Tech -- Culture -- Humour
According to the Official Linden Blog, restriction are being put in place to prevent advertising of simulated gambling i.e. casinos.
The response from users is mixed as always. A number make a fairly safe prediction – that gambling will just become more subtle and/or involve links to external websites. A number of others are jubilant that their lag issues on mainland sims is likely to reduce. What are your thoughts?
Update: According to the Official Linden Blog, the report by Reuters is a furphy….
===
As reported by Reuters earlier this week, FBI agents in the US have been investigating gambling within Second Life. The story is well worth a read and it poses some fairly substantial questions for Australians operating businesses in Second Life.
Firstly, every country has different gambling rules than the US so potentially, US-based casinos may need to shut down whilst others do not – on assumption Linden Lab aren’t directed to ensure gambling doesn’t occur at all on their US-based grid.
Secondly, Australian authorities appear to have not taken a great deal of interest in Second Life at this stage although realistically any investigations are unlikely to be public. Aside from some coverage of the Australian Tax Office’s interest late last year there’s been little activity.
Finally, stories like the Reuters one on the FBI crytallise the ongoing issue that governments and their instruments like law enforcement have a great deal of catch up to do in regard to virtual worlds. You’ll know things are starting to happen when Parliament holds a Senate enquiry into virtual worlds – and no, we won’t be proposing that here at SLOz 😉
If you’ve got an easter event, then feel free to promote it on our discussion forum.
Aside from a couple of church services and a couple of hundred easter egg hunts, the pickings are slim at this stage.
Firstly a disclaimer – if the below information has always been the case then I whole-heartedly put my hand up for being an unobservant, self-absorbed writer.
Over the weekend when teleporting I noticed some new text appearing during the teleport. Here’s one example:
Another one (and my favourite) is something along the lines of: “Every time you teleport, a prim dies”.
Would like to get your comments on other ones you’ve seen…
Chebi Mosque, built by Marino Nuvolari is an impressive build modeled on the Mezquita mosque in Spain and it’s a striking resemblance.
The information supplied on notecard about the Chebi Mosque covers a range of information (exerpts only):
“As-salaamu alaykum (Peace be upon you)
INTRODUCTION
A warm welcome to Chebi Mosque. For the benefit of those who use the masjid (mosque) as a place of worship, we kindly request that visitors behave with same level of respect as they would visiting a mosque in real life. It is customary for people entering a masjid to remove their shoes. Your courtesy is much appreciated and we hope you enjoy your visit. Please feel free to return at any time and bring your friends!
LOOKING ROUND CHEBI MOSQUE
Things to look out for during your visit to the Second Life masjid:
Mawdh’a (Fountain)
This is the wall holding the fountains which Muslims use to perform wudu (ablutions) prior to salah. There are two Mawdh’a in Chebi Mosque, inside the main courtyard.
Manarah (Minaret)
The tower situated at the corner of the masjid structure, from which the Muezzin makes the adhan (call to prayer). You can listen to an adhan by clicking play on the music icon at the bottom of your screen.
Mihrab
The ornamental arched niche set into the qibla or wall that indicates the direction of Makkah (Mecca). The five daily salah (Muslim prayers) are made facing Makkah.
Minbar
The steps from which the Friday khutbah (sermon) is delivered.
Qur’an
The Qur’an displays the 27th surah (chapter), called An-Naml (the Ants) in Moroccan calligraphy. If you click on the Qur’an (but not the stand), you can hear an online recital of this verse in Arabic with an English translations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this a “real” mosque?
– Islam is a way of life and people do not stop being Muslim simply because they enter virtual reality. When avatars meet and talk in-world, it is no different to Muslims talking on the telephone – and indeed, one of the officers of the mosque uses the skype telephone service to communicate with other avatars! Chebi Mosque is currently the most important meeting place for Muslims on Second Life – so this is a “real” mosque in many ways. However, it is not exclusively for use by Second Life Muslims. Anyone can visit – at any time.
Do Muslims perform salah (pray) in Chebi Mosque?
– Yes, they do. If you right click on a ball marked “pray” above one of the prayer mats, you avatar will automatically kneel and bow. However, the opinion seems to be that such prayers do not count as fard (obligatory) salah, but are either nawafil (supererogetary) or the equivalent to du’a (a prayer which can be said almost anywhere and in any language).
Is there Jumu’a salah at Chebi mosque?
-There has been in the past. The mosque is open to anyone who wishes to organise Jumu’a, providing all are welcome.
Are there other mosques on Second Life?
-There are three other mosques:
(a) Hassan II. The design is inspired by the Hassan II mosque in Morocco, and is part of an island created by a real life American University:
(b) Fort Malaya. Part of a museum inpsired by an 18th century fort that I gather was the scene of battles between Sultanate, Portuguese and Acehnese forces.
(c) el Second Life Mosque. One of a complex of religious buildings constructed by a real life member of a New York based group which promotes interreligious understanding:
Does Chebi Mosque have an Imam?
-No.”
Then check out the Muslim Village forums. There’s some great stuff there, lots of well-informed debate and all the other community stuff that comes with a well-frequented discussion forum. These forums were mentioned on the 7.30 Report late last year and I joined to increase my understanding and I’m glad I did.
Seen late last week in the sandbox area of ABC Island was this inspired creation:
In a discussion this week with a person interested in SL, they asked what the Australian ‘look’ was like in SL. The things are probably a good example of our look you think?
Recent Comments