Welcome to Betterverse.org, a chronicle of the evolving and innovative efforts to use virtual worlds to promote various real world causes and improve the lives of people all around the globe.
I just came across yet another Memorial to 9/11 in Second Life, at the "Stagg International" sim (teleport link). They have created a beautiful monument to those lost on September 11, including the names of all those killed on a large marble wall. A waterfall nearby "depicts the tears of the world" and a rotating Earth symbolizes how much it affected the entire world. It's quite dignified and moving, reminiscent of the 2007 memorial in Second Life, that is still my favorite.
Organized memorial ceremonies will be held on 9/11 at 6:30am, 10:30am, 1:00pm, and 6:00pm PDT.
Teleport on over, read the names, say a prayer, and leave a 1 prim candle with a message. You will be glad that you did.
I have been scouring the web for various tribute and commemoration sites for those lost during the September 11 attacks. Here is the best of what I've found:
Broadcastr September 11 Audio Memories
Broadcastr has created a site where anyone can share from their phone or online an audio memory of the 9/11 attacks. Several first responders, survivors and people working in the neighborhood share some very powerful and affecting memories of what it was like for them to be there. And you can easily share your own story online or from your phone.
110 Stories
110 Stories is an augmented-reality iOS app that allows anyone within a few miles of the site to superimpose a ghostly image of where the WTC towers on the real life view of Manhattan. You can then share your own story about your memories of that day and the aftermath. Kind of spooky, but affecting I am sure for those in the vicinity.
Here are a few other 9/11 related iOS apps reviewed on NY1, for those mobile-y inclined.
911day.org
For those who would like to do something positive to remember those lost, 911day.org is a great site to find out about service opportunities, from community gardening to helping at a local shelter, on September 11 or just in tribute to those lost. My friend Amy for example has decided to volunteer to help local immigrants to learn English in preparation for the citizenship exam.
Are there any other online tributes and memorial sites that you know about? Let us know in the comments.
Here is one of the more creative ways that you can commemorate the victims of 9/11 on Sunday. The Aero Pines Park community in Second Life are sponsoring a "Stairclimb Firefighter Tribute 9/11 Remembrance" on September 11. You can outfit your avatar in firefighter gear, grab a nozzle, and ascend 110 stories of a simulated World Trade Center Tower to honor the fallen firefighters and EMTs who lost their lives on that day.
To participate, teleport to this location, click on the free firefighter outfit, and get climbing.
Might I also recommend that you head to Broadcastr to listen to anecdotes from first responders who survived, and others recounting their perspectives on what happened on that fateful day.
UPDATED 9/12/11: Here's an interview with project coordinator Cindy Bolero after the jump...
I ran into Hope McAlpine, organizer of several virtual commemorative activities for the 9/11 10th anniversary. Hope informed me that they have secured a location to hold a memorial service in Second Life on Sunday, September 11th. It will take place on Ivory Cove sim at this teleport link from 10am to 4pm PDT.
Hope also wrote that they are still looking for volunteers, particularly musicians (a bagpiper in particular) and an officiant. If you would like to help, IM her in Second Life or email her at ellie @911remembranceandhope.com.
I just heard from Zyzzy Zarf, head of the Unitarian Universalist community in Second Life, that they will be hosting a "meditation and chat with background music" on Sunday, September 11, starting at 2pm PDT. For those of you like me who are feeling a bit frayed and vulnerable on that day, it might be a welcome respite from the media circus of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Head to this teleport link to participate in the group meditation. All faiths (or none at all) welcome.
We got word that this morning, September 12, there will be a press conference on the upcoming documentary film "Login 2 Life"directed by Daniel Moshel. Here's the description:
Login 2 Life portrays people who have found an alternate home in an online world. This is the starting point of a journey into fascinating virtual realities, meeting diverse human beings in different parts of the world who have one thing in common – they are savvy in using virtual worlds as an extension of their real lives.
It looks like the film is going to feature, among other folks, the indomitable Gentle Heron, founder of the nonprofit Virtual Ability. While I am skeptical about the focus on virtual sex, Gentle has a very interesting story to tell that I am happy is getting the film treatment.
If you would like to participate in the press conference head to Virtual Ability in Second Life at this teleport link on Monday September 12 at 9am PDT.
"Login 2 Life" will be shown on October 17 on ZDF in Germany and in Austria soon afterwards. No word yet on US or other international screening dates. Perhaps a virtual film opening in Second Life?
