Non-Builders, Scripters or Animators

Editorial

When I first came to, what was then known as Commonwealth, I realised the great value of being able to build. My skills, however, were insignificant to say the least. I had no idea about scripts (thought they came magically inside things) and believed Avatars actually had a will of their own when it came to automation.

I've learned a lot since then! Of course many of you will find this a bit amusing, but I felt useless to the group.

So I claimed a building space of my own and would come in and try to build something. My first attempt was a sceptor for Manwe (what WAS I thinking?) as a gift (I'm still working on this, but he already has one now.). Then I wanted to build a golden bird for Orome, Vana's husband (one of the major builders I had met in Commonwealth - Rahan). That I accomplished as primitive as it was (and if I ever figure out automation intend to get this silly wooden object to fly like Ted does with his birds).

I kept coming to the site many times every day, plus I came to every one of the impromptu and unexpected "come-as-you-are" meetings Phoenix called. So much building and scripting was and still is needed and I was just frustrated with my lack of abilities. Many offered to teach me (and I know they were sincere) but I sensed most were too busy most of the time. So I took a basics course and picked up a little more skill in building (but not much).

Then I would come in and sit on the wonderful chair that Arth built for me in the library (Commonwealth) and work on learning all that was in there. But I would always notice a little green dot on my mini-map near me. One day, I couldn't resist and flew over to the next platform to find TedTheRushBandFan fussing over a script he was writing.

We just chatted for a bit. Every day after that I just went and stood around and "watched" him work. He even had me help him test a script one day and it didn't hurt at all. He said he appreciated the company.

So I added Rahan to my "rounds" (the only builder I had gotten to know) and would go and visit him. He said he appreciated it and told me I could move my building efforts to his platform (frankly I was too embarassed to take him up on his offer because of the quality of his work even though I knew he was sincere too).

Next, I added Arianwen and before I realised it I had something to do in Commonwealth and continue doing this in Valimar (as well as the Role Play).

I have spoken to several non-builder/scriptor/automator people since those days and realise there are others here who feel similar to what I felt. So I propose we ban together and begin to do what we CAN do and not worry that we can't help with these areas like so many do.

There is so much we CAN do!

I've put a little gathering place together on level 4 -- it is near one of the great Two-Trees portals and you can identify it because Vana designed it with lots of flowers and even a wind chime. This little retreat area is for anyone to come and relax, but I would like to start meeting with other non-builder/scripter/automators (we need a name because it takes too much effort to write all that every time).

If you would like to be part of this group and learn how you can make amazing contributions to Valimar with the skills you have (from builders who know), or if you're even feeling a bit lost with who to help, send me an IM so I know who you are.

I can teach some basics of building for the beginner and know we can find others who can help any of us who want to, learn the basics of scripting and animation. But this may not be of interest to you and that is OK because there are still many things that must be done.

With the international diversity we will need to try to find convenient times to chat together, but we can do this because it is important. Let's face it, we are all in Valimar because we see the amazing value of what is being accomplished here - so making an effort to search out areas to contribute is worth it!

The future holds more challenges for us all and there is so much work to do! Come join me!

Enjoy Valimar, Sheri/Vana