RightAsRain Rimbaud gave me two regions to build on the Rezzable Open Sim.  I've been testing it out.  I can get to the Rezzable grid direct using a new shortcut for the SL viewer, but I would really like to use the Hippo Open Sim viewer.  The main reason for this is that the viewer allows building 256 meter objects (provided the server code allows it.)  I actually was able to log in with the Hippo viewer once.  But not since then.

It should be as easy to move around the 3D Web as it on the 2D Web--er...well it should be a lot easier to zip/zap around 3D Web than in real world anyway. Freedom of movement beyond a single grid...yes it sounds grand--and maybe now we are seeing the first examples of how it will actually work.  The latest version of the OpenSim software v0.62 has a hypergrid functionality. We are testing it now.

Of course we will need to look at this new feature carefully. there are many issues about what public visitors can do, what they can bring with them, what they can take away and more. But you should be able to TP into our new Rezzable Hypergrid and wander around. Yup, you will be ruthed and not be able to do too much, But it is a start, so we would really appreciate any testing and bug reports. 

Like many core SL users, the OpenSpace fiasco inspired us to look around seriously at alternatives to relying solely upon Linden Lab. The OpenSim software, which is open source and free, seemed worthy of review as we could reuse our existing SL inventory and we hear that IBM and Microsoft are starting to contribute code and actually using the software somehow.

We have been testing the OpenSim software on our own very own Rezzable Private Grid Alpha (not associated with any other opengrid) for the last 2 months or so and I wanted to share some notes about what we have find out. Big thanks to the OpenSim code gurus Stefan and Darren over at Tribal Media who supported us on this test and are currently continuing to maintain our Private Grid with us.

For me, 2009  is a year of high resolutions.  One such new years resolution is to think outside the box -- those who know me may not think this is much of a stretch.

True enough, but I will be thinking outside of the Second Life grid. I am joining the Rezzable Private Grid,  in a plan to expand my horizons and technology to make my art multi-versal -- portable oddness!

We need seed collaborators in our wild ride -- what odd bits can you bring to the out-of-the-box sandbox?

Our first 2 stress test parties were a major success, which would not have been possible without a large turn out of avatars willing to expose themselves to the uncertainties of a new grid and new looks. A big "cheer" to our unselfish, bug-reporting test crowd thus! Where our first night of stress test partying could be described as 'crashy' - but hey, you can definitely learn from this too! - the second party was, as promised, more stable and smooth. We tested Greenies load, no-script Greenies load (a huge difference!), map teleport, bouncing heads, and hunted for more bugs (not those virtual roaches, this time).

Before I share some of my person conclusions - and pictures - on this subject, I'd love to share this great machinima of the 'Greenies' part of the Stress Test filmed by Zonja Capalini:

Let me first say a huge 'Thank you!' to all avatars (and their humans) that enjoyed the virtual pleasures of crashing & woot-I'm-not-crashing last night... and then guarantee them we've learned and made a few adjustments that will ensure there will be more Party and less Stress this evening.  A quick summary of the 1st Stress Party would go something like: "Maxed Greenies to the crash, learned a lot and bounced around party-style at Rezzable 3. Oh, and physics is still a b*tch." Tonight - 1PM SLT also - we're aiming for: "Party! (and a bit of stress testing still)" The changes:

Tonight 's the night... and I'm getting pretty nervous*: The 1st Stress Test Party on Rezzable's Private Alpha Grid at 1PM SLT! If you already signed up for alpha access and got yourself an avatar, all you will have to do tonight is login, be present, have fun and create stress. (Not stressing me, but the servers, please!) If you do not have your avatar yet, hurry over to the sign up page. Some extra guidelines and information:

Although few things reached ultimate perfection yet on what is OpenSim and thus our Rezzable Private Grid Alpha - the question is, can that ever, with constantly evolving technology and knowledge - 'the view' is definitely as stunning as 'elsewhere' when the right content has arrived. Take for example this lovely scenery, with Snowy Hoobinoo's  'out of the ordinary' virtual foliage and Evad Babii's beautiful lighthouse in the back. Shot at Sandbox #3. Now you can argue that WindLight will make everything beautiful, but this was definitely a stunning sight.