In the Mentor Hood

Burning Life

2009-10-23T01:57:00.002-04:00

We are working Performance this year and it is a great time. Oct 17-25

Use your Map and type in Burning Life and come Burn with us...

Doc's Rezz Party 1 pm slt-till we log the hell out!!!

2009-08-04T20:42:00.003-04:00

SL6B Volunteers Thank you!

2009-06-29T14:37:00.000-04:00

SL6B is coming

2009-06-19T06:09:00.005-04:00

It is that time again. For us to see where we have been and see where we are going. This year the theme for our birthday is called The Future of Virtual Worlds.

800 Light Years away we are spiraling through outer space on a Meteor disovered by Space Explorer Ghorman Dallier in 2499 while searching for new worlds to inhabit! With that in mind, we took our Exhibitors far away from the green grasses and sandy beaches of their Second Life Grid and sent them into the stratosphere as the first colony of Dallier's Hope. A vast, open landscape waiting to be developed by the first new residents of the future of Virtual Worlds.

The SL6B festivities

* June 23rd - Gates open!

* June 29th - Official closing ceremony

* July 6th - Gates close

SL6B Mentor Greeters

2009-05-15T09:48:00.003-04:00

Mentors have been asked once again to Greet SL6B. If you are interested please get back to me (in world) by next thurs 5/21 drop notecards on me (with your name and SL6B) so no one is missed if my IMs cap off.

Mentors are being tapped for this because we are the best. If you know any mentors not in MM please pass the word to them and have them drop notecards on me as well.

A tentative short meeting is schedule with the SL6B team for friday 5/22 at SL6B headquarters (which is also volunteer day)so plan to make an appearance If you can.

Meeting at 7 pm slt 5/22 short one

The Mentor Cooperative

2009-02-17T02:52:00.003-05:00

This week I said to Rails we have so many resident help groups and Mentor groups we need a group to to communicate with them all.

It is obvious to me, that Mentors have to evolve, and this Mentor Cooperative is part of that evolution.
As dedicated Mentors we have watched the reduction of the VTeam staff.
As dedicated Mentors we know what new residents want and need, we eat, sleep and breath being a Mentor, we excel at what we choose to do.
The Mentor tag is nothing more than a way to identify who Mentors are, it does not make us super-human.
There is not one Mentor who is better than any Second Life resident. As Mentors we are all Second Life residents.

The aim of this Mentor Cooperative is to bring together the owners of Mentor Groups and Gateway Owners, and any resident help groups with the aim of building a foundation for mentoring in general.
If all responsible and respectable Mentor Groups adopt and retain the good foundations that we all hold dear, then Mentors as a whole will be respected and be a teaching force to be imitated.

There will be a number of owners of this group, mainly so as many time zones are covered as is possible and to provide a diverse knowledge base for the group.
Invited group owners will form the council of the group, and may elect to converse with other group members by the best possible means, for example, group chat or via notecards.
All Group Members will have notecard and voting rights
Only the Group owners can invite other Mentor Group Owners.
The Mentor Council will be the nucleus that will discuss the best way for all Mentor Groups to progress.

I fully expect lively discussions, but at the end of the day it is what is best for new residents that should be the priority and how the various Mentor Groups conduct themselves.
I also envisage, that at some point gateways will need to sign some form of formal agreement, whereby they will commit to not poaching residents from each other, whilst at the same time come to an agreement that it is in the best interest of any new resident, to send said resident to the gateway that can best help them, particularly if there is a better understanding of the new resident's language capabilites.

I hope that this esteemed group of Mentor Group Owners can work together for the benefit of New Residents.
Cheers

The Mentor Hiatus

2009-01-13T17:28:00.017-05:00

Go Steelers!

Right before Christmas I decided I needed a break from Mentoring and decided to only work when I was feeling inspired. As if it was meant to be, the new Greeter program was temporarily put on hold for some programming changes and technical enhancements.

So if you have been to HIP or the HIs and said where is Doc? I was actually exploring SL for a change. With the newest edition to Clan Mentor of Daniel Voyager and the passing of our friend Master Pye it was a very busy holiday season in SL and RL.

In order to be a good Greeter you have to get out there and know your landmarks.
So those of you who want to be Greeters try to read the SL blog and keep up with what is going on around the big grid.

Make yourself a folder of cool places then sub-folder them to include Music, Fashion, Weapons, Building, RL places, Nature, etc...

Your greatest asset as a Greeter is your ability to take someone new and give them places to go and things to discover. The discovery that is SL for new residents is the best time. It is the very tempo that sets the rest of their SL. It also gives you satisfaction to pass the torch on to new people.

Happy Greeting!

Changes to Tao and New Mentor/Greeter FAQ

2008-12-10T18:46:00.003-05:00

Tao Changes

http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Tao_of_Volunteers

The Tao is a serious committment you make when you choose to volunteer is SL.

My suggestion is to read it and undestand it. When you are in a situation when you feel you may not be able to uphold the Tao, walk away. Take your tag off and go chill.

What we do as volunteers is not easy and it is not without pitfalls. Try to focus on the good things and not the negative.

Volunteer Program Changes FAQ

http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Volunteer_Program_Changes_FAQ

If you have any questions about any of this let Rails or I know or contact a Vteam member.

Goodbye Old Friend

2008-12-03T22:52:00.005-05:00

It always is hard when one of us leaves. This time it was harder than I expected.
Master Pye died in RL last week. When I found out it was numbing.

I have so many memories of my friend Pye. Rambunctious days on OIP. Blue's office hours, him standing next to the big office chair. Many a Mentor meeting. He was a talented guy. Builder, innovator.
He sent me a picture of his RL office once. Talk about multitasking.

Master Pye was a great Mentor. More patient than a saint. Able to leap tall HIs in a single hop.
He was a Master.
Goodbye old friend, your will live on in our memories and in every pond on SL.

His pond is available on xstreets as a freebie
http://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=1055633

Taking a Break

2008-11-19T20:57:00.003-05:00

After this weeks newbie sex craze I realized I had the flu. Well Jezzie told me I did.

After some denial and then a series of fevers I realized she was right.

So this week I am sitting in bed with a cup of tea watching the SciFi Channel while Till threatens to bite me, Tess warns me of not eating right, Sully tells me if I do not take better care of myself I will keel over, Cel tells me to stop being a knothead, Rails tells me to go back to bed and all of you wish me a speedy recovery.

I think after Burning Life I needed to spend some time resting and I just did not do that.

So on the wise and sage advise of many Mental Mentors and Many Mentor Wives and Many friends I am going to be resting up.

Thank you

You Never Know...

2008-11-09T10:57:00.006-05:00

In and around Mentorland I often hear a Mentor complain about another Mentor.
Some examples:

TypesB4 Thinks: don't ask that guy, ask someone who matters in the forums

NotNice Notever: I am here to complain about a notice. The person who sent it is unavailable but I am going to tell people outside of the group it was in all about it and the jerk who sent it anyway.

Minds URbusiness: I didn't like what she said even thought personally it is just my opinion but I am going to make sure I talk about how I disliked it to as many people as I can.

These are examples of how you get labeled a troublemaker. These are also examples of how you make an impression on other people in a negative manner. Assumption is never your friend in this manner. Nonconstructive criticism is never going to be taken as good advise. It is going to bring negativity to the table every time.

You should never assume everyone understands your point of view. You should't talk about another Mentor in public text or group IM in a negative way. Try and take all your disputes to IM.

One day you might need that person (who you found to be lacking) to help you out.

We all work as a team. When you step out of Tao and into being disrespectful you go to a place where you are not using teamwork.

How would you feel if someone "took you on" in public if you were not there?

What if it got reported to you that your ideas, thoughts, advise was called into question by a person without them giving you the opportunity of an IM to explain, clarify or even know you had an issue. What kind of teamwork is that?

The truth to the matter is this, if you participate in any of these types of actions you are doing yourself a disservice. You are not following our standards of Mentor communication and Tao. You may even polarize other people. If you dislike someone or what someone said, take it to the source, work it out with whomever the issue is with.

If you choose not to do this then you do not have the right in all fairness to take it to open forums of chat or public text. Take your opinions to IM and keep your negative assertions to those on your friends list or to yourself.

In these transitioning times for our group, we need to make an effort to work together and pull together.

If you choose to still behave in this manner don't be surprised if when you need help you do not get it. You will only have to recall that you put your pixel foot in your pixel mouth.

Be kind to each other!

Greeters Needed for Mentor Graduation Party

2008-11-06T17:32:00.003-05:00

We are in need of Greeters for the Mentor Graduation Party Scheduled for November 15th from 10am slt til 12midnight slt.

Greeters will welcome the Graduates and guests to the party and ensure that they know where to find things, and help to keep the party lively

You may sign up for more than one time slot. We are hoping to have at least 4 greeters per time slot. Make a copy of this blog page and return it as a notecard to Jezzie McCellan or myself.

****Remember all times are SL Time*****
10am to 12pm:

12pm to 2pm:

2pm to 4pm:

4pm to 6pm:

6pm to 8pm:

8pm to 10pm:

10pm to 12pm:

The Future of Mental Mentors

2008-11-01T08:41:00.003-04:00

Recently it was brought to my attention that rumors has been circulated after the Mentor Group renewal that Mental Mentors was closing. Rest assured that is not the case.

We did remove some inactive people from the group. Mental Mentors is not going away anytime soon. Regardless of change of mission or Greeter group or any amount of renewing

and refocusing, Mental Mentors will go on.

Rails and I have worked very hard over the last nine months to bring a stress free zone for Mentors. It has never been easy. I never thought it would be. Keeping everyone fair and balanced when everyone was over 800 people was a large task in short order.

In the process I learned a great deal about others and myself. I also learned that loyalty and respect are words until people demonstrate those ideals.

I have argued, begged and pleaded with some of you. I have asked of you what was necessary to keep the group whole and cohesive. Some of you have risen above what can often seem unfair or biased and have been loyal and respectful even thought you did not always agree. Some of you agreed to disagree. Some of you told me the hell off. Some of you left MM.

All of these transitions are never easy. I would like to thank you if you chose to help me and abide by what Rails and I decided. I also want to thank those who chose to agree to disagree, often that is something that keeps us united but with our own views intact.

Lastly I would also like to thank those who decided that they needed to leave MM because it was not where or what they wanted to be and they were smart enough to know their limitations and not stay where they did not want to be and would not be happy.

I fully support the decisions made by the co-owner of MM, Rails Bailey. Before there was the helm of MM there was Rails, my friend. We would shoot the breeze about life, liberty and the pursuit of Mentoring.

During the great MM spam war of 2007 Rails left MM. I went to him and said come on back and luckily he did. I went to get Rails back because I just could not imagine the chaos and the craziness in MM without him. Obviously JayJay thought so too.

Everyone has friends in their SL. I have been real lucky in that I have friends that understand loyalty and respect.

There may come a time in MM when I or Rails ask you to put aside an argument, topic or some issue. We might ask you that because we feel it is not good for the group. You might disagree. Please try and remember that what Rails and I do is never easy. Some days it is very not easy. The stewardship of MM is big and diverse and takes up a lot of time and energy.

Try and use your loyalty and respect and at the least agree to disagree.

MM is a family and all of you are part of it. Sometimes in families you have to look at the

(Star Trek reference) good of the many versus the good of the few.

Corny I know but very true.

All things are not always easy to negotiate. I learn that more and more these days. Sometimes you just have to go with what is good for the many. I often will err on the side of being prudent.

I am sorry if that is not popular but it is loyal and respectful.

Thank you all for being part of my family and for your support.

SL Forum and Negative People

2008-10-28T22:59:00.005-04:00

I often try to keep my blog positive. Today I was sorry to have to read the SL forums
http://forums.secondlife.com/showthread.php?t=289874&page=1&pp=15
the above post made me very not happy. Why? The people who posted to it did it to harm 1700 other people. To demean the work of so many people because you did not remain active enough in a group to read your notices and renew your Mentor tag is just selfish beyond reason.

I encourage you, no I implore you to take the positive side. Go to forums and answer negative attacks with all the style and patience of a Second Life Mentor. Kill the rumors and negative attacks with resources, facts and solutions. Do not feed into their negative vent. That is how they win. I also invite you to take any negative rumors or accusations to the horse's mouth. If someone states a rumor that you know is untrue, verify it! Use your resources, IM a Coach or a Buddy or a Vteam member.

The people who spun that load of crap on the forums were aiming for us. Their aim is weak. Too bad we are prepared with facts and the many resources that all SL residents have at their disposal.

Lastly I want to thank you for all your hard work and efforts. For being on HIs, WAs and Infohubs. For taking time out of your Second Life to make time for people who just need a little support. You are exceptional people one and all. You didn't deserve those attacks. The people who did that were just plain wrong.

Good Mentoring!

Graduation Party Planning

2008-10-23T19:05:00.005-04:00

Monday is the planning meeting for the graduation 10 am SLT at Center Stage.

If you would like to participate please join us.

JIRA Hijinx

2008-10-21T23:12:00.003-04:00

http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/MISC-1728

Have some fun with it. The issue has been resolved. It is just for amusement.

Gesture Project Deadline Extended Till Monday Oct 20

2008-10-17T05:59:00.004-04:00

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Gesture_Project
The deadline for submissions has been extended to MONDAY October 20th so if you have any entries drop them on a committee member listed on the wiki entry. This is a great time for you to enter a gesture you find helpful or fun. Have a look. Come on people look over your gestures and throw some good ones this way.

If You Did Not Renew Your Mentor Tag and Need a Help Group

2008-10-15T00:07:00.004-04:00

If you did not renew your Mentor Tag and have been removed from the Mentor group, please see Rails Bailey or myself as soon as you can.
We can get you into a Help Group (SAM or Help People) while you wait for applications to open again.
If you are upset or angry please IM us and we will try and help you as best we can. If you need to speak to a Vteam member please do so.
Rails and I will always be around to help any of you at any time. Just IM us.

An Open Letter to the Upset Mentor in my IM Box

2008-10-09T16:40:00.009-04:00

Dear Upset Mentor,

It is truly nice to talk to you. Thank you for only IMing me when you are really ticked off.
I wish we could have said three words to each other when things were nicer. Maybe had a nice discourse on the Help Islands or what you thought of a Wiki entry. But you did not give me the courtesy of a baseline conversation and now you are in my IM box losing your mind in 2000 words or less.

I am all about helping other mentors. I am very pro mentor and pro resident. So I am going to be courteous and read this small novella you are typing to me. What I am going to do is try and figure out which one thing needs attention first.
In the meantime, while you type away, I am going to list off some things I have wanted to mention to you about IM messages and common courtesy.

Doc this is all screwed up! is not how you say hello.
You are a giant butthole!!!! is not how you get my attention.
Rails told me to IM you, doesn’t tell me why.

If anything as Mentors, we should know how to IM someone. If you are not in a chat group at the time of the need to contact someone, please remember to say hello. If you are talking to someone in a chat group then you do not have to say hello because a conversation is already in progress.

If you are angry or upset over something someone said, do not take it out on the person you go to for help. This is a matter of focusing and trying to find solutions if you have IMed me. It is not about unloading your frustration on me and making me into the target. That doesn’t help anyone.

Issuing threats in an IM is a TOS violation, DO NOT do it!!!!
MUTE is your friend!
Just because someone is saying something that hurts you does not mean you have to listen.
You do not have to like everyone but you have to be courteous to them as it states in the Tao.

Not everyone thinks before they open their mouth, unfortunately, and sometimes they put their foot in it. Learning to know when to say nothing and walk away is a great skill. It can be your skill as well.

This has been a hard week for us all. Mentors not renewing and being removed. The group being cleaned up and our roles in the volunteer program changing. Change is something that in SL and RL happens. As with any other challenge we will all work together through the difficult patches.

The volunteer email list is not the place to air these issues. If you have been removed from the mentor group, do not email 2000 people to tell them about it. If you have any questions about your removal go directly to the source and IM a Vteam member.

Emailing 2000 people to tell them about how you think the renewal should have been run and your thoughts on it also not good. IM the Vteam and tell them. You need to speak directly to the source.

If you are upset, by all means, IM me and tell me what I can do to help you. Just try and communicate effectively. I know you know how.

If You Did Not Renew Your Mentor Tag (or Know Someone Who Did Not)

2008-10-06T21:27:00.006-04:00

Please check the following Wiki entry for instructions

http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Membership_Renewal

The Mentor Program renewals ended Sept 30th. If you did not renew please do not panic.

If you are removed and still want to be part of a group IM Rails or myself and we will find you

a group to join till enrollment opens back up.

Burning Life Update!

2008-10-03T19:22:00.003-04:00

The Man burns Saturday Oct. 4th @ 3:30am SLT & 6pm SLT!

http://burninglife.secondlife.com/

Come down to Berlin Or Tokyo Stages
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life%20(Hyper)/124/124/0
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life%20(Roadkill)/17/240/25
and visit Rails and myself and all the Mentor Volunteers.

Burning Life This Week

2008-09-28T13:03:00.004-04:00

For those who have not heard Burning Life (previously Burning Man) is going on thru October 5th. http://burninglife.secondlife.com/
This a long time SL tradition. It is interesting and shows more talent in one place than you can shake a stick at.
List of Events
http://burninglife.secondlife.com/events/list

Enjoy your Second Life.

Monthly Mentor Meeting Friday

2008-09-24T13:47:00.004-04:00

Make sure you make it to one of the Monthly Mentor meetings Friday.
If you have never been to a Monthly Mentor meeting now is a good time to start.

Times are 10 am and 5 pm SLT respectively.

Come Join us at SLVI http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL%20Volunteer%20Island%20W/232/24/0

Got Fleebies?

2008-09-20T23:41:00.005-04:00

Do you have something that Mentors can give to new residents? A freebie item that you want to share at the Mentor Fleebie Market?
Vteam has put out a call for items. See http://vteamblog.com/2008/09/15/slvi-freebie-store-needs-new-showcase-items/
Drop by the Fleebie Market at SLVI and take a look
http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL%20Volunteer%20Island%20S/212/42/22
Fleebies is a pay it forward, long standing SL tradition. Let's help keep that tradition alive.

On Disagreeing with Other Mentors

2008-09-16T11:46:00.007-04:00

Recently it was brought to my attention that another Mentor disagreed with how some Mentors were actually mentoring, acting, behaving, talking.
One of the things that ensures that we all are on the same page is the Tao http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Tao_of_Volunteers as well as the TOS/CS.
As long as someone adheres to the Tao and is polite and respectful to others; we as Mentors should agree to disagree aka acknowledge each others styles and preferences.

My SL is all about Mentor education and training. I have spent the majority of my SL time helping, assisting, instructing and teaching. Your SL time might not be the same as mine, therefore your results may vary as to your participation or degree of commitment to whatever project you get involved with.

There should never be competition in the Mentor group. It is not necessary and I personally frown upon this behavior. It is not necessary. You can be a part the same as anyone else, volunteer for committees, be a Coach or Buddy, Greet or jump on any HI at any time just like any other mentor. The formula for Mentor success is participation not competition.

If you see a more active Mentor that you want to emulate, why not just ask them to allow you to join in their committees or activities? Everyone can be a part there is so much to do as a Mentor in SL. I spend a great amount of time recruiting Mentors to join this committee or that project and there is always room for more people to help out.
If you want to suggest a project or have an idea about the Mentor program why not take a trip to SLVEC and drop it in the suggestion box? http://slurl.com/secondlife/SLVEC/185/171/22
The Vteam reads all suggestions.

To walk around exclaiming how others are at fault or are involved in things you do not agree with is just not the right way. It is negative and creates animosity.

If you have a problem with the Vteam or if another Mentor is not following the Tao you should follow the process and talk to the Vteam. If the person(s) you are not happy with due to creative differences are not breaking the Tao/TOS/CS in any way, then you need to walk away and go live your SL your own way. You will not agree with everyone. They might not agree with you.
The Mentor program has room for everyone no matter what their style of Mentoring is.
But, if you cannot agree to disagree, I think the Mentor program is not for everyone and it may not be for you. You may want to start your own Help Group and make your own rules. It is a free grid.

Happy Mentoring!

The Week of Learning Sept 12-18

2008-09-13T03:07:00.005-04:00

Starting today is the "Week" of Learning. A whole week so that Mentors and students who can't make it on weekends have the opportunity to take part.
Take a look at https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mainland_Mentor_Coaches_Class_Schedule

Also, Check out http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Weekend_of_Learning

See Simon Kline if you need any direction or have any questions.

Been on the new Help Islands? Do a survey!

2008-09-10T18:50:00.004-04:00

Been to a new Help Island?

Please fill out this survey to help Vteam with Help Island feedback.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fIOeG4YbRpUj1hsMlWR_2fig_3d_3d

Let's share our experiences.

I Dig Image and Text Generators

2008-09-04T23:35:00.007-04:00

The rumors are true. I got on the cover of Wired.
You can get your own cover as well.

http://www.magafake.com/

I think it is as funny as a bigfoot sighting. Someone call Leonard Nimoy.

Have some fun with it!

Mentor Projects Currently Going On

2008-09-02T12:19:00.004-04:00

Here is a list of new and recent projects which you mind want to browse at your leisure.

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Membership_Renewal

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Inventor_Convention

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mentor_Greeter_Infohub_Test

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Community_Translation_Project

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Success_Story_Reports

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Group_Pipeline_and_Potential_Plans

Once I get focused again, after a nice relaxing weekend, I will talk about a few of them in more detail.

How to Renew Your Mentor Tag

2008-08-27T09:40:00.005-04:00

This just in from Vteam blog http://vteamblog.com/ and the Volunteer Portal http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Membership_Renewal

You have to renew your Mentor tag.

How do I do that?
Go to:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Y9Fn7Q2NdZQgObD1ljY7Cw_3d_3d

When is this due?

The Renewal Program begins August 26th, 2008 and the cutoff date is September 30th, 2008.

Who has to do this?

EVERYONE who wants to still be a Mentor after September 30th, 2008.

Why do we have to do this?

Go and read the Vteam blog so I can stop all this typing.

Mentor Meeting this Friday and Possible Rumored Topics

2008-08-24T00:37:00.006-04:00

It is rumored that at the Mentor meeting this Friday (Aug 26 10 am and 5 pm slt) there will be new requirements to become a Mentor announced. New Mentor applications have been closed for a short time. When I asked about it I was told there might be a new requirement being announced soon.
I have some ideas based on conversations at George's office hour what direction this may be taking.
Testing is one issue that may be on the menu. Will the testing be for just the Apprentice Mentors or all of us that I cannot say.
Tune in Friday for what sounds like a change in direction and a raising of the bar.

A useful link to give to your friends to study for this proposed test is http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Basic_Questions_and_Answers_for_Volunteer_Candidates

I will not be posting for a week in hopes that I can get some much needed downtime.
I wish all fellow Americans a great Labor Day weekend and to the rest of you, Happy Mentoring!

SecondAbility Mentors

2008-08-20T15:02:00.005-04:00

Have you heard about SecondAbility Mentors aka SAM? Let me tell you some things about the group.

The founders of the group are three great people, Saxet Uralia, Charles Mountain and Avignon Beaumont.

Who are SecondAbility Mentors (SAM)?
People interested in helping persons with disabilities join the Second Life community.

What do SecondAbiltity Mentors do?
The mission of the SecondAbility Mentors group is to provide training for dedicated volunteers on how to appropriately assist real-life individuals with disabilities as they gain entrance into and explore Second Life.

In addition, trained SecondAbility Mentors provide encouragement and assistance with a wide variety of issues that residents with disabilities may encounter, including understanding in-world behaviors and overcoming technical issues to the degree possible.

SecondAbility Mentors also provide referral services to residents in helping them find the most appropriate on-going groups and services that will, in turn, support them in overcoming or coping with their particular disabilities as they continue with their Second Life experiences.

How do SecondAbility Mentors differ from Second Life Mentors?
While it takes great patience to be a Second Life Mentor, this will be even more important for the SecondAbility Mentors. Residents with disabilities will have a wide variety of assistive devices and applications to help them with the use of their computers. Often they will type slower and the orientation period will take longer. With these points in mind we are looking for residents with a passion to help those who can be a wonderful asset to our community.

How can I find out more about the SecondAbility Mentors?
Visit our wiki page at: https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/SecondAbility_Mentors for more information or contact one of the founding officers inworld.

More info and links:

Virtual Ability http://slurl.com/secondlife/Virtual%20Ability/128/128/23

SecondAbility Mentor Code of Conduct Wiki http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/SecondAbility_Mentors_Code_of_Conduct

SecondAbility Membership Agreement Wikihttp://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/SecondAbility_Mentors_Membership_Agreement

Complete the agreement http://www.secondabilitymentors.org/agree.cfm

Under Construction:http://sites.secondabilitymentors.org/

If you think you can be an asset to the group follow the directions and sign up or IM any of the Officers; Saxet, Charles and Avignon for more info.

Great Idea and Glad I could help spread the word!

The Mentor Fleebie Market

2008-08-18T04:11:00.003-04:00

After much work our "Fleebie Market" has been opened on SLVI http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL%20Volunteer%20Island%20S/180/72/21
This is a real resource for Mentors and a gift from us to us.
If you have not taken a moment to stop by and shop, please come take a look.
Also if you have any items to share; check out the store guidelines
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Volunteer_Freebie_Store_Guidelines

Happy Mentoring!

The New Help Islands

2008-08-13T10:09:00.005-04:00

The new Help Islands are up and running. To find them please go to Map and type in Help Island. They are numbered 200- 230. Some old type still appear. Also the Orientation Islands are gone (about time) and we now have to try to do our volunteering in just the HI format.

If you have any feedback please leave your ideas here.

I like the new HI concept and have been spending some time there getting a feel for the new Freebie board there and the mood of the new people coming into the area. So far it looks good.

You read the book, now see the movie

2008-08-10T00:24:00.002-04:00

Code made this great video. Azriahl Hax's song is a great tune. Enjoy!

Rezz Day Party Recap

2008-08-09T01:15:00.003-04:00

I had a great time at my 4th Rezzday Party. I have a better and bigger party each year.
Thank all of you for making it great. Over 100 of you came by to visit and wish me well. I am very lucky to have such great friends. Mentors and non mentors alike came by to shake a tail feather and enjoy the 12 hours (OMG!) of music and mayhem.
I am flattered and humbled, thank you all!

My 4th Rezzday and friends

2008-08-07T08:45:00.003-04:00

When someone has a Rezzday or Rezziversary I usually give a gift of some sort. My friend Rails, he built me the Playboy Mansion SL style. I have my own Rails edition Playboy mansion currently located at my Rezzday Party location http://slurl.com/secondlife/FairChang%20Expo/96/75/24
Make sure you come by and take a look at this great gift from my friend.

The theme for tomorrow's party is Playboy Mansion. Blatantly.

On my 4th Rezzday which is today I have a small message. One that is as true today as it was on day 1 of SL for me. It is what you make of it.
For me these last 4 years have been all about meeting people, experiencing the grid and all it has to offer and last but not least, service. When something is as great and wondrous as this community we have helped forge, one feels the need to be a part.
So there it is folks, my message of the day. Enjoy, and be a part.

Cya at the party!!! (tomorrow 1 PM SLT till everyone logs the hell off)

REZZday Party info

2008-08-06T11:22:00.004-04:00

Rezzday party will be from 1 pm slt till we all log out.
The Friday night protest will be at Fairchang Expo at 7 pm SLT
http://slurl.com/secondlife/FairChang%20Expo/96/75/24

Drop by and say Hi!

Reminder: Vteam Blog New Coach Reqs and Q&A with Blue Monday

2008-08-03T23:11:00.005-04:00

http://vteamblog.com/2008/07/31/coaches-20-begins-tomorrow/

Monday, August 4, 2008 at 2pm SL Time there will be a Q&A session with Blue Linden about the changes coming related to the Orientation Islands and the future of the new user experience. http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL%20Volunteer%20Island%20W/249/12/35

Rezzday Bash Friday August 8th

2008-07-30T08:31:00.006-04:00

Its almost time for my 4th rezziversary/rezz day. I have been very fortunate and my dear friends Pituca and Garth Fairchang have lent me the use of Fairchang Expo. I am most humbled by this kind gift. Fairchang Expo is a lovely sim. Thank you so much Pituca and Garth!!!

Please join me on Friday August 8th (time yet to be determined) at http://slurl.com/secondlife/FairChang%20Expo/96/75/24

Bring your friends, your partners and anyone who wants to meet someone who has been on SL for 4 years.

It should be a great time.

I cannot believe it has been 4 years!

I know everyone says that.

For any info about the party IM Rails Bailey or myself.

Thanks for making my SL great.

The Bad Tempered Former Mentor

2008-07-24T19:40:00.008-04:00

We all have met someone like this. A former Mentor who has issues with the Vteam. Has issues with the Mentor Program. Has issues with Second Life. Cannot ever be pleased, appeased or learn when to just find something that makes them happy and move on.
In my Mentor career I have met loads of this kind of person. My advise to you is to be kind but be firm! If you are negative with them, they win. They want to turn you off on Mentoring. The "misery loves company"!

The bad tempered former Mentor is also a real hit with the rest of the SL community. Bringing joylessness, discord and divisiveness wherever they go. To other LL employees, office hours, SL5B, Welcome Areas and any place they can go to spout their junk.

They are going to have to Google their own name and read the blogs about the crap they perpetuated. They are going to have to fight with everyone they know just to be right. They are going to have to hang out on the Vteam blog and reconstruct a group and the groups activities they no longer are involved with. They cannot move on. Feel bad for them? I know I do.

Again my advise to you is not to sink to their level. Do not get into it with them. It is a "hi" and "bye" situation.

The bad tempered former Mentor is not going to change. Nothing you can say can get them focused enough to realize that what they are saying sucks and is not being said for you but for them to try and justify why they are no longer a Mentor. I am glad people like this are not Mentors anymore. We don't need them, we don't want them and we can only hope they find something in Second Life they enjoy.

Remember your Tao of Volunteers, wish them well and then hold up standards. Ones they cannot even begin to understand.

Happy Mentoring! (or not)

Re: Updated Mentor Roles Update

2008-07-23T17:25:00.003-04:00

From Vteam blog:

Mentor Group Roles
Second Life Mentors group has thousands of members and numerous roles to help Mentors participate in specialized areas of help. The Second Life Apprentice group offers roles for Mentors as well. These roles have their own wiki pages that offer in depth information and a sign up link. Mentors are added to roles about once a week so please allow that length of time to be added.
Please note: Roles are available to you once are accepted into the official Second Life Mentors group. Apprentice Mentors are not eligible yet.
Mentor Coach
This Coach role within the Mentors group is for Mentors to help other Mentors learn skills. Classes vary and are basic to advanced sessions. Please look over the classes offered and attend one if you want! The information about being a Mentor Coach as well as the Classes Offered page can be found on Mentors Teaching Mentors and Volunteer Sponsored Classes wiki pages.
Mentor Buddies
This role is for experienced Mentors to help guide newer Mentors with advice, tips and general issues related to volunteering.If you would like to find a buddy: Look in the Buddy Shop area of SLVEC. Look for an online Mentor Buddy and send them an IM. If they are available to be your Mentor Buddy..you are all set! If you are interested in this role please read here: SL Volunteer Mentor Buddies
Mentor Linguists
As Second Life grows, its resident pool becomes more diverse. To accommodate changes such as the expansion of languages used, Second Life Mentors has a specific role set up called Linguists. Linguists offer language specific assistance on the Help Islands, OI’s, in IM. Some Linguists also translate public wiki pages into their native language. Translation Project . If you are bilingual and are interested in the Linguist role in Second Life Mentors please read here: SL Volunteer Mentor Linguists
Mentor Scribes
Mentor Scribes are well-versed, seasoned volunteers within the group who are willing to be contacted directly by other volunteers for assistance in writing, wiki development, and wiki collaboration. This is entirely an opt-in role and may bear extra responsibility, but for many of you who are already wiki smart, this role will grant you acknowledgment for your contributions.
If you would like to be in the Mentor Scribe role please read more here: SL Volunteer Mentor Scribes
Mentor Greeters
Mentor Greeters are WA, OI and HI specialists. They are the welcomers, nurturers and helpers. Though they specialize in those four places, it’s only because there are more new residents to be found there, but this is also the role for those mentors who welcome people from their back yards. Greeters may also participate in A/B testing conducted by various Lindens when the need arises. Read more about this role here: SL Mentor Greeters
Second Life Mentor Apprentice Group Roles
Experienced Second Life Mentors may want to take on an optional role in the Apprentice group. This group is dedicated to helping eligible residents get ready to be approved Second Life Mentors through classes and Buddy shadowing.
Apprentice Buddies
Apprentice Mentors are required to receive a voucher from an Apprentice Buddy in order to be placed into the Second Life Mentors group. The role of Apprentice Buddy in the Mentor Apprentices group is made up of volunteers from the official Mentor group. These Buddies are able to offer ’shadowing experiences’ to Apprentices to provide a layer of experience prior to entering the official Mentor group. Once the shadowing experience is completed, the Apprentice Buddy sends a voucher to VTeam reflecting the Apprentice’s completion of the shadowing experience. The Apprentice Buddy role is an entirely opt-in role offered to Buddies within the official Mentor group.
Please note: This role is only available to official Mentors who are already in the Buddy role. Read more here: Buddy Shadowing
OCoaches
Apprentice Mentors are required to attend one orientation session in order to be placed into the Second Life Mentors group. The role of OCoach in the Mentor Apprentices group is made up of volunteers from the official Mentor group. These OCoaches are able to offer a one hour session that will give a wealth of information, guidance, and links to volunteer resources. OCoaches may also do these sessions in languages other than English. Please read here: OCoach Information

Outstanding Mentors of the Quarter

2008-07-22T21:59:00.005-04:00

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Outstanding Mentors for the second quarter of 2008.

Arian Writer
Jezzie McCellan
Scotts Winkler
Simon Kline
Till Pierce
Valorster Beaumont

and me

You can help recognize your fellow Mentors. Every quarter you have the ability to nominate an Outstanding Mentor. Keep an eye on notices and the Vteam blog for when nominating begins.

Thanks for all your hard work!

Mental Mentors

2008-07-19T22:54:00.003-04:00

As we go into Summer 2008 Mental Mentors is at over 850 members strong. I look forward to having by Winter time over 1,000 Mental Mentors. We are a resource and a place to go to kick back and be a Mentor with other Mentors. If you need advise, help, some people to hear you out, we are there for that.

With 100 new Mentors being added per week, we should be well on our way to recruit in some more interesting people into our group.

If you know of a new Mentor who you feel likes spam, chat and the company of other Mentors, holler out to them to ask for an invitation. Any MM officer can invite or Rails and I are always available for invite requests or questions.

Update New Coach and Buddy Role Requirements

2008-07-16T10:39:00.005-04:00

After meeting with George Linden this week we were informed that there will be new requirements for all Mentor Coaches and Buddies in order to retain the role.

For Coach role please read this updated Wiki entry http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Mentor_Coaches

For Buddy role the following was discussed; Mentor Buddies may have to do a Buddy Speech to retain title and Apprentice Buddies will have to do a Shadowing experience to retain role.

This will most likely be a topic at next week's Monthly Mentor meeting
Friday, July 25- 10AM SL Time, SLVI Center Stage
5PM SL Time, SLVI Center Stage

If this topic is important to you might be worth dropping in and giving Vteam some feedback.

Review-Abuse Reporting/Calling for a Linden

2008-07-12T22:08:00.005-04:00

Recently the Mentor channel has been full of Abuse Report chat and calling for a Linden.
Since we have new folks again joining our ranks, I decided to go back over these subjects.

Abuse reporting is a ticketed system. There are more elements then the actual violation that has occurred. The area the violation is reported from is an element. Filing an AR as soon as you decided TOS/CS has been broken is the quickest way to have the issue(s) addressed. The Gteam Lindens work the ticketed system from "filed" tickets. If you see a violation of the Terms of Service or Community Standards, REPORT IT!

When you go to Orientation we tell you not to "call for a Linden" in the group channel/chat.

The reason we tell you this is because Lindens do not monitor the chat and cannot use it to respond as (read the above paragraph) they work off a ticketed response/support system for matters of Abuse and Support.

This allows Linden employees to keep track of what they are responding to. Which allows tracking of report issues of abuse and support.

Report ARs if you see them. Do not call for a Linden in the group channel.

If you have any questions please find a Mentor Buddy (including myself) and we would be glad to further clarify the quickest ways to get the assistance you need.

Happy Mentoring.

Mentor Past or How I Started Mentoring in a Virtual World

2008-07-07T17:18:00.007-04:00

My first virtual world was not Second Life. It was There. I arrived all newbied and ready to go.I wandered around There looking at the sites and meeting up with people. I went to parties and danced like a robot. One day I had questions and I met Alliez. That was over 4 years ago.

One day in Second Life I saw someone in group chat answer a question. This person was also named Alliez. Coincidence? I IMed her and sure enough it was Alliez from There. Alliez Mysterio was my Mentor from There. She ran a group called Newbie Haven. I became a Newbie Haven helper and Alliez recruited me. I spent the majority of my time wandering around the newbie areas helping people out in There. Alliez left There and moved on to SL and shortly there after so did I and some of my friends. The rest is SL history.

Whenever I see Alliez it takes me back to my Mentor past. At closing speeches for SL5B I saw her standing near the podium. I IMed and said hi. It was great to chat with her and catch up on her Second Life.

Thanks for being my Mentor Alliez!

Go out and be inspirational!!

Mentor Future Mentor Past

2008-07-03T17:23:00.006-04:00

Ever summer my rezzday approaches. Every year when it draws near I take some time and evaluate where I have been in Second Life and where I am going.

Each year I am a Mentor the Volunteer roles take on new meaning and added dimensions. Often people ask me, "Doc is the Mentor program still worth your time?" I always say "YES!" If you walked a mile in my avatar's shoes you would have seen something evolve that continues to bring me back again and again.

Our roles in the Mentor program have never been more exciting and collaborated.
In the future we can expect for the Mentor program to be expanded to include new roles and new goals.

When I talk to our Vteam about the possibilities for our involvement in the future of Second Life, we often wax nostalgic. Remember when... The goals of the past set the stage for the goals of the future. Our collective experiences in Second Life inspire us to want to go out in the community and spread our good will and knowledge to those who will benefit from it.

So as my rezzday approaches I am glad to be here with all of you. Let's show our enthusiasm out there in the community. We are truly examples of the great experience that can be had in the Second Life Community. We should be proud of our work and our Second Lives.

Happy 4th!

Big Bear Alert!

2008-07-01T11:38:00.003-04:00

Mia Linden has made a HUGE SL5B Bear. If there were not a reason to go to SL5B already there is now. You can buy this huge bear for 0L at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Second%20Life%20Birthday/9/65/23
We protested the huge bear and got a little crazy on Sunday.
When you get your bear IM Mia and tell her what a great job she did.
Tell her she is beary good!

Mentor Group Roles

2008-06-27T08:23:00.004-04:00

http://vteamblog.com/mentor-group-roles/

Vteam has kindly posted what our group roles definitions are.
I am in a number of Mentor roles and I wear a lot of hats. Many of you do too.

I am glad we all can wear these hats to help each other and other residents.

I look forward to more Mentor roles.

If you need any info about becoming a Mentor Buddy, OCoach/Apprentice Buddy, Coach or Greeter please IM me.

I would be glad to assist you with choosing a role or several of them.

Happy Mentoring!

SL5B Report

2008-06-24T09:55:00.003-04:00

I have been working security and being a tourist around SL5B since Monday when it opened.

Every year this event is a unique look inside the resident created content in SL.

Thanks this year go to fellow Mentors Shoshana Epsilon, Evie Fairchild, SignpostMarv Martin, Misty Rhodes and Will Webb.

Special thanks to Dusty Linden, Meghan Dench and Trinity Coulter.

If you have not found the SL5B Linden Bear, it is located at http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL5B%20Rezzed/128/128/0

A list of events is available here http://creator.zoho.com/showViewLinkAlone.do?viewlinkId=8&link=true&sharedBy=dustylinden

Don't miss out on this piece of SL history. You have till July 7th to come on down and view your community and meet residents you may not otherwise get a chance to meet.

Discover SL!

Abuse Report Chat update

2008-06-21T11:42:00.003-04:00

The Vteam blog has now stated Mentor policy on AR chat in the official groups.

Please read it over at http://vteamblog.com/2008/06/19/mentor-groups-hot-topic-question-help-with-abuse/#more-171

The new directive states "we would like to request further that issues of abuse not be brought to the Mentor or Mentor Q&A channel"

It is now very plain that it is not a Mentor chat topic and SL Mentor chat and Q&A are not places for that topic.

I have spoken on this for some time as to why I thought it was not a good place to have that topic and related chat. Now it is the policy. There are many resources to discuss AR/TOS/CS and the official chats are not those resources. Please read the Vteam blog and get up to date information on what you should do if you have a AR urgent topic to discuss.

SL5B

2008-06-18T18:45:00.003-04:00

SL5B is the Second Life 5th Birthday Celebration.

http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/06/17/less-than-a-week-before-sl5b/

Panels & Keynote Speeches http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Week_2_Confirmed

Keep checking the SL Blog for updates on events and important information. SLBs are always a great look at what residents are up to. I make sure to get there every year.

Mentors have been asked to be greeters and crowd "rangers" for the two week period.

If you wish to work the event please IM me in world.

See you there-

Uncle Doc Wants You AKA Recruit Your Friends

2008-06-14T15:23:00.006-04:00

In the hustle and flow of Mentoring in your second life you know people who are your "go to" people. Cannot find a script person, cannot figure out how to debug person, desktop issue person. You know them, you trust them, you use them often. These people never let you down. They are not Mentors. Why?

If you know talented people who are not Mentors why not recruit them. The Mentor group can always use more talented people. It is very likely that as a talented Mentor yourself you know lots of talented and skilled residents. We often see people who we think would be a good fit.
It is time for you to reach out to those people and get them pumped about the Mentor program.

I have been recruiting Mentors for a long time. Some of you have heard my speeches, my tag lines, have been on the other end of my fishing for avatars. It is easy to ask people to be a part. What could they say? No?

Why OIP is not a great place to be

2008-06-11T01:49:00.004-04:00

I normally make my mind up about certain areas based on what I see and hear. What I have seen and heard on OIP (Orientation Island Public) is not good. My opinion on it is not a secret. It has well gone past the point of being useful and is now just a dinosaur.

It is often populated with griefy people. Not so much griefers but residents acting badly. They are squatters to the island. They seek to share their boredom and dissatisfaction with others that are there. The bad part is who is there are new people trying to make use of OIP and Mentors.

Today I was there untagged to observe some of the vocal minority of the island dwellers. They were a large bundle of crazy and loud. Very distracting and obviously not using the island as it was intended.

I often tell Vteam about the atmosphere at OIP. If you work there or have been there and you agree with me, drop a note in the suggestion box on SLVEC and speak up about the OIP issue.

The sooner this issue gets addressed, the sooner a plan to revitalize that area can start.

Meet a TG Mentor

2008-06-08T00:05:00.003-04:00

Many times I have been asked about the Teen Grid. Well as you know, none of us can go on the TG. There is an exceptional young person on the TG. He has a photostream on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielvoyager/ that has many pics of the TG on it. He is a TG Mentor and will soon be coming to the Main Grid and hopefully be a strong addition to the Mentor group here.
Members of the Vteam, Gteam and former residents of the TG talk to me about young Daniel. They say good things about the future MG resident. If you are on Facebook reach out and friend him. It is often a big transition to leave teen friends and move onto the MG with us. Hopefully we can reach out and make his transition easier.

Mentorfolk meet Daniel Voyager. http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/User:Daniel_Voyager
Keep your eyes open for him sometime in December.

Know your Lindens

2008-06-04T00:48:00.006-04:00

Often someone says, "I need the Linden who handles ....(insert function here), Do you know who that is?" Often I say, "Check the Wiki."
After many requests I am posting the link so you can bookmark it yourselves. http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_Roles
Get to know your Lindens.

Happy Mentoring!

6-7-08:The SL Blog today also was about this topic
http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/06/07/who-are-lindens-video-tip-of-the-week-37/
Take a look.

Abuse Reports and Mentors

2008-06-02T17:07:00.003-04:00

When dealing with Abuse reporting there is one certain fact, Mentors abuse report the same as everyone else. There is but one exception to this, when you are on an OI, HI or WA. Reports flagged from those areas are prompted to the top of the queue.

Often in the Mentor Chat, Q&A or just speaking with other Mentors I get the feeling that the newer Mentors feel we have some special ability to have people "banned" or "pull strings".

This just is not true. A Mentor may not cause people to be banned, or "pull strings" to get anyone banned. All abuse reports are sent to a Gteam member who checks the report to see what part of the TOS/CS it violates, if the report has merit it is acted upon.

What happens once you send an abuse report is then unknown. You can look on the police blotter aka Community Incident Report page http://secondlife.com/support/incidentreport.php is there for you to check what has generically happened to people who have not stayed within guidelines and/or have violated TOS/CS.

Reading this page can be frustrating because it often seems that you get a brief overview of the violation and see many different sentences for the same crime so to speak.

Daniel Linden speaks about this http://blog.secondlife.com/2006/09/19/a-seven-day-suspension-for-account-hacking-no-of-course-not/

I understand what he is saying. Linden Lab policy is not to ever divulge what happens after you abuse report, so don't ask and don't worry since you have no recourse and you will never find out.

I am going to tell you once again to take about 15 minutes and read the TOS/CS so you will know what is reportable and what is not. http://secondlife.com/corporate/tos.php
http://secondlife.com/corporate/cs.php

I often feel bad when I report something and my AR is "weak".

Why do you feel that way Doc?

Because someone on the Gteam has to spend their time investigating a "weak" report that may have little to no merit. They cannot flag it as actual abuse and it is cleared as such. The offender goes free and the time it took for me to report it and for it to be reviewed was not a means to an end.

When you are filing abuse reports make your report thorough.

Include all the information required.

Who? When? Where? What was the breach of TOS/CS? Include a pic, include text.

Double check your work before you hit the send button.

Suppose my AR doesn't fit in one box? Then use 2 or more, just make sure you note in the subsequent one this is part 2 and so on.

Copying text is for AR reports only!!!! You should only ever copy text if your reporting it for TOS/CS purposes or to the Vteam to explain something to them via notecard. To do so otherwise is a breach of TOS. You may find yourself being ARed.

I also find that there is way too much discussion of AR/TOS/CS in the Mentor Chat and Q&A.

If you need a sounding board for these kind of issues you should find a Mentor Buddy by using the Buddy Hut on SLVEC or by going to SL Mentor group and looking for Role "Buddy" and finding one online and ask them in IM about it.

Also Gteam has office hours and they would be glad to speak to you on When to AR, How to AR, What constitutes an AR, Matters of TOS/CS and all that jazz.

Congratulations to Rails and Till

2008-05-31T14:56:00.005-04:00

I was privileged enough to attend the wedding of my good friend Rails and his Bride Till this morning. I was both the Best Man (thank you sir) and I gave away the Bride (flattered).
The two happy, shiny, loyal people are Mentors and friends.

In my years on Second Life, I have been to many weddings. It is good to attend the partnership of two people you really care about. I was glad to share their day with them and be a part of their celebration.

The Bride was nervous and the Groom resolved to wed her, chain saw and all. Afterward I realized that I not only was pleased to see my friend get married but I now have a friend in his Second Life partner.

It was a great day for Mentors and friends alike.
To the Adorable Couple, Cheers!

The Tao of Volunteers is Your Responsibility

2008-05-26T23:10:00.004-04:00

Recently I have listened as fellow Mentors tell me about incidents of Non-Tao behavior from other Mentors. I have heard these stories, I have seen the text in Mentor Channel, Q&A and finally I have been IMed by another Mentor who acted uncharacteristically bad.

I always err on the side of what is prudent when conversing with other Mentors. Lead by example and do not try to discipline another Mentor. I often will comment however and tell someone who is in my IM that "Mentors do not talk to each other negatively or confrontational". It is unacceptable to me that a Mentor would act this way when from the time of Orientation they are told about The Tao of Volunteers http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Tao_of_Volunteers and repeatedly told of the consequences of not following them.

It is my belief that we can rise above those who cannot work together as a team and just chose to not deal with them rather than to allow their negativity to influence us. Conversely I believe that everyone deserves a chance to prove that they can be reasoned with. Once I have exhausted that possibility then I just chose to move on and not interact with them again.

So I feel it my responsibility as a Mentor and Mentor Educator to once again post the Consequences so they can be read. If you have questions or comments, please use the comment section here on this blog for an objective discussion in a non SL setting.

Consequences of Not Following Tao
The Mentor group has grown quite large and all members should be aware there are consequences to not following the Tao of Volunteers. Just as the Community Standards and TOS are the policies and rules of Second Life, the Tao is also the policy and rules of Second Life Volunteers.

Second Life Mentors who do not follow the Tao of Volunteers will be given one warning prior to removal from the Mentors group. Please be aware the decisions of the VTeam are final.

Examples of not following the Tao of Volunteers include but are not limited to:
Using the volunteer email list to air personal arguments/issues or negative opinions on individual Mentors or Lindens.

Aggressive unkind behavior towards new Mentors in channel. If you cannot express help in a productive, nice tone you should not express it in channel nor should you send a private IM to another Mentor to behave in an unacceptable manner.

Using the Mentor channel to seek a Linden to personally help you on issues that should be addressed via the website support area.

Using the Mentor title for intimidation/power purposes. Threats of "I know many Lindens so you better do this or that.." are not acceptable.

Please try and remember that you are in a large diverse group of people and not everyone is always going to see it "your" way. "Agree to Disagree" and walk away before anything gets "heated". My best advise to you is to err on the side of good judgement.

Happy Mentoring! (I mean it!!!)

The Buddy Panels and Shadowing Remote HUD

2008-05-23T11:36:00.005-04:00

Last night I got an IM from one of my favorite mentors, Skye Galileo. She said, "Shadowing HUD, do you know anything?" I did not. So I have to assume some of you do not know about it either.
This Wiki entry helps explain Buddy Panels, Shadowing Remote HUD and the associated functions. http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/User:Zai_Lynch/Buddy_Panel#Shadowing_Remote_HUD
Thanks To Moira Seelow for showing it to Skye and myself and Zai Lynch who works so hard on the Buddy Hut and Buddy Panels. **Also read about the Shadowing Remote HUD

George posted a Wiki link http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Apprentice_Buddy_Shadowing_Models_For_ABs_By_ABs
for us to go and leave some feedback. Please have a look over it and post anything you think would be beneficial for other Buddies in the Shadowing process.

Goodbye My Friend

2008-05-20T22:36:00.004-04:00

In Second Life we often lose friends in the real manner, they die. I recently learned of the death of a friend of mine from Ahern Welcome Area.

wo7 Zarf was someone who was a thinker, he was a artist and he was a good person.

In Second Life he loved to create and he liked to hang out at Ahern and talk with his friends.

His daughter in law made note to his profile so those looking for him could find out the news.
From his Second life profile:

WO was a wonderful, beautiful, talented man that I was so fortunate to have as my Father-in-law. He passed away Friday May 16th, 2008 at his home. He enjoyed SL very much for the past couple years. THANK YOU to everyone who he called friend!!!!

I knew w07 was chronically ill for a while. I can usually spot someone who is housebound. I asked him one day if he was homebound and he answered yes. He told me about his degenerating condition. Where his body was failing, his mind still was alive and thriving. Second Life was his adventure. He enjoyed every day in Second Life learning and creating.

I will miss you w07. You are one of my favorite Ahern people. That will never die.

Godspeed my friend. Rest in peace.

Second Life on TV Reminder

2008-05-14T02:18:00.000-04:00

Molotov Alva and His Second Life Odyssey see schedule http://www.cinemax.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?ACTION_DETAIL=DETAIL&FOCUS_ID=653186

Second Life on TV again

2008-05-11T15:05:00.002-04:00

FYI:
http://science.discovery.com/tv-schedules/series.html?paid=48.15383.30525.30716.5

The Science Channel, a Discovery Channel affiliate network, will be highlighting Second Life
Monday, May 12th 7PM SLT
Rise of the Videogame Level Five TV-PG (V)
Can a computer game make you cry? Games gain an emotional dimension, interpersonal connection, and Hollywood worthy story lines as they evolve and move onto the Web. What do these virtual world games tell us about the way we live in the 21st century?

Your Mentor Friends

2008-05-10T22:33:00.009-04:00

One of the best reasons to be a part of the Mentor program is the people.

Often while I am out mentoring, I see the hustle and flow of Help Island.

It is at these times that I think of a bit of prose.

This is a keeper and is especially dedicated to fellow Mentor Golan Eilde and to all my mentor friends who work tirelessly to make our world a beautiful place. Thank you

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity

and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann c.1920

Your inner person conveys when you are speaking to others, even in text.

When you are in a good frame of mind to mentor, your mentoring will be right on target.

When you do not feel that your frame of mind is where you would like it to be take the tag off and sit on the sidelines. You can always get back in the game later!

Happy Mentoring...

Orientation Classes Start Again Today!

2008-05-05T14:19:00.005-04:00

The Mentor Orientation Classes resumed today. Jezzie McCellan has the first group today at SLVEC. A nice group of enthusiastic Apprentices gathered in the classroom area to get their training.

If you teach classes this is a good time to get the new handouts and changes that George Linden has sent via notice in the Apprentice Group about the notecards used for Orientation but with a few additions/changes. Make sure to read the notecard entitled "Changes" which describes the changes made in detail. These are small changes. Any questions about the notecards can be directed to George.

Anyone interested in teaching Orientation please check the following links;

http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mentors_Teaching_Mentors

http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Classes_Offered_By_Mentors

This quarter the pace will not be as rapid as it was last quarter.

Shadowing is also going to be a large objective with the large amount of new Mentors we have.

If you are a Buddy Mentor and want to become an Apprentice Mentor please check out this link; http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/SL_Volunteer_Mentor_Buddies

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Buddy_Shadowing

We can always use more Buddy Mentor speakers at class. If you think you might be interested in being a speaker please IM a scheduled Mentor Coach and ask if you can help them out.

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mentor_Buddy_Guest_Speaker_Basics

Let's have a great quarter.

Molotov Alva and His Second Life Odyssey

2008-05-01T01:13:00.007-04:00

Moltov Alva's (known in RL as Douglas Gayeton) made for HBO documentary entitled, "Molotov Alva and His Search for the Creator: A Second Life Odyssey" premieres May 15th on Cinemax schedule here http://www.cinemax.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?ACTION_DETAIL=DETAIL&FOCUS_ID=653186

http://www.cinemax.com/videos/

http://www.molotovalva.com/
The much awaited premiere is a ground breaking cross platform from machinima to television. It is an exciting project and hopefully more talented people will be able to bring their work to the big screen in the future.

Volunteer Day Theme

2008-04-30T20:40:00.006-04:00

A hint was dropped on us via notice for Volunteer Day. It appears to be a Carnival.

Saturday, May 3rd, from 7:00AM - 12:00AM PST. Live Music and DJ entertainment from 10:00AM - 10:00PM.

http://vteamblog.com/2008/04/29/sl-volunteer-appreciation-day-2008/

I will say these events are always fun and we have a great time. You get to meet someone you never thought you would get to meet. You never know what name you recognize from Mentor chat might show up. The Vteam puts on a great show and my prediction for this year is they will attempt to out do themselves again.

Stay tuned for info on the SLVEC Awareness Scavenger Hunt which follows Volunteer Appreciation Day adding to the all Volunteer Weekend.

SLVEC Awareness Day and Scavenger Hunt

2008-04-27T19:23:00.005-04:00

We are having SLVEC Awareness Day with Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, May 4th right after Volunteer Appreciation Day starting at 12:01 AM SLT through 8 PM SLT.
Lots of goodies to be had!!

This event is open to all Mentors and Sponsored by SL Mentor Educators.

If you would like to donate items (some restrictions apply) or help out please contact myself, Rails Bailey, Contessa Marquez or Taryn London.

Orientations Start Back up May 5

2008-04-24T15:32:00.003-04:00

Newsflash SLVEC.... just received from Vteam...Mentors will be accepted into the Apprentice program and Orientation classes will resume on Monday, May 5th.

For those who have been Coaches and Orientation hosts the vacation is over.

For those who are Buddy Mentors dust off those speeches.

If you want to become an Orientation Host please sign up at-http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Mentors_Teaching_Mentors

Schedule of classes offered by Mentors is at-
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Classes_Offered_By_Mentors

Let's have a great quarter and as ever thank you for educating Mentors.

Monthly Mentor Meeting and Buddy Coach Talks with George

2008-04-23T12:07:00.006-04:00

Monthly Mentor meeting is this Friday, April 25th. Two times, at 10am SLT and 5PM SLT.
If you have never been to one now is your chance to come see what it is all about. Meet some other mentors.

On the agenda we have:

• Mentor applications open again.

• Buddy Shadowing - new apprentice requirement.

• Mainland Mentors Teaching

• Volunteer Appreciation Day Celebration!

• More Q & A's coming• ARs with Linden names - whats that about?

For Apprentice Buddies and Orientation Coaches,
For the next two weeks, George will be prioritizing shadowing and orientations as a topic at his office hours. Wednesdays, 11 AM SLT (Grasmere) & Fridays, 1pm SLT (SLVEC). These will be free form meetings that address your concerns and questions regarding everything 'shadowing and orientations' related. Coaches and Apprentice Buddies are encouraged to attend!

The Buddy Huts aka Buddy Call System

2008-04-21T22:10:00.011-04:00

Recently we have been discussing via the Volunteer email list about how to find information or someone when you need to ask a question on the fly. Your best and quickest answer is:

Welcome to the Buddy Center and the Stylish and functional Buddy Hut Call Center.

This is a nice system for calling a Buddy Mentor.

When you get to SLVEC and you TP over to the Buddy Center there stands a big set of huts.

Inside each one is the ability to call a Buddy Mentor several different ways.

Online notification (if a buddy is online their pic will show online)
Name Search (two huts: A-L and M-Z)
By profile pic

Make sure you talk to Jabber the Hut while you are there.

http://slurl.com/secondlife/SLVEC/98/45/22

Happy Mentoring!

Special thanks for this great resource go to:
Zai Lynch
Kuraiko Yoshikawa
Trinity Coulter
Nava Muni
Shiva Aabye
Lum Pfohl

Graduation party recap

2008-04-19T17:59:00.003-04:00

Another Doc Production.

Enjoy!

Congratulations Mentor Class of Q1 2008

Graduation Party and Volunteer Day

2008-04-15T20:03:00.006-04:00

We have some Mentor events coming up in the near future. The quarterly Mentor Graduation Celebration will be Friday April 18th from 6-9pm SLT, Saturday April 19th from 8-11am SLT and Saturday April 19th from 5-8pm SLT. This is a party for all the new Mentors who graduated during the quarter. There will be a DJ and dancing. Mentors will be there to meet and greet and feel free to drop in if you have time and want to welcome in our new Mentors. Picture by Poppy McDunnough

Volunteer Day will be Saturday May 3rd this year. This will be a Mentor "day off". We assemble at SLVI and party. The Vteam has not revealed a theme so far but last year's party was a Hawaiian theme and I had a great time. (see pic below)

Save the dates on both these mentors events :)

A quick reminder about the Day of Remembrance which will be on April 17th. Feel free to check the SL blog for details http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/04/04/second-life-day-of-remembrance-is-april-17/ Feel free to check the vteamblog entry for details on this event, and how Mentors can participate. http://vteamblog.com/2008/04/14/day-of-remembrance/

Rezz Party Madness

2008-04-13T01:05:00.007-04:00

I am often glad when someone I know gets to a one year milestone. The statistics say you are going to keep coming back if you stay that long. Since I am old as dirt on a terraforming sandbox, I enjoy seeing others hit milestones. The Rezzday Party or the Rezziversary is something to be proud of. You logged in and you keep logging in. The Second Life world changes and you change with it.
Tonight we gave the annual Rezzday party for Mystra Jewell and Xtreme Sands.
Two of my cohorts from HIP. Both people I am glad to work with as Mentors.
Congratulations to both of you. Thanks for working HIP with me and making me proud for doing what we do.

Try and be open minded I just discovered Windows Movie Maker

Outstanding Mentors for Q1 2008

2008-04-10T19:29:00.031-04:00

Please join me in celebrating the recognition of some of your friends and peers. Each and every one of these people are top notch Mentors. I know them all and I have learned something from each one of them.

They have been awarded a star on the walk at SLVEC

For this quarter I give you these esteemed colleagues:

eva Nowicka

Ganesha Xi

Irene Muni

Jezzie McCellan

Lum Pfohl

Marisa Naheed

Nitram Foden

Rails Bailey

Saxet Uralia

Simon Kline

Taryn London

Zai Lynch

and me :)

Protecting Your Identity in a Virtual World

2008-04-09T00:17:00.008-04:00

In a place where everyone is as anonymous as they want to be, you do not know who you are really speaking to.

In this the Information Age http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Age

you have to be very protective of your real life identity.

We are protective of our computers with virus and anti-spyware programs. We change passwords and set up firewalls. You would think that common sense would prevail and then you hear what happened to someone who let their identity slip out and regretted it.

You meet people online all the time. Your degree of comfortability with people you hang around with online can often get very relaxed. Soon you are exchanging emails, giving your MSN or Yahoo instant messenger info out. Next thing you know each other's real names and phone numbers. Maybe even your actual addresses.

For some of us we have many friends from the Internet. Friends near and far. Friends we have met in real life. Friends you talk to everyday. People we have known and trusted for years. Practically everyone has picked up friends along the way and have stayed in touch with from the Internet community. Most of you have met someone along the way on the Internet that gave you the creeps or you have had a bad experience with. This is the thing you did not expect. No one can anticipate everything. That much is certain.

I would like to think that in 2008 everyone would be more vigilant with our real life personal information and sense of safety. The fact is people are still online giving out their personal info and then regrettably finding themselves compromised. Their identities stolen. Finding themselves stalked, harassed or worse.

I know many people who have had many great experiences. I have had them as well. Many people have had some terrible experiences. The news is loaded with stories of what can go wrong and what wrongs are done to people when they were not careful.

My advise to you today is in a world of virtual people, instant messengers, email, Facebook, my space, cell phones and texting; please please please protect your identity, your personal safety, your passwords, your credit cards, paypal accounts and your inventory. No one wants to hear that something terrible happened in what should otherwise be a relaxing and friendly environment.

These things do and can happen.

The best policy is to "play it safe".

Limit the amount of information you give out about yourself to anyone. Don't become a target.
Don't volunteer your information without good cause and to people who you do not know very well.
Be considerate of others and do not ask for too much personal information from them.
Do not post your real life name, address, phone numbers out where anyone can get to them. These things can be used to steal your identity.
Be protective of your posted real life pictures, and account information.
Never give out your passwords and bank information!
In Second Life no Linden or Mentor will ask for your password information, so do not give that out either.
Be careful who you authorize to "edit your objects".

Let us all be "safety conscious" and "security minded".

This PSA has been sponsored by Doc

Your Second Life Profile and The Community Standards

2008-04-08T16:32:00.003-04:00

I often come across in my profile previewing a profile of someone who does not know about the Community Standards aka the CS or who blissfully has not read them. As Mentors we should know the Terms of Service and the Community Standards (TOS/CS) to some degree.
If not take a look at the CS here http://secondlife.com/corporate/cs.php

What is the concern is that some Mentors (pointing fingers at some of you) have profiles which violate the CS and you may be unaware of it. It is possible that your profile was made before you became a Mentor and you do not even remember what is on it.

Take a moment and check your profile to make sure you do not have any CS violations on it.
Profanity, copied text without permission, nudity, harassment, sexual content, just to name a few. If I see it on your profile, I will give you an IM and mention it. If someone else sees it then I cannot speak for what they may do, including an AR which might get you in a small spot of trouble.

Taken from the CS:
Second Life is a complex society, and it can take some time for new Residents to gain a full understanding of local customs and mores. Generally, violations of the Community Standards will first result in a Warning, followed by Suspension and eventual Banishment from Second Life.

You can be assured if you get reported for a CS violation from your profile or for any other reason the Gteam (Governance) member will go find Momma Amber or one of the Vteam.
Then you got some splaining to do. Avoid this problem by giving your profile a clean bill of health. Tell people the Doc said to do it.

Second Life Day of Remembrance, April 17th

2008-04-04T19:56:00.010-04:00

The following is a portion of an article which appears on the Second Life Blog;
Second Life Day of Remembrance is April 17 Friday, April 4th, 2008 at 3:42 PM by: everettlinden writes:

Second Life Day of Remembrance, April 17th, 6 am to 11 pm SLT Big Easy
Have you ever lost an in-world friend? As years pass in Second Life, more residents will have the sad experience of logging in to find that someone they know and love in-world has passed away in Real Life.
Resident Katt Kongo recently lost a dear friend, SL resident Ginny Talamasca. Read about her here: http://www.massively.com/2007/11/11/in-memory-of-ginny-talamasca/

Ginny Talamasca

This April is the 2nd anniversary of the passing of my Second Life friend Shirley Patel. I will be out in support of Remembrance day. For those of you who have not lost a Second Life friend come on out to the Day of Remembrance and pay homage to Ginny Gremlin who was part of our Mentor family. http://dwellonit.blogspot.com/search?q=ginny http://slurl.com/secondlife/Gemella/84/97/22/?title=Ginny%27s%20Memorial

I hope to see you there.

Ginny Gremlin

Shirley Patel

Trademarks and Changes

2008-04-02T00:20:00.007-04:00

Very recently trademarks and the use of them in Second Life and out of Second Life have changed. This change effects not everyone but it does effect some of us. It could effect you in the future so it is worth a read.

For some people it may mean taking some pics down off your website or blog, the domain name of your website or blog, removal of some logos from your store, web site or blog. It is important in creating group names as there is now more defined rules as to how you use the words "Second Life".

It is very confusing if you are not informed.
To be better informed mentors I suggest the following links :
http://secondlife.com/corporate/brand/trademark/index.php

http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/04/01/more-on-the-trademark-policy/

http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/03/24/introducing-the-second-life-brand-center/

We as Official Volunteers can use our "Volunteer" logo.

Feel free to copy it from this page.

It can be used for Official Volunteer materials. It should not be used for anything that is not pertaining to the Official Volunteer program.

I hope this clarifies some of the new Trademark policy for you. If you have further questions about the new policy please check for office hours of the G-team (Linden Governance Team)

The Governance Team works to monitor and assist in situations related to Terms of Service Violations and Community Standards Disputes.

Mentor Meeting Mention

2008-03-30T01:32:00.022-04:00

Once a month we have an official Mentor Meeting. We had one on March 26 at 10 am and 5 pm SLT.

Our Vteam (l to r) Mia, Amber, George and Lexie

We all meet at Center Stage http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL%20Volunteer%20Island%20W/249/8/35 at SLVI West.

The dates for these meetings are listed on the Vteam blog http://www.vteamblog.com/.

There are always 2 times slotted for the monthly mentor meeting so you can try and get to at least one.

I have heard recently that many newer mentors never knew we had them. I do not know why this is, but it is time to get the word out.

So where were you during the mentor meeting this month?

Our Vteam Mia, Amber, Lexie and George hold these meetings to keep us informed of goals,
policies, expectations, announcements and to spend some quality time with us.

Brett Dumont at his first Mentor Meeting!

You never know who might show up.

Nava Muni styling and profiling!

Taryn London is hypnotized!

Doc and Golan at the meeting!

Great New Volunteer Shirts From Simone and CSI NY in SL

2008-03-26T00:22:00.005-04:00

We were most grateful to get the most gracious and talented of designers, Simone Stern to make for us exclusive Volunteer shirts. When someone so talented donates time for those who give their time so unselfishly, it is a by and large a complement.

The shirts are available at no charge to Mentors and are at SLVEC on the side of the Buddy Bungalow (across from the Buddy Center).

Feel free to drop by and pick yours up.

Also if you have not met Simone or seen her work, stop by her store http://slurl.com/secondlife/Simone/123/150/36

I have known Simone for years and she is an SL institution. Her store was featured on CSI NY in SL last October and will be again on Wednesday night March 26, 10pm et/pt
Down The Rabbit Hole: A woman's murder sends Mac into "Second Life," the internet-based virtual world, to track down the killer in both the real and cyber world.

For those who were not on SL in October or did not watch it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ZmjA7GCzQ

CBS has a site with additional things to see

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/csi_ny/second_life/

CSI NY has themed sims in SL which have an OI

http://slurl.com/secondlife/CSINY%20Orientation%20East1/148/144/24

Also using Search go to Places and type CSI for further locations.

Buddy Mentors Meet The Buddy Bungalow

2008-03-25T15:47:00.003-04:00

The Buddy Bungalow was reserved for Mentor Buddy Materials.

Slowly but surely we have added a few resource items to it and some cool Buddy shirts as I have mentioned before.

I am issuing a call to arms for Buddy Mentors to donate some tools, gadgets and and resources to fill the Buddy Bungalow. If you have any items you would like to donate for the Store please IM me.

The Buddy Bungalow can be found across from the Buddy Center on SLVEC.

The great sign was made for us by the lovely and talented Skye Galileo.

We now return you to your regular mentor programming...

Friday Night Protest SLVEC/Diagnosing Visual Issues

2008-03-24T06:00:00.011-04:00

Recently on Friday nights (around 7 PM SLT) a peaceful protest/sit down/mentor chat has been going on at SLVEC.

We started this quite suddenly one Friday night when we were at SLVEC sitting on a wall/protesting something that I cannot recall/having a chat.

SLVEC is for us to use and enjoy. Why not on Friday come on down and meet some mentors, Lindens and sit on the wall and peacefully protest whatever issues at the sit in.

To find SLVEC open your Map and type SLVEC.

Visual issues and diagnosing them-

Often as a Mentor Buddy I will get an IM from a mentor who is trying to help a resident with a visual issue.

There is a certain degree of support as a mentor you can offer. Anything above and beyond that issue may be user error and or require further technical support with the computer and or a support ticket. Desktop support is best handled by those who are certified to perform it.

If you are at all uncomfortable with desktop support always refer the resident to a more skilled mentor or to file a support ticket.

Here is a list of information you should get before you try and diag a visual issue.

What version of SL?

Minimum hardware reqs met?

When were the graphics drivers last updated?

Cache emtpied?

How old is the computer?

What OS?

You can keep up on visual issues affecting the grid by checking the Issue Tracker on http://www.secondlife.com/

also check the Blog and Jira.

Happy Mentoring!

Explore Help Island Public

2008-03-19T21:49:00.028-04:00

I often say that Help Island Public (aka HIP) is the best training area. I am biased. I work and train mentors and other help groups there. Not everyone will like training there. Not everyone will enjoy mentoring there either. You can however with a little bit of patience and the right amount of communication excel there. HIP to me is the right amount of diverse topics, situations and opportunities rilled into one. The fianl product is good well rounded mentors.

Could this be you? Sure it could!

So take Doc's advise and let us go visit HIP.

Help Island Public is a great mix of avatars. There are every type and category. You can expect to see something you never saw before up on the platform.

You will find all kinds of things happening in the Sandbox. Sometimes some of them should not be happening there. Gun fire, loud explosions and distractions. I usually tell people who are building huge items or firing weapons or driving vehicles that I have a landmark to a bigger sandbox, the weapons test sim or the vehicle sandbox so that they can have more space and so that HIP can have more peace.

The Demo area is full of space for you to show people how to unpack a box. Make a chair. Rezz or resize an item. Fix their appearance.

There is a tutorial area that you might find interesting and instructional for yourself or to recommend to a new person. When you go there look these resources over.

The thing most people ask me at HIP is what do I do here. My number one answer is go to the Freebie store. Often Mentors donate much of the items available to the Freebie store.

The Gallery of Second Life is there to browse. If it a quiet section of HIP. People often do not know about it.

When someone is ready to leave you can give them some landmarks or suggestions to explore or you can tell them to click the Exit sign. This usually takes them to a Welcome Area.

Here we are back at the platform with the same old familiar faces. Maybe one day you should drop by and see how we do it "HIP style" Just open your map and type in "Help Island Public".

SLVEC: the tour

2008-03-16T01:28:00.019-04:00

http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/SL_Volunteer_Education_Center

For those who are new or have not had a tour of SLVEC, strap in and enjoy the ride. I am going to take you on a guided tour of our Volunteer Education Center. The hubbub at the hub is for a good reason. We have been given the best shared resource of all, a place of our own to go and posse with our own kind. Many of our best resources are housed there. Many tools and gadgets, handouts and notecards. The Buddy Center. I digress, let’s go for a visit.

When you land at SLVEC you will be at the Central Area. A Teleporter is there to help you get around.

The Central area is full of Stores or Kiosks with Mentor Educational items and resources. You can browse these at your leisure. Lots of good stuff there.

Next is the Linquist Center. This is where the different Language speakers have set up their Stores and Kiosks with lots of helpful resources for all the different languages.

The Buddy Center is your next stop. On the totems are pictures of Mentor Buddies that are online and available to help. You only need to click on their picture and the Buddy Communicator System will page the Buddy.

If you have any questions about being a Mentor Buddy please contact me I am the Mentor contact for Mentor Buddys. Any Mentor Buddy can help you with questions. You can find a Mentor Buddy by going to SL Mentor Group and going to Roles.

If you want to Become a Mentor Buddy please sign up for that role here https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/SL_Volunteer_Mentor_Buddies#How_to_Become_a_Mentor_Buddy There is also another Teleporter there.

The Sandbox Area. This is our own private space to build with a 2 hour return.

The Theater Area is our next stop. This area is reserved for educational classes for Mentors. Check the classes available for furthering your Mentor education here https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Classes_Offered_By_Mentors

We now move on to the R&R area. You may ask yourself what goes on there. Well anything you can imagine really. Mentors come there and chat. Fly planes, sky dive, bumper cars or just sit and relax. It is for us to use to get some R&R.

The Orientation Center is the place where Apprentice Mentors go to do their orientation classes something I am very proud of. If you have not attended an orientation or want to brush up on what the class has to offer please check this link https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Classes_Offered_By_Mentors
This class area can be used to any class when no orientation is scheduled.

If you have any suggestions for Vteam or want to reserve a Store or Kiosk there is a drop box located right behind the classroom area. Here you can drop a notecard to our Vteam.

Well there you have a quick tour and some things to explore. IM me sometime I will tell you some more.

Doc has left the building...

The Future is so bright we ought to wear shades

2008-03-14T13:18:00.012-04:00

Today it was announced our poppa, our daddy, the father of all things Linden is to step aside as CEO of Linden Lab.
http://secondlife.reuters.com/stories/2008/03/14/exclusive-rosedale-to-step-down-as-linden-lab-ceo/

What does this mean for mentors? It means that our mission is even more important than ever.

I always say that being a mentor is insurance. Insurance in the future of our Second Life.
When you go to those Orientation Islands, Help Islands, Info Hubs and Welcome Areas. When you teach Orientation, Be a Buddy or a Coach, you insure the future of this palatial paradise you call your Second Life. You make a concerted effort to show new people that this is a great place that they can help make even greater.

When I speak at Orientation, I say this; "Second Life is a community built with user created content. You are a part of this community. It will be your knowledge and skill that helps others to continue to build and create."
Remember these words going forward. As this virtual world advances forward, we will evolve with it.

In the coming days people will ask you about Phillip Linden and Second Life and share with you their concerns. How you answer is your own choice. My answer will always be as it has been in the past, “I am still here, what does that tell you?”

The Future is what we make of it. Pixels, prims and scripts. One new resident at a time. Just you and I and 3500 or so like us.

SL Love Connections

2008-03-13T12:15:00.009-04:00

If my many years on SL I have seen people pair, bond, marry, partner and unpaired, unbound, and divorce. Second Life is mimicking real life. People feel the need to pair up. In my Second life I have myself a nice small harem of mentor wives. Those darling and daring ladies who cheer me on as I foray across the grid; in good times and in bad. To have and to hold; to IM till they get sick of me.
People often ask me seriously why I do not partner. I have my reasons. One of them is Shirley.
Shirley came into my There life in 2004. She was a funny, party going, bunny slipper wearing, bundle of energy. She was at a party sitting in the hot tub. She messaged me and said, “Look my boyfriend and I are broke up and he is here. Can you flirt with me so he will leave me alone?” I told her I would. Soon at every party were doc and Shirley and our ever growing little entourage of friends. We got invites all over There.
When Shirley and I grew tired of There parties, we upped and came to Second Life in the great mass migration of 2004. We hit the clubs like a rocket. We paid to TP. We bought clothes and settled into our Second Lives. Shirley and I still hung out together but we went along different paths. She found love with a few partners. I went and explored Second Life with my friends. Shirley told me she had found a RL connection and was going to be married in SL and RL. Then the day came when the SL/RL love went south. Shirley was most upset. I did all I could to console her. Her heart was broken. I was sad for her and mad all at the same time. She managed to pick herself back up for a time. Went back out and built another house and bought more things. The next relationship was good, then bad, then off.
She was not a healthy person. She had more a spiritual earth mother persona. She got depressed. Her condition snowballed and eventually her health failed and that was the way I lost my Shirley. April 2006. When she died in RL she took a part of me with her.
You can visit the Memorial Park I had built for Shirley. The Arbor Project built this project and they did a great job a few years ago. For my Shirley; from There to Eternity. I miss you.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Clunn/67/70/74
Fast forward…Then you meet some new, great people. I cannot remember the first time I met her but I can remember that she was funny, party going, witty and took the piss out of me right out of the gate. She was a mentor and soon she became like my left hand. Yes the one that holds my beer opposite the remote control. Everywhere I turned this year in mentorland there she was. Before I realized it was as if she had always been here. Working with her was always a real joy. I continue to work with her a lot. Then one day she said to me, “Doc I want you to train my bf to be a mentor.” This is not an unusual request, many mentors ask me to train people they know as mentors. This is when I realized that my left hand had a SL partner. I know what you are thinking. It was what I was thinking. Who is this guy? Is he good enough for my left hand? If he isn’t what am I going to say? Well there he was standing at Help Island. So I spent some time getting to know the partner. Well???
They got married in SL a few weeks ago. I walked the bride down the aisle. I see lots of people partner in SL. These two mentors are in the SL dictionary under partnered. True friends, great people, and always there when you need them.
Congratulations Jezzie and Rock.

Here goes something...

2008-03-12T14:03:00.003-04:00

It has often been said to me, "Doc make a blog." So here it is. My Second Life Blog.
There are so many cross connections to Second Life. So many places where different aspects cross over into another. In my time on Second Life I have made many friends, acquaintances, encoutered all types of people. (Remote Star Trek reference) The people who still to this day make me feel warm and fuzzy is our mentors.
Those who choose to inspite of the tough work go out among the people and spread some joy.
You can ask a mentor why they volunteer on Second Life. Some will tell you they love to help others. Some will say they like to be a part of something larger than themselves. I am one of those people.
My answer would be this; When you look across a welcome area and you see another mentor, you know that person and you are there to make a difference. When mentoring is good it is really good. When I sit in a mentor meeting with 107 of my own kind I feel a part of something. There is much to be said in feeling like your are part of something you enjoy.