As our latest Influential Lanai Jarrico is the perfect choice to represent those who have contributed something special to Sl. She is the consummate businesswoman, being efficient, business-like and organised, yet as I was to discover also friendly, engaging and extremely helpful. She’s also a Princess. I would say that title fits her quite well, being level headed, down to earth, willing to help people and with an ability to be able to talk to all on sundry without sounding patronising or condescending, these are of course all the best attributes of a Princess and Lanai is certainly possessed of all of them. She also has an aura of calm, one gets the feeling that while all those around her are losing their heads (not of course because she’s ordered that they be lopped off) that she is never in any danger of losing hers. Like most Princess she has an incredibly busy schedule, but I managed to catch up with her and enquire a little more about her sl life.
What bought you to sl initially?
Back in 2005, I was contacted by filmmakers from Paris, France. They were already members of the Second Life community working on a documentary about people who are involved in the virtual worlds. They heard about The TSO Enquirer, created an account in The Sims Online and looked me up. Within a month, they flew to Pennsylvania and we worked on the project. While the filmmakers were here they asked me to join Second Life and cover news there. At first, I turned the offer down because friends that were migrating to other games told me it was an adult x-rated type of role playing game. After a few months, I decided to give Second Life a second look and migrated here with some friends. The rest is pretty much history.
What gave you the idea for the business and how did you go about bringing the idea to life?
The idea to report news in a virtual world came to me one day. I used to sit around a bubble machine with my little circle of friends, we would just hang out and talk about all sorts of things. I was fascinated by the unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world in a place where we could gather in the same virtual room. I soon realized along with making friends there was also this nasty thing called “Drama” and people seemed to thrive on it in certain communities such as Mafia role-play. The Sims Online was home to many of these types of families and often they were at war with each other. I began reporting mafia news and soon TSO became the bridge of communication between these groups. Before I knew it, viral advertising did its job and catapulted my little random newspaper into a popular news source in the city of Blazing Falls.
What are the difficulties you face running a magazine on sl?
The difficulties I face is the shortage of experienced journalists and business professionals that are able to put in the work required. Often times it is a time zone issue and other times it is the availability. I think it’s fair to say, many businesses have experienced those setbacks. Google Documents has been a great tool for managing The SL Enquirer. It allows me to work around those issues in a more efficient way.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
I have had a few proud moments. The first was in 2006 when my avatar was featured in the 13 Most Beautiful Avatars exhibit in New York City, Switzerland and Italy. It was the first time my family and friends realized what I do in the virtual world is more than just a game to me. Since then being mentioned in rl and SL magazines, educational material, books, virtual world news sources and receiving awards make me proud. It has been one big unexpected adventure that even helped me tremendously through college and even landed me a job as a professional fashion blogger for a major embroidery company.
How do you think the magazine has influenced fashion in sl?
The SL Enquirer isn’t a magazine because we do not have an in world distribution. It can be accessed by visiting www.slenquirer.com.I like to think of it as a virtual local paper. SLE doesn’t focus on just one subject. However, we do have a fashion section and when events happen, we have writers that cover that. I think SLE influences fashion by giving exposure to those at understand the importance of building a good reputation and a positive relationship with the top media sources available the grid. It’s not what you know, but who you know in the virtual world. SLE alone can reach out to over 15,000 a month and can easily put a brand or designer on the map by using our networks.
What benefits do you have from having a business in Costa Rica?
The benefit of having a business in Costa Rica is the reputation of these sims. I have been a resident on CRS for about 2 years now. It is the longest that I have been settled into one place without any hassles from management or griefers running amuck. I also like that I can have a skybox for a more private work environment.
What do you enjoy about Costa Rica?
I think Costa Rica is beautiful and a great place to explore. It embraces nature and cultural diversity. Many respectable businesses call Costa Rica home and so do many residents that live on private estates.
How did you pick the theme for your party?
I don’t throw parties very often but when I do, I love to do unique themes.(omg , I sound like the Dos Equis guy lol) Once a year I have a pajama party and invite friends and fans of SLE to join me for a gathering in a giant skybox replica of my bedroom. Another one I like to host every year is the Super Heroes and Sidekicks costume party.It is great to see avatars participating in these events, we always have a blast. Besides that, SLE sponsors the Black Soul Rhythms Radio themed party hosted by DJ Marjorie Dibou and Charity Richez. It happens at SLE’s Chill lounge located on the top floor of the media center. This party is scheduled for every first Tuesday of the Month from 7-9pm slt. The themes are always something different. I would suggest following us on our website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn, Moolto or any other social network or blog that you use. and find us on. A Spotlight Feature and 1 month advertising is given away at every party. Not to mention, we like to make it rain Lindens.
How does it feel to be an interviewee and not an Interviewer for a change?
It’s an interesting experience being on the opposite end of an interview because I’m used to asking the question. I think it is nice to be able to share my experience in virtual worlds with others. My hopes are that what I do helps people realize their talents and goals in Second Life. With hard work and determination, it can open doors to many unexpected things.
Finally..tell me all about being a secret Princess..unless of course its a secret!
You must be referring to the Royal Secret Society. We are a group of Princes and Princesses that live our Second Life’s by a code. Those who stray from it are removed from HRH Prince Sonoda’s royal court. Our mission is to be a positive force in an anonymous way. My role as a Princess is to uphold the reputation and integrity of the Royal Secret Society. That is all I can say about that.
Lanai Jarrico
CEO & President, The SL Enquirer
Got News? Get It Published
www.slenquirer.com
Press Pass Media
www.presspassmedia.blogspot.com
Visit The SL Enquirer Media Center in Second Life at :
http://slurl.com/secondlife/San%20Jose%20East1/246/96/23
INFLUENTIALS "SPRING CARNIVAL" PARTY
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