Guest List March, 2009

 [Mike Burleigh]

[Caretaker of: Remembering Our Friends]

Wurlitzer: Mike how did the memorial for Remember Our Friends begin?

Mike: It began when I realized we didn't have a memorial for SL residents that have passed away in real life.

Wurlitzer: How long has the memorial been in SL?

Mike: The Remembering Our Friends memorial has been in Second Life for about 14-15 months.

Wurlitzer: Are there different sections for SL and RL?

Mike: Yes there is a SL section for SL players that passed away in RL and a first life section for friends and family of SL players that passed in RL but never were in SL.

Wurlitzer: How is the memorial paid for?

Mike: The memorial site is paid for out of my pocket and donations.

Wurlitzer: Mike, how does one go about requesting a plaque?

Mike: Send me a note card with the persons name..whether they are from SL or RL ..with a few nice words..and I usually have them finished within 24 hrs.

Wurlitzer: Are the plaques free to place at Remembering Our Friends memorial?

Mike: Yes, but donations are also welcomed and appreciated but never required.

Wurlitzer: Are people allowed to leave flowers or candles?

Mike: No, we have scripted memorial lamps that we place on their plaque. In turn, they pay a small fee to keep the flame lit in there persons memory. When flame is about to go out it automatically IMs the person to remind them to donate in order to keep the flame lit.

Wurlitzer: Mike, what other events or services do you offer at the Remembering Our Friends memorial sim?

Mike: We have handicap accessible apart for avatars that like to portray there character in a wheelchair. There is also fishing, a small area for shop rental, a stage and live music area. Most musicians have donated their time or work for tips to help raise donations to keep sim alive. All proceeds go to paying the Remembering Our Friends memorial tier and events etc.

Wurlitzer: Who should someone who is a vendor or live musician contact to book events?

Mike: Contact me or my personal assistant, Scarlet Vavoom. We will get them all the info they need :)

Wurlitzer: Do you have a blog or a website for more information?

Mike: HTTP://www.rememberingfriendssl.wordpress.com.

I am also listed in the Association Of Virtual Worlds.

[AWM Mars]

[Founder/Co-Owner of: WBA Advertising]

Wurlitzer: AWM, How did you become involved with Mike Burleigh of Remembering Our Friends?

AWM: Mike contacted my SL/RL wife, wanting to buy a water feature I had made for a RL company. He wanted to install it in his parcel for Remembering Our Friends. I realized quite quickly, that Mike needed help in a bigger scale.

Wurlitzer: So you felt strongly, what Mike and others services to the SL/RL Communities, are providing?

AWM: What I saw, Mike was providing a very real service to the SL and RL communities, and with the exception of a few 100L$ a month support, he was financing this out of his own pocket, which under the current economical climate, was in danger of collapsing.

Wurlitzer: AWM, what were you able to offer Mike?

AWM: From the many years I have been in SL, and the network connections built up within that time, I was able to mobilize talented and caring people and organizations, to give Mike 'Tools' that would help him create longevity in his project. Develop long term solutions to secure not just finances, but added value purpose. This included a build overhaul, implementation of a business plan, creation of added value services that would align with the nature and purpose of the project, serving those he was helping.

Wurlitzer: Can you elaborate AWM on how the new build and elements included, would help Mike for the future of Remembering Our Friends?

AWM: The new environment would segregate the areas, allowing for multiple elements to take place, but not overlapping causing concern for those that are grieving and allowing a special place of remembrance, whilst balancing that with areas where life could be celebrated, and a potential income could be generated to cover the costs/liabilities. I called upon the many talents of Marc Montegue (BDG Design), who I greatly respect as more than just a builder, but someone that can create whole environments

The goal was quite a tall order, to develop a remembrance area, that is calm, peaceful and more so respectful of those both lost, and for those grieving. Combined within the design, shops, apartments and events areas. Introducing small but relevant elements whereby those grieving, could make small donations to their specific plaques, which took the form of a gas/oil lamp. They could donate to maintain the flame over long or short periods of time. It was designed so that accumulative donations by anyone, would increase the time the flame burnt.

We will also be introducing a 'Rose' feature, whereby anyone can make a donation and a rose will appear. The life of the rose can be extended by further donations, before it gracefully fades. This allows the designer to know prim limits, as the lamps and roses for each plaque have been calculated and figure in the expansion potential.

The shops and apartments were designed in the flavor of Mike's old home town, where he grew up. The events area, was designed to be pleasing to the eye, give maximum flexibility for the types and styles of shows, including fashion shows. Overall the layout created sympathetic areas, all blending into a fantastic environment, yet each having the right balance to coexist.

Wurlitzer: What do you feel this now offers the SL community, AWM?

AWM: Mike now has a way of continuing his special support for the community, remembering lost loved ones and friends. Both in RL and SL. SL users can have a memorial for those lost in RL and SL, a place where they can go and gain support and comfort, within their grieving time.

When the time is right, they can venture out and join in the life around them, participating in a variety of aligned events such as, singer song writers, art exhibitions, fashion shows and even fishing. All events are hand picked by Mike and his team, so they maintain the aura of respect, relevant to the core of remembering. It is a transitional area, buffering between the bustle of 'outside life' and those grieving.

By securing the future of this project, those in need will always have a place to go, gain support and understanding. Be able to honor those who meant so much in their lives.

The Management tools now in place, has been developed to maintain a strategy of longevity for the project. None of the elements (events, shops, apartments, gas/oil lamps) will ever provide the full cost of the liability (solely tier fees) and the project still relies upon kind donations, but represent the foundation of security, reducing the full financial burden places upon Mike over the past 18 months.

Mike's passion and drive, is how this project started, we the community must make sure, it does not die. The passion and dedication will not wither, Mike too is grieving for those he has lost in RL. Those grieving, need the support of the community, we never know when we may need it ourselves.

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For More Info: IM Wurlitzer Seisenbacher