The doors to the SL8B 20 region site open Monday, 6-20-2011 at 10:30am. SL8B is the 8th birthday of Second Life and the annual celebration theme this year is "Magic". On June 23, 2011, Second Life will officially be eight years old. The event runs through Sunday, June 26 with a glittering assortment of musicians, speakers, artists, business leads, media mavens, merchants, social organizers, and other amazing Residents.
I first entered SL8B 6-19-11 for press weekend to get some information and early photos, but was seriously overwhelmed with all the exhibits, colors, sites, sounds and magic of it all. I didn't know where to start even though I have the press package because I felt this rush of wanting to see it all immediately. ColeMarie sent me a LM directly to her machinima exhibit so I decided to land there first after entering the area. Her plot is home to a circular machinima theater that will play her newest video and when she is around she will also show some of her other machinima. She is also a SL8B performer. Her theater exhibit additionally provides machinima information from MAG, Machinima Artists Guild, and several other machinima groups.
I moved next to the centerpiece of the SL8B which is a huge multi-level cake by Tao Mistwalker and his team that can be seen from most areas of the celebration. Visit the cake here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/SL8B%20Stunning/10/227/24 or direct link here: SL8BCakeHere.
The Linden bear island is back offering free Linden bears. This year the event has super cool tour pods you can ride around to see everything. There are free dolphin rides and a lot of cool freebies too.
The press info. reads, "..Spanning 21 sims with over 700 contributors, over 300 exhibits, over 300 live performers and speakers with special speeches from Philip and Rod Linden, SL8B is a showcase for the accomplishments and content of all SL residents, celebrating the “life” of Second Life."
I have to say I especially liked the concept of Moeuhane Sandalwood's exhibit titled "The Magic of SL is: You!". While it may not be the biggest, brightest exhibit I appreciated the message and it's interactive in that a visitor can enter panels and become part of the exhibit showcasing the various things appreciated in SL, such as arts, romance, music, dance, etc.
The exhibitors tend to go all out for this annual party, so not only is it a great way to learn more about what SL has to offer, it's a fun place to play, pick up freebies and be amazed at what is possible in this virtual world. SL is always magic to me.
Check out the official SL8B web site for details and updates: http://sl8b.wordpress.com/ or direct link here: SL8BBlogHere.
The press pass provided some additional important information and dates:
"June 20—10:30 a.m. SLT: Gates open to the public for the opening ceremonies. Scripts and build disabled throughout estates for the duration of opening ceremonies to discourage instances of lag and disruption. They will be turned back on after the opening speech.
11:00 am. Kim Linden speaks, opening the celebrations.
June 23—The Birthday!
3:00 pm slt. Rodvik Linden will be attending festivities at the Main Stage
June 26—Last day of entertainment.
July 2--Gates close. Sims will be locked.
Important Links:
SL Destination Guide: http://secondlife.com/destinations/birthday
SL8B Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/sl8b
SL8B Blog: http://www.sl8b.wordpress.com
SL8B Wiki (for all rules, dates, etc): http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Linden_Lab_Official:SL8B"
