Molaskey's Pub News

While we were writing 'The Unofficial Guide to Building Your Business in the Second Life® Virtual World', we interviewed people representing various sectors of business to see how they are using the virtual world of Second Life for their business or educational goals. What we found was that although there are people making money today, many are building a foundation for something bigger for tomorrow.

$580 Million Invested in 41 Virtual Goods-Related Businesses in 2008*

We know how virtual worlds are shaping up for the future, with convenient interaction, collaborative cost-savings and eco-friendly incentives, but we didn't know just how much was being invested. Thanks to a comprehensive investment report on 2008 virtual world investments by 'VirtualGoodsNews.com', we were pleasantly surprised at the continued growth and confidence venture capital and media firms are placing in virtual worlds. Their investments of approximately $585 million in 41 virtual world companies are very reaffirming.See the report here: http://www.virtualworldsmanagement.com/2008/vgoods2008.html 

Friday, February 06, 2009 / An important update was made to the article I referenced above. I find it only fair to post it here, too.

Press Release Correction: Our previous announcement erroneously included debt financing in a list of investments for virtual goods-based businesses. Below is the corrected information. Details of the corrections can be found with the full report online at http://www.virtualworldsmanagement.com/2008/vgoods2008.html

*$408 Million Invested in 40 Virtual Goods-Related Businesses in 2008. Investment Report Examines Businesses Involved in Microtransactions, Virtual Goods and Gifts

 

Well, (sigh)  $580 million was way more exciting. lol.

I was recently interviewed by Nazz Lane of Second Life® Newspaper for our upcoming publication. He wrote a very sweet article, which posted this morning. I would like to share it with all of you.

clcik here to read the story

Thanks, Nazz for your interest. I sincerely hope to see you at the release party in March.

 

The start of the week also brings the start of an entirely new era of American history. Tomorrow, January 19 is Martin Luther King Day, observed one day prior to the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barak Obama. With cabinet appointees and administration ready to take command, we are feeling the excitement and energy of the times. In observance of these patriotic days, you will see the stars and stripes bunting and presidential flag proudly flying at Molaskey's Pub.

Congratulations to the new administration. We're behind you.

While we have all been monumentally busy in real life, running real world businesses and writing a book on Second Life®, the dedicated Molaskey's Pub managers have been doing a fine job keeping the virtual world events of 2008 going. In the past twelve months, we have doubled the live music performances, doubled group members, introduced several great artists to Second Life®, and had many memorable parties utilizing the different areas of Molaskey's Pub land (the patio, the beach, the riverwalk and the ice rink). We have been building the Molaskey's Pub brand in real life, too. In April and September 2008, we attended the Virtual World Expo in New York City and  the Second Life Community Convention in Tampa, where we met dozens of people from the Second Life® community. As hard a year as 2008 was, it was an important one. We increased our popularity, created a recognizeable brand in Second Life® and then introduced it to the real world. We have been laying an improtant cornerstone for what is to come in 2009 and thereafter.

In the upcoming months, we will be offering new and interesting events at Molaskey's Pub in Second Life. In February, we will launch our book, 'The Unofficial Guide to Building Your Business in the Second Life® Virtual World', followed by several 'meet and greet' events. As always, we will continue to feature live music, but we will be adding some new musicians with varried styles. We will also begin featuring some stand-up comedy, a pub crawl, a 'Second Life® Expert' lecture series, online skills classes and even a weekly music event conducted by Apple MacKay. 

As you know, interactive media such as Second Life® is a curiously powerful tool. Come to Molaskey's Pub in Second Life® and experience what all the excitement is about. We'll have plenty of events to attend.

Happy New Year. It promises to be an interesting one.

This was last Sunday coming off the long holiday season. In real life, most of us are winding down and thinking about a fresh start on the new year and returning to a non-holiday schedule. What better time to log in to SL™ and chill to the Sunday afternoon line-up of live music? But logging into Second Life today seemed a bit draining, to say the least.  Apparently, there were  higher than usual concurrent users causing a shut out, and the log in was choppy. Maximillian Kleene was scheduled to appear at 1pSLT, after Cylindrian Rutabaga (RL-Grace Buford). But Max was no where to be found, an apparent victim of the log in shut out.

Spence Wilder had attended Cylindrian's performance at noon. When Max was not in sight, and missed his 1 O'clock start, Spence offered to fill in to keep the crowd going. He is a friend of most of the musicians and has attended many of their shows, but it was the first time he played Molaskey's Pub, to the delight of everyone. Spence jammed for 45 minutes, including a few giggles and impersonations. It was so much fun. We are just so grateful he was comfortable enough to jump up and play when he did. Though it was his first appearance at Molaskeys-Pub in Second Life®, this will not be the last we see of Spence Wilde at Molaskey's Pub. Welcome to the line up, Spence. It was a great debut! Check out more pictures of this story on http://www.flickr.com/groups/651816@N25/

 

 

Although winter can be created at any time of the year in the virtual world, there remains something special about the winter solstice in the real world. It is a day when we think of the onset of a season of cold days, wintry naps, warm libations, and people that are dear to us. Today, in the New York metro area, snow falls on this first day of winter. It is setting the tone for the season.

I can't help but think of the beauty that can be found in winter. There are the illuminating sunsets that serve as a backdrop to skeletal tree limbs and rolling hills. It is a time when we bundle up with loved ones on a couch or in front of a warming fire. There is a sense of formality when we get dressed up for social occasions, velvet is a favorite of mine. During the winter season at my house, the oven is always warm with baked goods and hearty stew or roasted dinners with all the fixings. It is also a time when I make gallons of hot cocoa for deserving children and their friends when they come in from hours of outdoor play in a yard transformed by the snow. I love the winter when it begins. As it goes on, I have to remind myself of the beauty and special moments it brings, ever grateful for the onset of the spring.

In the virtual world, the falling snow and ice skating is part of the seasonal fun, even if you live in the tropics. If you are longing for the seasonal sensations and joyous frame of mind, the festive gatherings at Molaskey's Pub in Second Life® will lift your spirits and improve your outlook. For those with the great fortune to have all that in their real life, embrace it, for as long as you can. When you need a boost of good cheer, come visit us at Molaskey's Pub, no matter the season.