Full Public Input Requested - A possible new fan-site in the works

I have an idea for a new Second Life fan-site that could become the next “big site” in SL.
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

There are a number of sites popping up. I would look through the forums at announcements and see if you think yours would be offering something unique.

There are a couple of things I would like to see (they may be out there and I haven't found them yet) First is a site that would try to keep up some links to all this other stuff (blogs, forums, whatever SL related) and maybe review them, give an overview. I would volunteer to track down information and write critiques.

Secondly, I would like to see a site that would put a lot of energy into helping newbies get around and enjoy thier experience. This could include, a nice forum whre they would feel welcome to ask guestions, articles on fun things to do; planned field trips in world where they can meet up with people they have been talking to.

What I am mostly lookiing for is a open and helpful enviroment. Good luck with your endevour. Let me know if I can help.

My goal would be to keep it open to all, and helpful to all, old and new. Considering that most of the newer fan sites share very common goals and features, the true factor that would make one unique would be the community and content. From what I can tell most do plan a forum, gallery, blogs, etc, which will always be very common.

I have had an idea for a "Consumer Reports" style site ever since I beta tested There back in early 2003, but the factor that has prevented me from it would be the fact I still own and run a fairly large business. (Heck maybe even offer JD Power style awards for outstanding products and support) lol

A fair and balanced (omg I am starting to sound like Fox News) review site may be possible with the right staff and support. I will seriously think about this one.

This may also give me an opportunity to develop the 33,000sq.m of PG Poliahu I have had sitting around for months. A newbie friendly gathering spot and a place for free classes and such.

-- Though there is one thing I am still quite worried about, the fact that I have had little feedback or even acknowledgement so far. I'm not sure yet that this would still be worth my investment and time.

Thoughts?

- Sam Portocarrero

Your thoughts are exactly what my site currently is. We will be opening to Second LIfe Residents within the coming days. We already have significant resources engaged. We already have significant dollars invested. We already have a dedicated core community. We already have the capacity to support the Residents. We have a great history and have been running smoothly for quite a while now. Our members control things. They make decisions. The sky is the limit.

I would say you should combine your efforts with ours. No sense building from scratch.

PM me if you are interested. We do need contributors to help build the content.