organized) SL gathering can take place at some point.
Well, I hope it rebounds, as I've got my plane tickets and all since before the "standards" were published. I hope there are some fun folks to network with in any case.