DISQUS

There's also http://www.twellow.com/twellowhood/

I'm a digital media consultant and provide corporate video solutions in virtual worlds like Second Life.

Unfortunately I'm in the entirely wrong timezone for this. Do you know if it will be available for timeshifted download/streaming?

Two comments and a question:
1. The video needs a strong narrative to compensate for the heavy WTF factor;
2. the SL graphics engine is extremely poor in comparison to the current gaming engines - consider CryEngine2 for instance - so trumpeting 'hey, we got shadows!!' is probably not going to win the hearts and minds of those unfamiliar with SL;
3. Are shadows even available in the current viewer?

Sorry to be such a downer, Torley. The video is very pretty but for me it fails at even basic promotion or marketing beyond preaching to the already converted.

It's a quote from Big Trouble in Little China =)

Chinese have a lot of hells, Jack.
=)

Here's one I used to use:

The first exposure that most people get to Second Life projects is through video.

skribe

May have something for you soon regarding the viral attention outside sl.

It's that old bane, jargon, again. The tech-savvy use it a lot and often leave Joe and Jane Public scratching their heads thinking it's all too hard. BTW, phones are not only a good example of social media they're a good example of a virtual environment. If Gartner's prediction proves to be correct that maybe the next buzzword Joe and Jane Public will have to wrap their heads around. Goody goody!

SL is easily big enough to cater for both viewpoints.

Seems my previous reply was eaten. Apologies if this eventually shows up twice or thrice.

For tutorials I shoot without the UI and then composit it in later. This allows me to customise and highlight the relevant features easily. The bulk of my tutorials have been shot against a greenscreen, tweaked and then added to the background. That technique is probably not useful for what Torley does, but it is another option. It works a treat for corporate customers.

Vlad, for audio codecs try IMA 4:1. It's available through QT Pro.

It's probably not applicable for you but I shoot all my stuff without the UI and then add it in later. That way I can customise and highlight the relevant bits as necessary. I usually shoot it as multiple green screen elements and composit it all together. Here's one we prepared earlier.

I can't leave a comment on their blog because it keeps producing an error. Trust the public service to fubar blogging software =).

Are the blogs costing $5+k per year, plus the set up costs plus the staffing costs? Are the blogs being run by a major media corporation? Are the blogs being funded by the Australian tax-payer? Seriously, you're clutching at straws if that's your best argument. ABC Island: Better than blogs that nobody visits.

Why is it a waste of money?

a. There are plenty of sandboxes in SL already. The Australian tax-payers shouldn't be asked to fund another one let alone two.

b. I checked the charters for both the ABC and SBS and I failed to see any sign that making heaps of friends was included as a core function.

I don't have a problem with either broadcasters being in SL if they have a reason to be there, and there are lots of reasons for them to be there. Unfortunately, if all they have to offer is another tax-payer funded sandbox then I for one believe it is a colossal waste of money - especially at a time where funding has been repeatedly slashed - and I believe the Australian public and parliament would agree with me.

Personally, I'd prefer SBS stay away until they have a very clear reason to be in Second Life and a detailed plan to achieve it. I don't particularly relish the thought of having two tax-payer funded sandboxes in SL.

Please remove this.

In other words, how to get multiple machinimators to make you a 2min ad for less than $200. Hey, I'm thinking about holding a competition aimed at developers to build me the best science fiction island sim. Winner gets L50k. BTW all entries must sign over all rights and provide a fully paid island for a year =).

Not quite correct, Arnold. Only the video side of things needs the laptop to be owned or deeded. The slides work fine without needing that.

It sounds a little bit like that Simpson's episode where the 'motivational speaker' tells everyone in Springfield to act like Bart. Businesses have to have a reason - beyond it being cool and trendy - to be in virtual worlds. And there needs to be a ongoing plan, not just for the short term but for the medium and longer terms. If you're in virtual worlds for brand promotion how are you going to draw people to your build 6-12 months after it's opened. Is it important to have a regular stream of traffic day-in day-out? Or will bursts of popularity suffice? Have you budgeted for all that? If you're doing meetings in world do you really need to spend $50k or can you get away with a smaller or existing feature? Same with training in world. Do you need to drop a few $10ks on a facility you use once per year and is left empty the rest of the time? There are lots of reasons to use virtual worlds in your business. Finding the right reason for you - even if that is not now - is far more important than having the most spectacular virtual head-office.

Video Report of the evening: http://skribeproductions.blip.tv/file/540487

Yes, I was certified as an adult too. Just shows you how easy the system is to fool =).

Get rid of the pay-more-for-better-ranking classifieds.

Pity the video on youtube of the build does such a disservice to the company.

Actually, Torley, that is inspired. If I get a chance to do some writing over the next few weeks I'll drop you a script.