Nin's Memorial

Nin's Memorial, originally uploaded by Caleb Kit.

From Nin's profile:

Hey =^.^=

*This iz a great world....
*So many wonderful freinds...
*So many lovely places to explore...
*So much fun ....
*Tiny Life iz da bestest ㋡

*Waves and howlzzzz*

Farvel Nin

Nin's Farewell by Izo Ryba

If anyone was still in any doubt as to the power of the community that Second Life offers - and after this year's SL9B, that must be very few - then take a look at the above picture; it's a snap of just some of the 60 people crammed onto Athen Shire to celebrate the life and contribution to the Raglan Shire family of Nin Maximus, a Danish resident who passed away in real life last week. The tribute was lead by Raglan magistrate Zayn Till and featured the reading of several poems written by friends and neighbours of Nin's. I'm sure I wasn't the only one there who shed tears.

Not pictured though are the dozens of others who couldn't access the sim because it was maxed out. Now, I don't know of any other social network in existence that would elicit such a strong emotional reaction from so many people from across the globe coming together to honour the passing of a friend they may have only ever met online. Second Life is special.

Goodbye Nin. You will be missed by many.

Nin Maximus

Nin Maximus by karmagirl Avro

Absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Nin Maximus, a tiny of the Raglan community. She had suffered with cancer.

Nin was a tiny wolf. She and her partner Korben had been around for a while and wow, she was cool; when we weren't having a themed month, she would often dress in punk clothing accentuated by her tiny nose-ring bling and long black eyelashes; she often had a cool hairstyle or wore cool hats; and, best of all, occasionally wore a cigarette hanging nonchalantly from her tiny lips. She was stylish, seemingly effortlessly so. Among such a vibrant and diverse group of artists as Raglan has, she always stood out. She wasn't on a great deal, but when she was, I'd more often than not bump into her and we'd share some words and a giggle.

And she was a friend. She would always encourage me to do more, to make more, to create more. She complimented me on my machinima, and would tell me what she liked about each. It wasn't just small talk - she cared, or at the very least gave me that impression - and that care was reciprocated. Whenever we lose anyone, we always feel as though we've lost a little part of the care given to us - and every little piece matters. I will miss her for that. And my love goes out to Korben.

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. Nin, you will not be forgotten.

A tributary blog post is up at the Raglan Shire blog.

Isles Away

After just under a year's reprieve, MarillaAnne and Mitchmeister Slade have finally made the decision to close their Adelebsen Isle sim. I'd already mentioned that the sim came very close to disappearing towards the end of last year due to their increasingly difficult financial situation but found a sponsor to help them out. However, Marilla has had an 'awakening' of sorts and in a very insightful blog post has revealed the reasons behind her latest decision.

I've really enjoyed being a vendor on Adelebsen. It's such a beautiful build and was well supported by the Tiny community she gave shop space too; but I completely understand Marilla's decision after having read her post. I wonder how many other sim managers or owners may have (of have had) a similar change of heart for the same reasons.