But as I am not an extreme forum regular, I would like to know if this effort would really be worth my time and be used by the SL community. This is why I turn to everyone for their advise and input on my project.
Curious about the name? - Thats one thing I will announce depending on reaction to this thread.
- MISSION STATEMENT -
I will be creating a website dedicated to the Second Life community who’s goal is to provide a easy, clean, and user friendly place to share information and resources. Moderation is based on common sense, drama will be kept at a minimum without the added hassle and anger of a “police state” and “100% free rant” and dare I say “Res-Mod” forum.
- FEATURE SUMMARY -
- Full Forums
- Gallery Availability
- Free Blogs and Journals
- Free and paid advertising to SL based business and organizations. (banners, NO POPUPS, etc.)
- Up to date official announcements and information straight from Linden Labs
- Possible Video streaming in the future
- Possible Audio streaming in the future
- Easy to read and load skins and fit and finish
- MODERATION ISSUE -
Let me say again on the issue of “Moderation” - I believe in the freedom of speech, and that is key. Although as most people may agree, that un-moderated forums can quickly become a basket of snakes, and too heavily moderated forums are also prone to backlash, and simply not a fun place to be. I will try my best to keep them clean, and open to all without the worries of above. A forum can not function without a user base, and that user base’s opinions will never be forgotten or ignored.
- QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY -
- What kind of forum software would you recommend and be most comfortable with?
-- Options
1) Invision Power Services - Invision Power Board
(This one I am personally leaning to due to the fact I know it well, and has many easy to use features. Ability to include built in gallery software and blogs)
2) Jelsoft - vBulletin
(Current official Secondlife.com forum software. Slightly uglier, and also user friendly. Available gallery and blog software, but I haven’t found it yet lol)
3) phpBB2
( Very basic, but very easy to use and skin forum software, not as many features as the above, many 3rd party hacks and add-ons)
- What other features and suggestions would you have for a website of this style, any and all input would be highly useful.
- ABOUT ME -
I have been a fairly low key member of Second Life since moving from There (and TSO) in early 2004. I have built a fairly successful business since my “birth.” I have no intentions of leaving Second Life anytime soon, nor do have I done so in the past. Also I will admit my better half will kill me for starting this website, but it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for the longest time. I’ve just not had a good excuse for it lol.
Questions, Comments, Rants, Raves, Free Pie and Cheese? - Let me know by posting here, I will respond as soon as I can.

Thanks again,
- Sam Portocarrero