Pay It Forward: Katya Valeska

Being a blogger in Second Life certainly comes with an array of frustrations. There are timelines to blog items, trying to figure out where to apply for various events, locating the perfect venue for a photograph, trying to match fashionable apparel and accessories together without looking like a total clown, etc… The list is nearly endless.  It can be a challenge to know where to turn when you have a question or concern.

That is why I’ve chosen Katya Valeska as my next Pay It Forward Project “victim.”  You see… Miss Valeksa somewhat recently started up a group, and also a website here in Second Life called [SL] Blogger Support.  The website is filled with fantastic resources, tutorials, places to visit, challenges, etc…

The [SL] Blogger Support has an impressive support team that Miss Valeska has put together including Lila Quander, Luna Jubilee, BellaStarr Fhang, Magenta DeVinna, and Kaelyn Alecto.  All of these women are informed, and enthusiastic about helping the blogging community, new and old find their place on the grid.

I chose Katya as my next Pay It Forward person because I felt what she was doing for the Second Life Blogging community was really special, as well as incredibly encouraging.  The community can unfortunately at times be a bit of a challenge when you are either new, or looking for answers to questions.  This group has opened up the door for bloggers to come together and help one another grow and improve.  It is an absolutely fantastic resource for inspiration and guidance when you need it most.

If you are a blogger and you are interested in joining the [SL] Blogger Support group you can apply here.

Keeping in theme with The Pay It Forward Project I also wanted to mention a really encouraging Pay It Forward entry from Miss Aemeth Lysette.  Her blog entry is heartfelt, encouraging, and very real.  I encourage you all to check it out.  It was certainly an entry that made me have a very different outlook on a lot in general, and shows the power of a genuine and true friendship that she found & needed most during a very difficult time in her life.  Thanks Aemeth for opening up and sharing with others who you value most here in Second Life.

That’s all from me today.  I’m sorry this hasn’t been a weekly thing like I hoped it would be.  I don’t ever want to feel rushed or pushed to pick someone weekly because of a deadline, I rather it be an easy and obvious decision when I feel someone fits the project!

Congratulations Katya and thanks again so much for being my next Pay It Forward Project “victim!”

Pay It Forward: Anubis Darkwatch

For my second Pay It Forward Project victim, I picked a person who I think represents the community in a really positive manner, knows how to have a good time, and brings a lot of great music to all of us across the grid.  My pick was Mr. Anubis Darkwatch.

If you don’t know Anubis, I strongly encourage you to get to know him.  He’s kind, funny, has a heart of gold, and is a fantastic DJ here in the Second Life community.  He’s someone that you will find on plurk spending the day posting funny pictures, or inspirational items he finds littered across the internet.  I know if I’m ever having a bad day I can simply sneak off to his timeline and look at all the funny and uplifting things he’s posted.  Mr. Darkwatch is the type of guy who will drop anything he’s doing and talk to you.  If he’s in the midst of a busy set, he will still take the time to listen to what you have to say and talk to you about anything you want to talk about.

I think Anubis is a good example of social adhesive here in Second Life.  He manages to bring large groups of people together, and he always does it in a positive light.  I can think of so many great memories and fun times i’ve had that Anubis has been a part of.  He represents so many venues in a great fashion, and always manages to keep things light and fun.  So Mr. Darkwatch thank you so kindly for being my second pick for The Pay It Forward Project.  I have no doubt in my mind that you will find numerous ways to pay it forward in the community.  Keep up the amazing work!

The Pay It Forward Project

I was inspired and encouraged to start up a new little project.  I really encourage you all to get involved!  You can find all the info below!

Lately it feels as if Second Life has been filled with a lot of drama, negativity, and all around…BLAH! I know I for certain have contributed and adopted this new negative attitude, and I want to erase it not only myself, but anyone else who feels they are in need of a little positive uplifting as well. So here’s the scoop….

Each week I will pick one person in the Second Life community that I feel has displayed a positive attitude and an overall kind nature that week. I will then offer to do a free portrait for them! I will post my photos to my flickr under the title “Pay It Forward Project” with a little excerpt about how they caught my eye. I will then encourage that person to “Pay it forward”, this can be by giving a simple gift, a kind word, a photo, etc… It can be anything as long as it’s positive and encouraging. Then…the person you paid it forward to, should be encouraged to pay it forward as well, and so on…and on…and on…

I really encourage you to join up with The Pay It Forward project! Whether you are a designer, a photographer, a blogger, or just someone who is capable of giving a kind word to someone, join up!

Feel free to spread the word, copy this image, and this information!

I know drama, negativity, and overall blah-ness are just a part of life, and also a part of any community… but I also know that a little bit of encouragement and a little positive reinforcement can go a really long way.

Start up your own weekly pay it forward chain! I look forward to seeing who you find! <3

My first weekly pick for The Pay It Forward Project is someone I did not know until yesterday.  Her name is Veruca Monday, and she was someone who took the time, effort, and energy to reach out to someone she did not even know.  What Veruca does not realize is that her words and actions went farther than she realized, as she was the person who inspired my entire community project.  Thank you so much Miss Monday for not only being incredibly kind, but an encouragement in the community.

I am going to make it a goal each week to pick someone at random in the community who I feel is showing encouragement, and positive reinforcement in the Second Life Community.  I encourage you to start it up as well.  Whether you are a designer, blogger, photographer, or just someone who enjoys what the Second Life Community as to offer…GET INVOLVED! Pick someone weekly… show them how you appreciate them…whether it be a small gift, a photo, or a kind word, it does not matter.  Then… as you have done, encourage them to pay it forward to someone else!

A thank you ahead of time to all of you who participate.  I would LOVE if you commented on my post and showed me what you’ve done to pay it forward.