It's been almost a whole year since I posted diaries about the Netroots Nation in Second Life convention. Like last year, the NNSL will run concurrently with the Netroots Nation convention proper in Pittsburgh, PA on August 13-16.
For the next 14 or so weeks, up until the convention, I will post diaries here to highlight the benefits of attending the convention in Second Life. The main reason would be community.
And, I found that community by attending Netroots Nation in Second Life last year.
I believe very strongly that virtual worlds like Second Life are going to become an integral part of the future as far as communications, education, and social networking. Whatever else you hear about Second Life, I would also add that there is a strong and growing progressive community there.
Anyone who has been a member of DKos for any length of time has, as I have, gotten to know the many screen names that are familiar "faces" on this site. There are many who share a Second Life name with their Kossack name, as well. Moody Loner, for instance, is a frequent flyer at DKos, and also has a Second Life presence. Moody has a great guide on the "How-to" of Second Life, which I hope you will take a gander.
PerfectStormer has gotten the diary ball rolling this year with Netroots Nation in Second Life: The Official Kickoff! Here you will find information on how to follow NNSL via Twitter, Facebook, and (of course) a link to the NNSL website.
In the coming weeks I will talk about other aspects of progressive life in Second Life, and how preparations are progressing to host people at this year's event inworld. I will also talk about various mental pitfalls people fall into when trying to envision themselves attending anything in a virtual environment.
In Second Life, my avatar's name is Mala Fegte. If you are already registered for a free Second Life account and just need to dust off your avatar a little, friend me, instant message me -- let's get started on getting you ready for Netroots Nation in Second Life this August!