Sacramento, California, September 29, 2007/ -- Second Life’s Metaverse Mod Squad is receiving high praise for its moderation and security services provided this week for Newt Gingrich and his American Solutions workshop at on the steps of the virtual U.S. Capitol. “In a high profile test of Second Life’s viability as a political forum, Newt Gingrich held a question and answer session of Thursday that went off nearly without a hitch,” reported Eric Reuters of Reuters Second Life News Center.
Metaverse Mod Squad kept a watchful eye throughout, especially for troublemakers known as “griefers,” who have inundated Second Life incidents in the past. The event was griefer-free. Although one avatar did arrive at the location – nearly an hour early - in an outfit better suited for the French Riviera, a Metaverse Mod Squad agent quickly approached her and requested a wardrobe change. After a good-natured exchange, the woman complied. News reports that the woman was unclothed when the Speaker arrived are inaccurate.
A handful of protesters added some real life political flavor. American Solutions and the planner of the event, Berkeley-based Clear Ink, actually welcomed the protesters to participate in the event to facilitate a free flow of ideas from a special protestors area. They did not disappoint, shouting colorful opinions in chat throughout the event. But they never crossed the line of acceptable political discourse.
“One of the protesters carried a sign that grew increasingly bigger as the hour passed. He was sent an instant message by [Metaverse Mod Squad] Agent99 that the size was fine, but no bigger. He responded very respectfully and the sign stayed the same size,” explained Twig Tomorrow, founder and president of Metaverse Mod Squad. “The event truly went off without a hitch.”