The Alphaville Herald

Paparazzi Infiltrate IBM’s Private Islands!

by Pixeleen Mistral on 19/11/06 at 12:33 pm

Herald newspaper vendor sighted on computer giant’s docks

by Pixeleen Mistral, National Affairs desk

Exclusive picture from inside secret island IBM02

The much discussed IBM island chain – reportedly 12 sims in a configuration of two rows of 6 islands joined together – is home to at least one Second Life Herald newspaper vendor – based on an exclusive photo from inside the secret islands. If the photographic evidence is to be believed, at least one corporate computing services giant finds value in the Herald – though not necessarily as reading material. Located in a place of honor at the end of the dock normally reserved for sea gulls, IBMers praise the virtual ink smeared cellulose-based fish wrapping materials provided by the Herald, with exclamations like “huh” and “meh”.

Our sources report that the big structure in the background of the picture is a covered amphitheater at the intersection of 4 sims — so in theory IBM could host an event with over 200 avatars. A strange sort of SL ecosystem seems to be in affect on the island as several SL biology exports wonder at the mixed evergreen/deciduous forest that suddenly gives way to palm trees at the amphitheater – but this is supposed to be a fictional universe, so does that really matter?

Water sports lovers at IBM have a couple of waterways that run through the space, and some people are putting boats at the docks where are a sort of gathering place for IBMers working on the islands.

Those that do not have a pass to fantasy IBM island, yet long to see an IBM logo can satisfy their desires on the new public Cybrary City island next to Info Island – where IBM has staked out a bit of turf for an IBM library. This site also boasts a Herald newspaper vendor – the Herald was being used to cover the floor while painting the building when I stopped by.

that obscure object of desire

Should all this talk of the practical uses for the Herald cause you to wonder about your own Herald vendor – be at peace. You get one -free- by copying the vendor at the Herald offices at Hyperborea (118, 188, 22) .