Second Life Forums Archive - Independent State of Caledon: Two years old today.

Desmond Shang

Guvnah of Caledon

Join date: 14 Mar 2005

Posts: 5,250

02-26-2008 12:39

Today, the Independent State of Caledon celebrates its 2nd full year of existence.

It has been an amazing journey.

We started as a tiny single region on the western edge of the grid; before the land store, before reservations, before the free accounts, before the millions came.

A concurrency of 2000 people back then wasn't bad. There was no telling what the $L you went to sleep with would be worth the next morning. The continents of Nautilus, Corsica and Satori didn't exist.

And the idea of a 19th century micronation at that time was almost laughable.

Second Life, then, was effectively characterised by casino gambling, escorts (ageplay and otherwise), Gor, BDSM, and dubious 'banks' back in early 2006. Usually in a tropical-paradise setting, or something deeply bleak and forbidding.

That was 'where it was at', and certainly, that was where the money was at. That was all someone else's bliss I suppose... but that was not where I wanted to be.

And it was not the sort of environment where an anachronistic, largely PG, overly literate and certainly "uncool" little micronation might be expected to thrive.

But with a little pluck, derring-do, and the combined efforts of some of the most amazing people I've ever had the pleasure to meet... we survived, and thrived.

As a community, we tried to be nice to people. Genuinely. When something was whimsical, we supported its magic rather than roll our eyes. When a builder was new, we were patient, not blunt. No effort was spared; we even carefully spelled our pronouns in instant messages.

Such measures have resulted in 33 regions as of this day; and huge growth in market sectors as unlikely as steam airships and demure clothing. Some resident content barons and baronesses clear on the order of 1000 USD monthly and upward, satisfying the demand for delightful, decent eccentricity and whimsy gridwide.

Yet most of all, the greatest discovery of Caledon has been her people, the amazing characters that have been able to come to life in spite of the 21st century realities that have been thrust upon us in grim reality.

Growth continues unabated; the focus is now 'building a world' - not just merely finishing Caledon, but joining with other regions sharing complimentary visions in a mutually beneficial whole that inspires us all. Our independent but neighbourly allies now include the micronations of Winterfell, Brythony, and Lovelace; we collectively share a 55 region area known as "The Realm of the Roses."

The spirit of hope, good friends and good cheer lives on, against the backdrop of a real world all too devoid of such. And there is no such thing as virtual hope, virtual good friends, or virtual good cheer. All are just as real in this world as in any other. It has brightened my own life considerably.

Thank you residents of Caledon, thank you residents of Second Life, thank you Lindens.

It is an honour to serve you all.

Desmond Shang, Guvnah
Independent State of Caledon

26 Feb 08

_____________________

Steampunk Victorian, Well-Mannered Caledon!

Ann Launay

Neko-licious™

Join date: 8 Aug 2006

Posts: 7,893

02-26-2008 12:41

Congratulations.

_____________________

~Now Trout Re-Re-Re-Certified!~

From: someone

I am bumping you to an 8.5 on the Official Trout Measuring Instrument of Sluttiness. You are an enigma - on the one hand a sweet, gentle, intelligent woman who we would like to wrap up in our arms and protect, and on the other, a temptress to whom we would like to do all sorts of unmentionable things.

Congratulations and shame on you! You are a bit of a slut.

Sunni Jewell

Who said so?

Join date: 22 Mar 2007

Posts: 748

02-26-2008 12:43

Wow, Desmond. This post almost gave me goosebumps. What a nice post and thread, especially in the sea of some of the other threads on here. I want to express my congratulations to you and everyone who made Caledon what it is. I don't live there, but have visited and it's all truly lovely.

Thank you to all of you for bringing Caledon into SL.

_____________________

Why, anybody can have a brain. That's a very mediocre commodity. Every pusillanimous creature that crawls on the Earth or slinks through slimy seas has a brain-The Wizard of Oz

Atashi Toshihiko

Frequently Befuddled

Join date: 7 Dec 2006

Posts: 1,423

02-26-2008 12:44

A very hearty congratulations to you and all Caledon, and I'll raise a glass and toast that the coming years will be as wonderful and exciting as the first two.

-Atashi

_____________________

Visit Atashi's Art and Oddities Store and the Waikiti Motor Works at beautiful Waikiti.

Joseph Abel

Leaves no pawprints...

Join date: 20 Aug 2006

Posts: 781

02-26-2008 12:45

Absolutely inspiring!

_____________________

Nimbus rated!!

From: Nimbus Rau

So your final Nimbus Score is a grand total of 8.55. A magnificent achievement!

Love Hastings

#66666

Join date: 21 Aug 2007

Posts: 4,094

02-26-2008 12:46

Very nice! Congratulations!!

_____________________

Travis Lambert

White dog, red collar

Join date: 3 Jun 2004

Posts: 2,819

02-26-2008 12:46

Big congratz, Desmond!

_____________________

------------------
The Shelter

The Shelter is a non-profit recreation center for new residents, and supporters of new residents. Our goal is to provide a positive & supportive social environment for those looking for one in our overwhelming world.

Bodhisatva Paperclip

Tip: Savor pie, bald chap

Join date: 12 Jan 2007

Posts: 970

02-26-2008 12:47

Congratulations and well-earned!!

_____________________

I've trademarked the apostrophe. You're in trouble but you are not.

Isabeau Imako

P'tite Poulette

Join date: 13 Sep 2007

Posts: 2,335

02-26-2008 12:47

Congrats to you AND your very welcoming community.
\me also raises a glass, (well, her cup of coffee. Will that do?)

Deira Llanfair

Deira to rhyme with Myra

Join date: 16 Oct 2006

Posts: 2,315

02-26-2008 12:54

Caledon onwards and upwards! Congrats Desmond

_____________________

Deira

Must create animations for head-desk and palm-face!.

Crunch Underwood

Mr. Grown up, Go away sir

Join date: 25 Sep 2007

Posts: 624

02-26-2008 12:56

good on ya desmond, i frequently visit Caledon and am always amazed by yourself and your residents imaginations. you are deffinatly one of the people that continue to inspire me in my second life.

-Crunch

_____________________

----------------------------------------------

So your final Nimbus Score is 8.15, a quite remarkable achievement for a biped. Congratulations Crunch, you should be very proud.

Meade Paravane

Hedgehog

Join date: 21 Nov 2006

Posts: 4,845

02-26-2008 13:08

Wow!

Happy.. uh.. continent day, Desmond!!

_____________________

Tired of shouting clubs and lucky chairs? Vote for llParcelSay!!!
- Go here: http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/SVC-1224
- If you see "if you were logged in.." on the left, click it and log in
- Click the "Vote for it" link on the left

Har Fairweather

Registered User

Join date: 24 Jan 2007

Posts: 2,320

02-26-2008 13:10

What a fine addition to SL you and your associates are.

Marianne McCann

Feted Inner Child

Join date: 23 Feb 2006

Posts: 7,145

02-26-2008 13:12

Big, big congrats!

_____________________

"There's nothing objectionable nor illegal in having a child-like avatar in itself and we must assume innocence until proof of the contrary." - Lewis PR Linden
"If you find children offensive, you're gonna have trouble in this world

" - Prospero Linden

Lindal Kidd

Dances With Noobs

Join date: 26 Jun 2007

Posts: 8,371

02-26-2008 13:24

Happy, uh...does Caledon have a name for its inaugural holiday? Founding Day? First Day? Statehood Day?

Ah...I have it. A person's SL birthday is called their RezDay. I suggest that Caledon honor both its own birth and the avatar who made it possible. I submit to the citizens of Caledon that this day should, henceforth and forever, be referred to as:

DesDay.

Congratulations, Desmond, and my best wishes for a great day and many, many DesDays to come for all the citizens of your lovely country.

_____________________

It's still My World and My Imagination! So there.
Lindal Kidd

Brenda Connolly

Un United Avatar

Join date: 10 Jan 2007

Posts: 25,000

02-26-2008 13:27

It's a nice place from what I've seen. You should be rightfully proud.

_____________________

Don't you ever try to look behind my eyes. You don't want to know what they have seen.

http://brenda-connolly.blogspot.com

Derbor Torok

Lost soul

Join date: 21 Jun 2007

Posts: 1,016

02-26-2008 13:28

Congratulations Desmond!

And I promise I will not share with anyone the things you do after a few shots of.. Bailey's was it? -

.d

Johan Durant

Registered User

Join date: 7 Aug 2006

Posts: 1,657

02-26-2008 13:29

Caledon is definitely a shining example of what SL is supposed to be. Cheers!

_____________________

(Aelin 184,194,22)

The Motion Merchant - an animation store specializing in two-person interactions

Maggie McArdle

FIOS hates puppies

Join date: 8 May 2006

Posts: 2,855

Congrats Desmond!!!

02-26-2008 13:29

_____________________

There's, uh, probably a lot of things you didn't know about lindens. Another, another interesting, uh, lindenism, uh, there are only three jobs available to a linden. The first is making shoes at night while, you know, while the old cobbler sleeps.You can bake cookies in a tree. But the third job, some call it, uh, "the show" or "the big dance," it's the profession that every linden aspires to.

CCTV Giant

Registered User

Join date: 2 Nov 2006

Posts: 469

02-26-2008 13:34

Thats awesome Desmond - You da man!

Argos Hawks

Eclectically Esoteric

Join date: 24 Jan 2007

Posts: 1,037

02-26-2008 13:43

All of that in only 2 years? That's absolutely amazing. My little venture turns 1 this week, and I feel like I've done nothing with it yet. By the time I started, Desmond was already a SL celebrity for what he had done with Caledon. Caledon is a truly amazing place, and I have to get back more often. That must have been a crazy first year. The SL you describe from 2 years ago is completely foreign to the one I joined a year ago. Congratulations and Happy Desday!

Desmond Shang '08 - Leadership for any century.

_____________________

Step 1: Create virtual world
Step 2: ???
Step 3: Profit

Darien Caldwell

Registered User

Join date: 12 Oct 2006

Posts: 3,127

02-26-2008 14:10

Congratulations, Desmond.

_____________________

Nathan Childs

Registered User

Join date: 28 Feb 2006

Posts: 56

02-26-2008 14:11

Congratulations Desmond,

Truly a remarkable achievement especially considering the remarkable place SL is generally.

All the best for the future years

Ilianexsi Sojourner

Chick with Horns

Join date: 11 Jul 2004

Posts: 1,707

02-26-2008 14:12

Congratulations, Desmond! Caledon is a marvelous place-- I can't wait to see what the next two years bring!

_____________________

Everything's impossible,'till it ain't. --Ben Hawkins, Carnivale

Help build a Utopian Playland-- www.doctorsteel.com. Music, robots, fun times!

Xplorer Cannoli

Cache Cleaner

Join date: 18 Sep 2005

Posts: 1,131

02-26-2008 14:15

Dedication and Hard work! Well Done!

_____________________

Region Names for a Themed Shopping Experience:

New Region: Gifts

Accessories, Art, Avatars, Cars, Clothes, Clothing, Fashion, Fashions, Furnishings, Furniture, Gadgets, Games, Gifts, Hair, Jewellery, Jewelry, Mall, Men, Money, Music, Pets, Shoes, Shopping, Skin, Skins, Something, Women, X

Attractions:
Explore our new park at HOME
New Racetrack at CAR
WEAPONS Region Now Open!

Independent State of Caledon: Two years old today.
Desmond Shang Guvnah of Caledon Join date: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 5,250	02-26-2008 12:39 Today, the Independent State of Caledon celebrates its 2nd full year of existence. It has been an amazing journey. We started as a tiny single region on the western edge of the grid; before the land store, before reservations, before the free accounts, before the millions came. A concurrency of 2000 people back then wasn't bad. There was no telling what the $L you went to sleep with would be worth the next morning. The continents of Nautilus, Corsica and Satori didn't exist. And the idea of a 19th century micronation at that time was almost laughable. Second Life, then, was effectively characterised by casino gambling, escorts (ageplay and otherwise), Gor, BDSM, and dubious 'banks' back in early 2006. Usually in a tropical-paradise setting, or something deeply bleak and forbidding. That was 'where it was at', and certainly, that was where the money was at. That was all someone else's bliss I suppose... but that was not where I wanted to be. And it was not the sort of environment where an anachronistic, largely PG, overly literate and certainly "uncool" little micronation might be expected to thrive. But with a little pluck, derring-do, and the combined efforts of some of the most amazing people I've ever had the pleasure to meet... we survived, and thrived. As a community, we tried to be nice to people. Genuinely. When something was whimsical, we supported its magic rather than roll our eyes. When a builder was new, we were patient, not blunt. No effort was spared; we even carefully spelled our pronouns in instant messages. Such measures have resulted in 33 regions as of this day; and huge growth in market sectors as unlikely as steam airships and demure clothing. Some resident content barons and baronesses clear on the order of 1000 USD monthly and upward, satisfying the demand for delightful, decent eccentricity and whimsy gridwide. Yet most of all, the greatest discovery of Caledon has been her people, the amazing characters that have been able to come to life in spite of the 21st century realities that have been thrust upon us in grim reality. Growth continues unabated; the focus is now 'building a world' - not just merely finishing Caledon, but joining with other regions sharing complimentary visions in a mutually beneficial whole that inspires us all. Our independent but neighbourly allies now include the micronations of Winterfell, Brythony, and Lovelace; we collectively share a 55 region area known as "The Realm of the Roses." The spirit of hope, good friends and good cheer lives on, against the backdrop of a real world all too devoid of such. And there is no such thing as virtual hope, virtual good friends, or virtual good cheer. All are just as real in this world as in any other. It has brightened my own life considerably. Thank you residents of Caledon, thank you residents of Second Life, thank you Lindens. It is an honour to serve you all. Desmond Shang, Guvnah Independent State of Caledon 26 Feb 08 _____________________ Steampunk Victorian, Well-Mannered Caledon!
Ann Launay Neko-licious™ Join date: 8 Aug 2006 Posts: 7,893	02-26-2008 12:41 Congratulations. _____________________ ~Now Trout Re-Re-Re-Certified!~ From: someone I am bumping you to an 8.5 on the Official Trout Measuring Instrument of Sluttiness. You are an enigma - on the one hand a sweet, gentle, intelligent woman who we would like to wrap up in our arms and protect, and on the other, a temptress to whom we would like to do all sorts of unmentionable things. Congratulations and shame on you! You are a bit of a slut.
Sunni Jewell Who said so? Join date: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 748	02-26-2008 12:43 Wow, Desmond. This post almost gave me goosebumps. What a nice post and thread, especially in the sea of some of the other threads on here. I want to express my congratulations to you and everyone who made Caledon what it is. I don't live there, but have visited and it's all truly lovely. Thank you to all of you for bringing Caledon into SL. _____________________ Why, anybody can have a brain. That's a very mediocre commodity. Every pusillanimous creature that crawls on the Earth or slinks through slimy seas has a brain-The Wizard of Oz
Atashi Toshihiko Frequently Befuddled Join date: 7 Dec 2006 Posts: 1,423	02-26-2008 12:44 A very hearty congratulations to you and all Caledon, and I'll raise a glass and toast that the coming years will be as wonderful and exciting as the first two. -Atashi _____________________ Visit Atashi's Art and Oddities Store and the Waikiti Motor Works at beautiful Waikiti.
Joseph Abel Leaves no pawprints... Join date: 20 Aug 2006 Posts: 781	02-26-2008 12:45 Absolutely inspiring! _____________________ Nimbus rated!! From: Nimbus Rau So your final Nimbus Score is a grand total of 8.55. A magnificent achievement!
Love Hastings #66666 Join date: 21 Aug 2007 Posts: 4,094	02-26-2008 12:46 Very nice! Congratulations!! _____________________
Travis Lambert White dog, red collar Join date: 3 Jun 2004 Posts: 2,819	02-26-2008 12:46 Big congratz, Desmond! _____________________ ------------------ The Shelter The Shelter is a non-profit recreation center for new residents, and supporters of new residents. Our goal is to provide a positive & supportive social environment for those looking for one in our overwhelming world.
Bodhisatva Paperclip Tip: Savor pie, bald chap Join date: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 970	02-26-2008 12:47 Congratulations and well-earned!! _____________________ I've trademarked the apostrophe. You're in trouble but you are not.
Isabeau Imako P'tite Poulette Join date: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 2,335	02-26-2008 12:47 Congrats to you AND your very welcoming community. \me also raises a glass, (well, her cup of coffee. Will that do?)
Deira Llanfair Deira to rhyme with Myra Join date: 16 Oct 2006 Posts: 2,315	02-26-2008 12:54 Caledon onwards and upwards! Congrats Desmond _____________________ Deira Must create animations for head-desk and palm-face!.
Crunch Underwood Mr. Grown up, Go away sir Join date: 25 Sep 2007 Posts: 624	02-26-2008 12:56 good on ya desmond, i frequently visit Caledon and am always amazed by yourself and your residents imaginations. you are deffinatly one of the people that continue to inspire me in my second life. -Crunch _____________________ ---------------------------------------------- So your final Nimbus Score is 8.15, a quite remarkable achievement for a biped. Congratulations Crunch, you should be very proud.
Meade Paravane Hedgehog Join date: 21 Nov 2006 Posts: 4,845	02-26-2008 13:08 Wow! Happy.. uh.. continent day, Desmond!! _____________________ Tired of shouting clubs and lucky chairs? Vote for llParcelSay!!! - Go here: http://jira.secondlife.com/browse/SVC-1224 - If you see "if you were logged in.." on the left, click it and log in - Click the "Vote for it" link on the left
Har Fairweather Registered User Join date: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 2,320	02-26-2008 13:10 What a fine addition to SL you and your associates are.
Marianne McCann Feted Inner Child Join date: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 7,145	02-26-2008 13:12 Big, big congrats! _____________________ "There's nothing objectionable nor illegal in having a child-like avatar in itself and we must assume innocence until proof of the contrary." - Lewis PR Linden "If you find children offensive, you're gonna have trouble in this world " - Prospero Linden
Lindal Kidd Dances With Noobs Join date: 26 Jun 2007 Posts: 8,371	02-26-2008 13:24 Happy, uh...does Caledon have a name for its inaugural holiday? Founding Day? First Day? Statehood Day? Ah...I have it. A person's SL birthday is called their RezDay. I suggest that Caledon honor both its own birth and the avatar who made it possible. I submit to the citizens of Caledon that this day should, henceforth and forever, be referred to as: DesDay. Congratulations, Desmond, and my best wishes for a great day and many, many DesDays to come for all the citizens of your lovely country. _____________________ It's still My World and My Imagination! So there. Lindal Kidd
Brenda Connolly Un United Avatar Join date: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 25,000	02-26-2008 13:27 It's a nice place from what I've seen. You should be rightfully proud. _____________________ Don't you ever try to look behind my eyes. You don't want to know what they have seen. http://brenda-connolly.blogspot.com
Derbor Torok Lost soul Join date: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 1,016	02-26-2008 13:28 Congratulations Desmond! And I promise I will not share with anyone the things you do after a few shots of.. Bailey's was it? - .d
Johan Durant Registered User Join date: 7 Aug 2006 Posts: 1,657	02-26-2008 13:29 Caledon is definitely a shining example of what SL is supposed to be. Cheers! _____________________ (Aelin 184,194,22) The Motion Merchant - an animation store specializing in two-person interactions
Maggie McArdle FIOS hates puppies Join date: 8 May 2006 Posts: 2,855	Congrats Desmond!!! 02-26-2008 13:29 _____________________ There's, uh, probably a lot of things you didn't know about lindens. Another, another interesting, uh, lindenism, uh, there are only three jobs available to a linden. The first is making shoes at night while, you know, while the old cobbler sleeps.You can bake cookies in a tree. But the third job, some call it, uh, "the show" or "the big dance," it's the profession that every linden aspires to.
CCTV Giant Registered User Join date: 2 Nov 2006 Posts: 469	02-26-2008 13:34 Thats awesome Desmond - You da man!
Argos Hawks Eclectically Esoteric Join date: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 1,037	02-26-2008 13:43 All of that in only 2 years? That's absolutely amazing. My little venture turns 1 this week, and I feel like I've done nothing with it yet. By the time I started, Desmond was already a SL celebrity for what he had done with Caledon. Caledon is a truly amazing place, and I have to get back more often. That must have been a crazy first year. The SL you describe from 2 years ago is completely foreign to the one I joined a year ago. Congratulations and Happy Desday! Desmond Shang '08 - Leadership for any century. _____________________ Step 1: Create virtual world Step 2: ??? Step 3: Profit
Darien Caldwell Registered User Join date: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 3,127	02-26-2008 14:10 Congratulations, Desmond. _____________________
Nathan Childs Registered User Join date: 28 Feb 2006 Posts: 56	02-26-2008 14:11 Congratulations Desmond, Truly a remarkable achievement especially considering the remarkable place SL is generally. All the best for the future years
Ilianexsi Sojourner Chick with Horns Join date: 11 Jul 2004 Posts: 1,707	02-26-2008 14:12 Congratulations, Desmond! Caledon is a marvelous place-- I can't wait to see what the next two years bring! _____________________ Everything's impossible,'till it ain't. --Ben Hawkins, Carnivale Help build a Utopian Playland-- www.doctorsteel.com. Music, robots, fun times!
Xplorer Cannoli Cache Cleaner Join date: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 1,131	02-26-2008 14:15 Dedication and Hard work! Well Done! _____________________ Region Names for a Themed Shopping Experience: New Region: Gifts Accessories, Art, Avatars, Cars, Clothes, Clothing, Fashion, Fashions, Furnishings, Furniture, Gadgets, Games, Gifts, Hair, Jewellery, Jewelry, Mall, Men, Money, Music, Pets, Shoes, Shopping, Skin, Skins, Something, Women, X Attractions: Explore our new park at HOME New Racetrack at CAR WEAPONS Region Now Open!

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Independent State of Caledon: Two years old today.