Hi everyone!
Today marks the First Anniversary of 'Project SL'! :D
When I put that first posting up, I had know idea how much interest there would be in the idea, or indeed if there would be any at all. Looking back at the past 12 months, I am amazed that not only is the Project still going, but that interest in it ihas never been greater!
We are gaining new members to our eBid SL Group daily now, with many of them showing much interest in an alternative to 'the other auction site'. The land on which Manderley Mall stands has an enviable 'traffic' figure, which is larger than some of IBM's smaller islands. Since our Group made the adverts available for eBid Sellers to promote their eBid Listings and Stores, they have sold steadily and the ground floor has had 'virtually' every advert occupied, with a larger proportion renewing them upon expiry. (We recently added 'click counters' to the adverts, as a way to calculate their effectiveness to some degree). Some of the Projects greatest critics in the early days (and I mean that most respectfully), are now amongst it's most avid supporters and users, - even 12 months on.
During that last year, we have all experienced some amazing times together. There have been times of great stress, - especially when SL 'goes down' and we lose important items, but there have also been many wonderful events too. I wont forget the feeling we all had when we bought our first land parcel and began to build Manderlay Mall. We have experienced SL Birthday Parties and Weddings, some sad partings too. Some of the most hilarious things happen in SL, that could never possibly happen in RL. (Just ask Wendy and Peggy, though you may not get a reply ;)). I still remember with fondness the times we used to hold meetings in a giant kitchen draw, the time in 'Morris' Sandbox experimenting with Avatars, and my first meeting with Wendy, where for reasons far too complex to go into, I thought she was a spy and almost ignored her; as well as the day that not one of us, but two of the original group of four, unintentionally wrecked a lady's house in Hamnida! (Thank you Lottie for making us all smile about that! We wish you all the best for your future in SL and RL too).
I apologise in advance for reiterating that 'Project SL' is NOT my Project. I may have come up with the initial concept, but I would NEVER have managed it without the support of Wendy (Zarin Nightfire / Lovetosell) and Peggy (Cepas Frog / Ropegg) who have given me their complete support without limit. I also wish to thank Yvonne for your very kind support with helping to fund a large part of the land! You are amazingly easy to work with and so easy going, and we are all extremely grateful for your generosity. The Project is funded entirely by Group Members and the Advertisers, and receives no outside funding. Thank you to everyone thats helped make the Project what it is today!
After the initial Project had been formulated, we realised that the real challange would be in keeping the area fresh, and constantly building up traffic levels. (We excelled ourselves the other night, but filling the SIM completely, with people wanting to come in, but unable to). It is with this in mind, that after careful consideration and discussion, we have decided to redevelop much of the area. We feel that the Mall itself, is little more than a building with Adverts in. Residents come there, stand about and look at them, but apart from the Daily Draws, Camping, Freebies and contests, there is nothing dynamic there to attract people. As regulars are aware, we recently experimented by installing a pond and fishing area next to the mall, and although we've so far not gone out of our way to promote it, we have all been impressed by the amount of interest it has gained. The main fishing system in SL has an almost fanatical following, with fish collector's going to every fishing area to collect 'Custom' fish that are only available in your specific location. Early in the New Year, the main group, will be removing the Mall building, and putting in a lake to cover much of the land we control. (The Wedding area will be moved 'up' a bit). The Adverts will be placed around the lake, and traffic should increase as '7 Seas fish Collectors' come in to the area. We have been listed on www.7seasfishing.com now too, and once the Lake is installed, higher profile contests will be organised and publicised throughout the '7 Seas Community'. We all feel that this exciting new phase will be very good for making sure all the adverts are seen to as large an 'audience' as possible. (If anyone would like to get started on '7 Seas Fishing', just let me know).
If anyone would like to join the the SL eBid Group, please let me know. There isn't any 'work' involved in becoming a member, but it is a great way to meet people and have some real laughs. (I'm speaking from experience here, - I have met some of the greatest friends I could ever wish for, in SL). It is important to mention that SL isn't a game, but an experience. You really have to 'be there' for a little while to appreciate that. SL doesn't necessarily have to cost money to use, though land can be expensive to run.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Zarin a VERY happy 'Rez Day' today, and a belated, but happy Rez Day for yesterday, to Cepas, (Sorry I only found out what a 'Rez day' really was last night! :o 'Trust me!', as we say so often!).
Thank you all once again, with best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, Simon.
Here's to the next Twelve Months! (Well we'll see, anyway)
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"The SL Project is not linked to eBid Ltd. in anyway. It is run and funded independently from eBid Ltd., and is a venture undertaken by, and on behalf of members of the eBid Community."