http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ A daily blog and monthly magazine about Second Life. en-us ilikejason@gmail.com 2008-03-23T17:12:14-06:00 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:12:14 -0600 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2008/03/in_the_grid_has_shut_down_but_1.html So long, and thanks for all the virtual fish: A year after closing, ITG finally puts up a final notice saying goodbye and thank-you. Click through for my thanks and a recap of my time in the grid, as well as what I'm doing these days (post-2007, that is). 966@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ 2008-03-23T17:12:14-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2008/03/in_the_grid_has_shut_down_but.html So long, and thanks for all the virtual fish: A year after closing, ITG finally puts up a final notice saying goodbye and thank-you. Click through for my thanks and a recap of my time in the grid, as well as what I'm doing these days (post-2007, that is). 965@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2008-03-23T16:55:24-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/03/gridhopping_kala_pixies_partic.html Today, a report and photos from a recent "Particlarium" show I attended, designed and run by visual artist Kala Pixie; think fireworks or Laserium show, but done in the middle of the sky in the middle of the night using sophisticated particle effects. Pretty cool! 946@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Arts 2007-03-13T15:40:43-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/03/fabb_a_tour_of_ion_my_first_ma.html Today, a detailed (photo-heavy) look at "Ion," my first mature starter home for my new prefab building company Fabb, along with lots of snarky armchair-architect thoughts about what went into designing it. 945@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Fabb 2007-03-12T13:13:44-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/03/twelve_days_without_the_intern.html Why, I'm glad to BE back, thanks for asking! Today, why I've been off the internet for the last twelve days, what I did with my time instead, and what will be coming up soon here at ITG. 944@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-03-07T11:00:58-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/fabb_my_first_house_starts_com.html Today, my first-ever report on my (maybe) new prefab company, "Fabb;" I've been spending the week building my first-ever house, in fact, and thought I'd share both photos and notes from the process today. 943@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Fabb 2007-02-23T15:44:52-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/question_do_you_know_of_any_wo.html Hey, I've got a question; does anyone know of any "work/pay" sims out there, by which some of the sim's costs are covered individually by members, some generated through group labor? Click through for all the details! 942@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Business 2007-02-21T15:26:24-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/photos_from_a_winter_boat_ride.html Today, a combination of sorts; not only a photo essay from a recent winter boat ride I made, but also some philosophical thoughts about Second Life as a 3D social network. Believe me, it'll all make more sense once you actually check the entry out. 941@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Sociology 2007-02-21T13:14:07-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/the_latest_with_itg.html Today, the latest concerning this magazine, including: a fond farewell to Steven Cann; a major new decision about our monthly PDF; a new focus in our editorial policy; the premature closing of a new publication; and the start of a brand-new side business. Click through for all the details. 940@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-02-20T11:34:08-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/the_latest_look_at_the_itg_fle.html Today, a look at the latest group of ships I now own, including lots of photos and some thoughts on what I most like and dislike about each. Check it out if you've been thinking recently of getting a boat yourself. 939@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Photos 2007-02-19T15:28:14-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/gridhopping_luxor_temple_of_ar.html Today, a small report and photo essay from the recent opening of the Luxor Temple of Art. 938@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Arts 2007-02-19T10:12:01-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/how_to_build_a_mythology_an_in.html Today, an interview with Esch Snoats, lead builder of the new "Artropolis" arts colony. The sim comes complete with its own complex mythological backstory; learn here how this story not only influenced how the sim was designed, but even what kinds of artists are accepted. 937@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Interviews 2007-02-16T15:43:44-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/architect_of_the_diamond_age_a.html Today, a special treat: an extra-long interview with steampunk innovator Ordinal Malaprop, covering all kinds of issues regarding building, scripting, Victoriana and more. Click through to read the entire thing, and see photos. 936@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Interviews 2007-02-15T13:51:55-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/new_video_a_tour_of_our_new_he.html Today, a special treat: ITG's second-ever "machinima" (or video produced entirely within Second Life), in this case a real-time tour of the blog's new virtual headquarters, with audio commentary added by yours truly. Enjoy! 935@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Video/Machinima 2007-02-14T17:07:17-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/jeez_louise_thats_a_lot_of_new.html Today, finally some good news to share; that Linden has made good on their promise and recently erected 40 new sims of mainland, with up to 80 more to come. Why this is important, and lots of photos of what's being done on this new land, after the jump. 926@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Photos 2007-02-11T15:46:47-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/02/the_irony_of_second_life_as_it.html Today, an editorial of sorts: an examination of how there's actually less and less for me to do in Second Life, the bigger the place grows and the more tech is needed to adequately run it all. Why yes, it's very frustrating, especially when unemployed and unable to upgrade my system. I wish Linden would do something about it, which is the thrust of this entry. 925@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Linden Lab 2007-02-07T16:22:16-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/party_success_faith_in_second.html Today, a photo-heavy review of ITG's first-ever "mesh" event; where two parties were held at once, one in Second Life and one in Chicago, using Skype and streaming audio to connect them. It was a blast! Click through for all the details. 884@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-01-28T09:12:36-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/tomorrows_party_how_to_join_in.html Today, yet more information on tomorrow's upcoming "mesh" party and poetry event; the Skypecast address you can join, if you'd like to participate via real-time audio yourself. Hope you all have a chance to attend! 883@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-01-25T16:59:01-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/reminder_party_at_my_place_thi.html Just a reminder, that ITG's first-ever "mesh" event is coming up this Friday! For those who don't know, that's when I throw a party both in Second Life and in my apartment in Chicago, using Skypecast and a streaming server connection to keep both parties communicating. Photos and lots of details in today's entry! 882@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-01-24T20:04:05-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/oped_the_daytime_versus_nightt.html Today, a half personal essay and half opinion piece, regarding the different crowds that make up the "daytime" versus "nighttime" Second Life, and why they're both necessary to make the Grand Experiment succeed. Plus, don't forget those who see Second Life primarily as a Tinkerer's Paradise, a place where every suburban hobby has been rolled into a giant white male's wet dream. 817@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Sociology 2007-01-19T11:28:15-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/oh_lord_ive_been_landshopping_1.html Today, part 2 of my recent report on landshopping again in the grid, this time for a much larger headquarters for my blog than before (1,500 square meters versus 500). Should I buy on the mainland? Should I buy on a private island? So many choices! Read some of the pros and cons by clicking through. 816@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-01-16T20:37:37-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/virtual_freakshow_an_interview.html Today, an interview with artist and Victorian freakshow enthusiast LittleToe Bartlett, creator of Aden Live Arts and the winner of last month's "Save The Children" charity contest sponsored by Second Life Insider. 815@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Interviews 2007-01-12T14:59:09-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/finally_itg_to_throw_its_first.html Happy day! ITG has an official date for its first-ever "mesh" event -- that is, a live event that takes place simultaneously in both Second Life and my apartment in real-life Chicago. It's on the 26th, and is going to be a performance-poetry event; click through to learn all the details. 780@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-01-11T14:19:36-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/oh_lord_ive_been_landshopping.html Yes, it's true -- I'm thinking of doubling or even tripling the total amount of land I now own, even while I'm constantly bitching about performance issues these days. Here, a detailed explanation of why, along with lots of photos of various plots of land I've been looking at. 779@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2007-01-11T12:09:26-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/oh_benevolent_gods_of_linden_p.html Today, a record of my first successful evening in the grid in over a week: first a visit to my friends at The Art Loft, then a trip to fashion complex Amicitia, then finally a dash to Idea City to try out their new open-source "tourHUD" object. Many photos included! 777@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Reviews 2007-01-09T18:56:30-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2007/01/a_few_thoughts_on_the_evolutio.html Sigh; another bandwidth brownout in the grid this week, not good news for me and my crappy little Mac Mini at home. So instead, an illustrated essay today; on whether the look of an avatar really does change radically from day to day just because it can, or if most of us are the careful result of a long-time avatar's "evolution." Your thoughts wanted! 712@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Sociology 2007-01-01T21:11:57-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/_photo_courtesy_gideon_televis.html Today, a shout-out to a peer in the press I admire; gonzo journalist Gideon Television, who recently shot a hilarious unauthorized remake of "The Shining" at corporate hotel experiment Aloft. 710@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Reviews 2006-12-31T08:44:29-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/avatar_invitehungry_smartases.html Just a reminder; that my new adults-only SL blog, -avatar-, is currently seeking a contributing staff (writers, photographers and filmmakers). Click through to read more about the perks that come with working for us. 707@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2006-12-28T12:19:55-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/and_were_back.html The holidays are over (finally), which means it's time to get back to work! Here, a small notice about things coming up here at ITG over the next month. 706@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2006-12-28T12:06:32-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/video_a_noble_but_failed_exper.html Today, my very first machinima video! Too bad my low-end computer wouldn't display very much of what was going on. Click on through to see the video and learn more. 704@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Video/Machinima 2006-12-20T10:20:33-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/third_life_a_tour_of_fashion_s.html Today, a companion piece to yesterday's tour of vampire island Darkside; a look at Nyte 'n Day, one of the more popular traditional fashion stores in the grid. Can both activities be considered valid roleplaying ones, or even "games." Click through to read my thoughts on the subject. 703@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Roleplaying 2006-12-18T13:34:21-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/third_life_a_tour_of_vampire_c.html Today, as part of our month-look at roleplaying in Second Life, a photo tour of the vampire community Darkside, along with my thoughts on what makes a roleplaying island worth it to so many people in the first place. 702@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Photos 2006-12-17T15:28:52-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/gridhopping_erotico_fantastico.html Today, photos and a report from Ben Heime's new art show "erotico fantastico burlesque," being exhibited at Ishtvan Pippen's The Art Loft. Lowbrows take note! 701@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Arts 2006-12-15T20:28:01-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/gridhopping_casecamp_at_crayon.html Today, my report from the inaugural "CaseCamp" marketing event, sponsored by the PR 'supergroup' Crayon. In a nutshell: Not so impressed. 699@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Business 2006-12-15T11:07:43-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/breaking_news_miller_copeland.html Well, it's official: I've started learning how to design clothes for Second Life, although I'm still a long way from being able to be called a 'designer' without breaking into laugher. Today, some screenshots of my first project; adding smartass remarks to a predesigned t-shirt, as a free giveaway with next month's publication. 698@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2006-12-14T18:10:48-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/its_official_adult_blog_avatar.html Well, it's official -- after tons of positive feedback on the subject, I've decided to open a new adults-only magazine called -avatar- next January. Here, all the details of the paid staff I need to find, and how best to express your interest in being hired. 697@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2006-12-14T16:37:56-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/mmos_versus_mmorpgs_if_im_havi.html Today, a personal essay inspired by recent entries in the SLogosphere, as we all patiently waiting for this week's client update to finally finish. The topic: Massively Multiuser Online (MMO) environments such as Second Life, versus MMORPGs that include a roleplaying game. 696@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Sociology 2006-12-13T15:23:17-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/gridhopping_viewscapes_ireland.html Today, photos and a report from a recent gallery show I attended: "Viewscapes: Ireland," real-life photos from the Emerald Isle, being hosted at House of the Harping Monkey, otherwise known as the corporate space for RPG creators Atlas Games. 695@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Arts 2006-12-13T13:00:19-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/social_networking_is_the_next.html Today, an interview with novelist and "podiobook" author Scott Sigler, about his new massive cutting-edge experiment in SL to promote his latest project. Included is Sigler's thoughts about how MMOs are creating a whole new genre of literature, one where audience feedback is as important as the author's original input. 694@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ Arts 2006-12-12T17:19:06-06:00 http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/2006/12/second_lifes_infrastructure_ye.html Wow -- nine days now and I STILL can't get a decent connection when logging into Second Life. Today, some screenshots of what the grid looks when everything's going wrong, as well as a personal editorial of sorts about how important it is to pick the right computer when signing up. 693@http://www.jasonpettus.com/inthegrid/ ITG News 2006-12-08T13:22:32-06:00