Penn State and Second Life

Today's student newspaper (The Daily Collegian) has an article about Penn State's presence in Second Life and they talk about my 'virtual THON' project - neat!

I'm glad to see that Penn State is developing a presence in Second Life, but I gotta say that I'm just not sure they're going about it the right way. Although I'm incredibly grateful to ITS/ETS for donating land to the Penn State New Media Art Department (thanks, Brett!), it would have been nice to see some sort of 'plan' for the space. As it stands, it feels very much like everyone's just doing their own thing without thinking how the spaces might work in relation to each other. I worry that once everyone has 'claimed' their area, it'll all just be individuals working with their own agenda and not thinking above the overall impression the space is making. Hopefully we'll find some way to make that work.

New record for THON!

THON raised $5,240,385.17 this year - FOR THE KIDS!

I was at THON this afternoon and it's hard to explain unless you've been there, seen it.. felt it. As soon as we walked through the doors at the BJC - you could feel it. Before you saw the dance floor, or heard the music, or saw the kids - it was there.

We stayed for a while, taking photos and video, and experiencing this amazing, surreal thing that happens once a year on Penn State's campus. I had an emotional breakdown not just once, but several times. It's just that kind of thing.

It amazes me to watch so many people giving so much of themselves to help these families - I'm pretty sure it's what life is all about. Thank you Penn State, for doing this. It makes me proud to be a part of it. Nowhere else - nothing like this.

virtual world making a 'real' difference

I'm gearing up to host another benefit event in Mill Pond and I'm hoping it'll have an even bigger impact than the first.

I'll be running a virtual version of Penn State's "THON" during the same weekend as the 'real life' THON is taking place here in lovely University Park. I'm planning live musicians to play and donate their time, talents, and tips to the cause, and people will be able to stop by and donate, and purchase t-shirts as well. All the donations will be made in 'lindens' - the currency of Second Life and will then be cashed-out and donated to the THON organization.

Our breast cancer benefit raised over $600US dollars for breast cancer. I'm hoping we can do better than that 'for the kids'.

For anyone interested, it'll be happening February 16-18 at Mill Pond in Second Life. Stop by and help make a difference.