Nu Vibez and Roleplay Guide Magazine - December 2015 | Page 27

magazines don’t give readers the ability to comment on stories or share them on social media like they can with blogs. NVM: For the readers that may not know, and those that want to hear it again, please tell us how the SL Enquirer and even you Lanai came to SL? LJ: I’ve been involved in virtual world news since 2004 in the beginning of the VW culture. The original news source I created was known as The TSO Enquirer (TSOE) in The SIMS Online. In early 2005, amateur filmmakers from France were working on a documentary to be featured in Second Life about people engaged in virtual worlds. At the time SL was just coming out of beta. These filmmakers heard about what I was doing in another virtual world and contacted me. They flew from Paris to my hometown and spent three days with me while working on their project. While they were here they suggested I migrate my news source into Second life but I was hesitant at first. A few months later I decided to check out this new virtual world they were so excited about. In May of 2005, Lanai Jarrico was rezzed into Second Life and started the transition from The TSO Enquirer to The SL Enquirer. NVM: Who are some people in your time here that have influenced you and contributed in some way to your own quality control standards? LJ: Wow, if I had to do name dropping on all the people who have inspired me in the past decade I would be here all day lol. My nearest and dearest friends have been the most influential. Some are still by my side and others have since left Second Life but remain in touch. My friends list, as it stands now, has 1,511 people on it. I think everyone I have met has helped me in some way. Getting to know people, their perspectives, cultures and opinions, both good and bad have contributed to how I’ve shaped SLE and navigated through Second Life. I have had to raise and adjust my standards many times to avoid situations where people come to me trying to use SLE in a ways that do not align with my vision. NVM: What is happening right now that everyone should know about with not only the SL Enquirer but with any projects you are involved in? LJ: Hmmm. I’m sorry to disappoint but I have nothing too juicy to share about The SL Enquirer except we just moved from Seychelles Isle to a smaller parcel on Luxory North. It isn’t uncommon to make moves that are in our best interest. To me it is not about having an entire sim to let people kno w we exist. It is about having a place where our readers can come hang out and get information about our advertising options. I rarely host events anymore because my time has been limited due to RL. I would recommend joining the SL Enquirer Media group for news and event notices from us or our advertisers. To easily find our location, people can ook in my profile picks or use this link. ht t p: //m a p s . s e co n d li f e. co m / secondlife/LUXORY%20 NORTH/228/108/22 NVM: What advice would you give to anyone that wants to be a virtual journalist and cover virtual news, events and Entertainment? LJ: The only advice I can give anyone interested in virtual journalism is make sure it is your passion and not just a passing phase. It takes dedication and time. If you have those traits as well as skills to write, share it with others and have fun. One of the things that I’ve noticed is people in Second Life aren’t good at committing to things. If you want to be a writer, shop around and apply with a media source you share similar views and interest with and stick with them. When readers get used to a writer and suddenly that writer is no longer producing, it can hurt the source depending on how much they have contributed. NVM: If someone wants to work for you and or any of your subsidiary projects, what do they need to do to impress you? LJ: I’m impressed with people who share the same dedication and love of Second Life that I do. I’ve been called a workaholic and perfectionist with OCD tendencies. I just need order or things can get overwhelm- NU VIBEZ & ROLEPLAY GUIDE MAGAZINE 27