I’m talking to Marsha Wawillow, Editor in chief of SL Goth Magazine, an inworld publication which I covered in a part 1 of the interview. In this part of the interview Marsha gets a little more personal, although she readily admits she’s generally shy. However we start with location, the SL Goth HQ sits in a corner of the home of Morphe Inc. Abel Dreamscape’s wares are readily available around here and they are very pleasing on the eye.
I ask Marsha, how she got here :
“I’ve known Abel Dreamscape for a long time. In the earlier days of the magazine he made gifts for readers as well as did the special event buildings for SL7B. When I left, and returned, I contacted him because I just think he’s so talented, and reliable, and genuine – I trust him. He is our patron here and we are ever grateful for his hospitality.”
Marsha took a break from Second Life for around three years but on her return she quickly got back into the swing of things and relaunched SL Goth Magazine with a HP Lovecraft special, so how big a fan of HP Lovecraft is Marsha? Marsha squirms, a little uncomfortably and then answers, somewhat sheepishly :
“I actually do not know very much about Lovecraft, although I did have a big dose with the Special issue and learned a lot. It’s interesting – there’s a HUGE Lovecraft following in Second Life. Very dedicated, and creative fans, who have a strong community. The people in that community are just top notch – storytellers, role players, creators, sim builders, you name it. I’m just always blown away by what comes out of Innsmouth.”
I then move on to Marsha herself, I ask her just what sort of goth she considers herself, is she an old goth, a new goth or another kind of goth? Marsha looks at me before replying :
“Wow… that’s a tough one. I am from the deep south, and have a strong attraction to southern literature like Faulkner. Plus my family is just very goth and macabre. Not in outward appearance but attitudes and beliefs. Aesthetically, I started out as punk. Not really hard core or anything, but I enjoyed punk music and shows. It wasn’t till my 30’s and living in a metropolitan area where I discovered things like goth clubs (before, it was more new wave). And it ends up I really like electronic music more that the older goth rock so.. I’m not sure if that answers your question.”
I note down that the question was answered very well and move on to the next question, I ask Marsha what brought her back to Second Life after a break of around three years :
“At the time I left an important RL event happened, so I had to take a break. I thought about SL off and on but things were just super busy in RL and chaotic. Finally things settled down a bit, and also it happened I saw a news article on my Google news home page saying Linden Lab was going to do something “new.” I decided to check it out, and it sounds interesting – my curiosity was piqued.
I came to SL many years ago with a big dream, you know like… Snow Crash, this was going to be the next Web Browser, but we were going to be able to be inside of it. No one understood then, outside of people like you and me. I couldn’t tell my family about it they would just not get it. Anyhow I thought, maybe this time it will be different, and the Oculus Rift thing being in mainstream news too. I guess I wondered would SL finally make the big push. That’s what I’m waiting for basically. I just want to be here when it happens.”
I then ask Marsha about the future, is she looking forward to Linden Lab’s nextgen virtual world?
“Yes I am. I know there will be compromises, but I want to see if they can burst through that barrier that exists right now with the usability and accessibility, and see how they handle it.”
We return to Second Life as I prepare to wind up the interview. Marsha runs a magazine or two, organises events, sells some wares, what else does she do in Second Life? Marsha grins and then answers :
“That takes up all of my time. I’m a full time parent, so this suits me right now. I do on occasion have a chance to hang out with my friends. Also late at night I explore by myself when it’s quiet… like the Depeche Mode song… “I’m waiting for the night to fall…” I like the peace, and finding things. Like treasures. I do not mean material stuff, but like scenes, places.”
Finally I ask Marsha, what sort of advice would she give to anyone who was thinking about joining Second Life? Marsha frowns and then answers :
“Come with an open mind, and patience. Understand the social rules are the same as anywhere, and there are people out there who con and make trouble, don’t be naive in that regard.”
Indeed, just because it’s a virtual world it doesn’t mean mannerisms and social norms should be forgotten. I put my notebook away and bid Marsha a cheery farewell, for now at least.
SLURL To SL Goth : http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snow%20Crash/44/42/21
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