http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cassiopea/126/185/24
Hello Sam! Thank you for being a Premiere Sponsor for the Avi Choice Awards!
Q: When did you arrive in SL the first time and what brought you to Second Life?
A: Ha. Originally early 2009. A college friend told me about it and wanted to see what it was all about. I thought it was a game, until I realized it was more socal and business. Since then I’ve enjoyed every moment.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about how you’ve spent your Second Life? Hobbies, interests.. things you’ve learned along the way ?
A: Not much of a role player. Was always business and friends for me. Wasn’t sure what I would end up doing at 1st.
Q: Tell us about your business. When was it founded? How many organizers/founders? How many SLers do you staff, etc?
A: We keep adding new writers. Love the diverse styles and contributors we have.
Q: What are some of your future plans for the SLInsiderGuide? It seems to be growing pretty rapidly now. Are you having fun with it?
A: I am having a blast and yes, keeps expanding. We are adding some additional features soon to allow various venues to get more exposure and help find them staff if needed.
Q: Was there a special reason you chose to sponsor the Avi Choice Awards?
A: I’ve always thought the AVI Choice Awards was an amazing way to recognize artist, venues, designs and many others. Some may say it’s a popularity contest. Well yes, it is. The people of Second Life, vote for their favorites. Each vote counts.
Q: You presented at the Awards several years ago. 2016 the Arts, right? How was that experience? Let future presenters know what an absolute blast that was! You’ll be presenting again at the next Awards show, right?
A: I loved it! I got to work with a close friend as my co-host, LoveOfMusic. She is an amazing talented singer in RL and SL. We had so much fun working out our stage “banter” before hand. Then night of the show, course nervous, but everything went perfect. BUT we were both so scared of messing up some of the names. Second Life names can be very complex to pronounce.
Q: Do you have any specific charities you support in SL? if so, who and why?
A: Yes & No.. lol I get ask a lot to donate something or help make a prop needed for various events, and I am happy to do what I can. A few….of course RLF and other charities that popup or the unfortunate passing of someone known in SL. Which we tend to have more and more frequently.
Q: Do you want to share a look at your life outside of SL with us? What do you or did you do for a living? Does your family support your SL aspirations?
A: Semi retired now and work for the government, but for 24 years I ran a large Photography, video production, stage lighting and sound company. We did just about anything you can think of in that realm. I was also the regional director for the Miss USA Pageants in Florida for a few years. All a lot of fun to work with so many creative people over the years. I don’t think my family understands Second Life as I’m sure a lot can relate to. They know I do a lot of business and creative things in Second Life, they tend to come into my office and stare at all the amazing things people are doing here. lol
Q: Second Life is full of creative, talented, inspirational, kind and diverse people. Tell us about some of your biggest inspirations in SL? .. a memory or happening that stands out as inspirational, mind-blowing or heart-felt? Who has impressed you in your Second Life journey?
A: Oh wow… so many. I’m always an admirer of the wonderful entertainment, singers and more we have in Second Life. I follow so many artist and their shows. Maximilian Kleene probably one of my favorites, Downunder, Grace Loudon, Noma Falta and so many others. They all have their own styles and just so wonderful that they share it with us here. Then there are the designers, club owners and so much more that have been here almost as long as I have. lol
Thank you so much for giving us a look at all you do in our Virtual World. Thank you for being so supportive to the Avi Choice Awards and its mission to applaud and support those who make our Second Life so perfectly special.