Time is Precious
Saturday
May 24, 2008
I recently received some considerable criticism for not spending more time in the Second Life environment. I was chastised for not being more “involved” and for not performing more shows. There were references to other musicians that play “every day” sometimes more than once a day. This was the baseline comparison I was given and I was apparently expected to meet this qualification of standard.
I can only say this. Second Life is a great place to network, a great place to find live music, to explore new interests, to learn about new technologies, and more. However, Second Life is not MY life.
I am a very busy person. I have a fairly demanding career position in media relations and safety education with a suburban fire department. I am a voice over talent creating content for clients during my “non-work” hours. I am a singer/songwriter that is also desperately trying to find time to finish producing an album. I have two children, both active in a variety of activities. I produce two independent media programs (podcasts) and one for my employer.
I would say that I do quite well with a performance or two each week in the Second Life environment. I would like to spend more social time, but I have to realize my limitations. With the extended obligations that I have committed myself, I must also find time to spend with my family. They certainly deserve the attention, right?
And, considering that I have been a Second Life musician for going on two years, I believe I’ve developed a healthy balance of reality and virtual presence.
Please don’t give up on me, though. I’m still around, I’m reachable via IM (through my email when I’m not online) or at safesongs [at] gmail {dot} com, or even via this blog.
And please don’t think that I’m not a contributing member of the SL live music community just because you don’t see me every day or that my shows aren’t more frequent.
Comments
Nika Dreamscape
May 24th, 2008 at 10:08 am
That is absolutely crazy, and rather selfish of someone to tell you that. You are by NO means 'obligated' to perform to spend any particular amount of time in SL. Especially with a family to take care of, and so many other things going on- its great that you don't neglect your real life over SL like some people might. If you wanted to take 6 weeks off, or 6 months, or even stop performing in SL all together- you have that right. And your real friends would never fault you for that.
richpalmer
May 24th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
I appreciate your kind words, Nika! I know that the friendships that I've established there are good and that most people are very understanding. Others just need to establish their own priorities without forcing their ideal on others.
Ed Lamoureux
May 25th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Rich,
I do not know who dealt the criticism . . . but it's bogus in my book. You've been engaged, involved, helpful, friendly, and have made significant contributions to the scene. I'm proud to know you, I enjoy listening to your music, and I hope that you continue doing what you can. Peace. the Professor
richpalmer
May 25th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Ed, thanks much. I'm sure not going to disclose any names, because it would not help the person's reputation at all in the community. I'm not one to tarnish another's reputation based on personal conflict. And, of course, we all hold our own opinions and beliefs. I respect that.
Thanks much, my friend, for your kind words. I enjoy your tunes, as well! I appreciate the fact that you are using your education background to cross boundaries into the SL environs. It is also inspiring to me when I see people using new technologies to study and explore future potential. Keep singing and keep researching! We all benefit from your endeavors!
Silas Scarborough
June 1st, 2008 at 6:44 am
Your experience is not the same as mine as typically I'll be asked to play less as if to say couldn't I make room for someone who actually knows some songs and I have to agree with the logic. To hear such a thing would ordinarily be emotionally debilitating but I recognize the truth of it. My saving grace is that there is a subset of the Second Life Music community that doesn't really care much what I play; they just come to hear me to talk dirty to them on the microphone.
Guy "Banana Stein"
June 10th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Rich -
I can relate to what you wrote - not as a talented artist like you - but in terms of people expressing criticism that I was not in world more or more involved.
Balance is so important in every aspect of life. And I see that you have it! Congrats!
And don't let people bring you down! Keep on ROCKIN!