Soon after receiving my Google Wave invite, a quick search for “Second Life” led to SecondLife Wave (wave-link*). Frequent mention of a PARTY caught my attention there. Over a hundred users had joined the wave (think “thread”), with more than fifty responding “Yes” to a survey about a PARTY.

* Wave-links only work if you have a Wave account.

The discussion at that wave trailed off into…nothing. I returned again and again, only to find “I’m here” and “Just got my invite…” messages scrolling further and further down into the void. Nothing was happening to make it a reality.

Here was a chance to plan an event collaboratively, riding the wave of enthusiasm mentioned above while exploring the functionality of Wave itself. Event planning is actually one of the uses suggested by Google.

(Note: I am encouraged by the result. Contributions to the event planning wave (wave-link) occurred more rapidly than with any wiki that I have created.)

So, I am organizing an event in world. Initially, the plan was to develop content that would engage visitors over a 24 hour period; providing a space where they might dance, lounge, and learn. Since SL is a global community, it would be best for anyone to be able to visit…hence, a 24 hour event.

However, after a week there is not enough momentum to develop a 24 hour event. Still, planning continues, focusing on a discussion among developers.

XMPP: Extensible Messaging and Presence Party

Objective: Facilitate a discussion among content developers and programmers about the potential for integrating Second Life with XMPP applications.

As a scripter, I often chat with folks who are not familiar with the capabilities of the SL scripting language (LSL). It is my role to help them understand what is possible. They are unable to clearly envision an interaction or behaviour, and —as a consequence—are unable to effectively describe the effect they wish to achieve.

This is how I feel about XMPP and “wave” technology.

I also have the impression that few developers in SL are conversant in both SL design and XMPP. A discussion among a few rezidents would certainly help me to understand the possibilities. It might even spawn some new ideas.

Chatting with several content developers and career programmers suggested enough interest—in every case—to encourage me in moving ahead to organize this event. (This is not a Google Wave promotion.)

Silent Auction Display

There is plenty to keep me busy: The location is not yet decided, (though a new offer has just come along); and, you can never have too many interactive objects in a design, can you? Today, I am working on a series of displays with information about XMPP, some of which will be interactive; and, I hope to attend an “Event Management” class tonight, at New Citizens Inc.

If you do not have a Google Wave account yet, check out the Silent Auction panel. I will be giving Google Wave Invites to the highest bidders. (This, to recoup some of the cost for entertainment. Hey! These invites are being sold on eBay!)

The main event will be a combination of

1. The demonstration of an interactive bot that might be enhanced by XMPP integration; and,
2. A discussion among developers and programmers

There will be music provided by several DJs, and live music from Friendly Fire who will perform immediately after the discussion. If you have not heard FF live, they bring some presence to the grid, themselves, rocking an alt/pop/punk style that is GLAMtastic.

Remaining challenges:

• How to capture the discussion; notes posted in a blog, or a wave? Is this worth recording an MP3? (New to me.)
• What kinds of content can be designed and developed just for this event? (Combination: social gathering and mini-conference.)
• What are the particulars of land management for an event? What sort of concierge activity takes place behind the scenes?
• How to get the word out, and target the demographics that will be likely to participate…
• Managing an event. Will I be able to have ducks lined up well enough to be ready for the discussion myself?