At the request of a Linden who shall remain nameless, this thread is intended to give those interested in being interviewed on behalf of Second Life an idea as to the types of things that Linden Labs looks for, as well as things to consider when contemplating whether or not you wish to step up and volunteer for some exposure on Linden Lab's behalf.
I've put this into something of a 'question and answer' piece, and am certain if clarification is needed, a Linden will pop in to provide it.
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Question: What 'requirements' does Linden Labs look at when contemplating who they would like to be interviewed?
1) Potential interviewees should be residents with at least six months in the metaverse.
Why? Because any company worth their salt wants to give examples of people who have history with their product. And six months is the lowest end of the spectrum when it comes to demonstrating both product loyalty and through that, implying a level of service and quality from Linden Labs that would instill such.
2) Potential interviewees should have a physical location/storefront in the world.
Why? Because you can hardly set out an example of how well the product offering caters to metaverse merchants and the virtual economy if your example is either too broke or too disinterested to maintain an in-world presence that can be related to the real one or that displays the mutually beneficial relationship that a company would want showcased as an example of success.
3) Potential interviewees should present the 'best face' possible for Linden Labs.
Why? This should be common sense, but a company wants to showcase someone that is upbeat, savvy, creative, diplomatic, and knows the difference between a showcase of Linden Lab's 'Second Life' product and a free ad spot for whatever it is they are making.
4) Potential interviewees should have a reputation for service and attentiveness to the other residents of the world that Linden Labs wishes to project for themselves.
Why? This should also be common sense, but a company wants to showcase customers who not only make good use of their product, but create in those reading the belief that they too, can succeed. Obviously someone who is not attached to the same ideals would not serve as well in the spotlight.
Question: So ok, I meet or exceed as an example of each of the four criteria listed above... what else should I consider before stepping up?
Once you've decided you are interested in volunteering for Linden Lab's media list, you need to understand what being interviewed might entail and determine if you equally willing to potentially share parts of your real world:
1) Contact information
At minimum, your email address is going to be required. There is the possibility that you will need to supply a telephone number. Frankly, you're a better candidate if you're willing to provide both.
2) Personal information
Sometimes, the media wants to compare and contrast your real life with your Second Life. In such cases, they want to know things like where you live (City/State), what your name is (you can usually go with first name, last initial), what you do for a living in the real world, etc. Again, someone who doesn't have issue with providing this kind of information is going to be a better candidate.
Question: Hmm. Ok. I am cool with all of it to this point, what else should I know?
Well, part of being interviewed in this context is not just being willing to share who you are, but to be able to speak well about why you do what you do, or why Second Life is a great place to be, or to otherwise draw real world parallels to Second Life. Generally, having a good idea about what your presence in Second Life means to gaming, to Second Life itself, and why it is of interest to anyone.
If you're serious about stepping up, you need to contemplate what your story is and why it is one that not only should be told, but would be of interest to the media and how it would reflect well upon Linden Labs and Second Life.... because in the end, it's all about talking up Second Life and Linden Labs to the world.
It has been mentioned elsewhere that, for the moment, the media is most interested in stories about how Second Life businesses happen and succeed. But that doesn't mean there's no chance for other types of stories.
It all depends upon how well you can convey what/why your existance here is interesting or gives a thought-provoking turn to the 'status quo' of gaming in general, and virtual world or online creativity specifically.
Question: Ok. I'm definitely interested and I think I have what it takes to ace everything . What do I do next?
Make yourself known to Linden Labs. Here's how:
Email [email]catherine@lindenlab.com[/email] and use this post to explain how you meet every criteria. Tell her your story and help her see how/why it is a great story to show to the media. Give as much detail as you can, there's no such thing as too much information when it comes to the media.
Good luck, have fun, and I'll be looking for you in the press!