Thursday 8 May 2008

A virtual home for us?

The potential for using Second Life as a means to spread CTF to masses is enormous. Many universities and institutions are represented there. I've met several educators and intellectuals from around the world. Recently I was made aware of a new project under development. I think it would make a wonderful home base for ITLADians in SL. For your consideration:

"Port Spinoza"

Port Spinoza will be a sim community (several islands) based on Amsterdam and Leiden during the age of enlightenment (17 and 18th Century). The community will be named after Baruch Spinoza, a Dutch philosopher of Portuguese Jewish origin. Spinoza is considered one of the great rationalists of 17th century philosophy.

The goal of the project is to create a Second Life community with an "intellectual buzz" and engaging cafe life, and a place where arts and crafts and intellectual achievement is valued above power and wealth.


Tony, I gave Daemon a landmark to the architect's office where you can see a mock-up of the community. I've sent a message to one of the developers and hope to have more details by tomorrow.

5 comments:

Karl Le Marcs said...

Robin was very kind to send me her full proposal for Port Spinoza a few weeks ago for my perusal and general whatnot, and I thought it looked fascinating - a truly ITLADic enterprise and one with many, many opportunities.

And I for one can envisage myself lolling around the sophisticated (in the wisdomly etymology of the word) island, sipping chilled Sancerre, listening to Gregorian Chant and ponderously polishing the pewter knob of my elaborately carved cane.

Oh and Robin, I must ask your advice re the "Other" Second Life idea I had that I briefly mentioned to you.

*ssshhhhh!!!!*

Robin said...

Karl: Let's take that discussion to our email boxes, I'm sure I can help you with the issue!

I've just received this message from the developer of Port Spinoza:

[12:09] Jon Seattle: Hi Izthera, nice to hear from you! Right now I am in the pre-build phase with a few of the structures, and planning to have an organizing meeting for the project on the 18th at 6:30 AM SLT. My thought is to order the sims soon after that meeting on the 18th, but it may depend on the discussions then. You are quite welcome to come to the meeting. I will also try to make your meeting tomorrow. Thanks!

Sounds like maybe he'll be joining us tomorrow.

Rosh said...

oh! i want to be there as well!....

Anthony Peake said...

ROBIN: Thanks for sending the details of Port Spinoza to me a week or so ago. Like Karl I am really interested to follow this up. I have my fingers crossed that the technology will work today.

ROSHNI: You will be in spirit my friend.

Karl Le Marcs said...

Hee Hee!
Many of us will also be in the 'real' pub "in spirit"!
*ironic considering where I am RIGHT NOW*