Voilà 11 mois que nous avons informé Linden Lab que l’association Pirats Art Network se trouvait dans l’impossibilité de financer le simulateur pour les mois futurs.
Nous avons échangé de nombreux email avec de nombreuses personnes de Linden Lab à ce sujet, Carla Linden, Zeeshan Qasim, Kim Salzer, Courtney Linden, Rod Humble, Jay Linden, Catherine Linden, Madhavi Linden… dont les derniers, en date du 12 août 2011 disaient que Linden Lab allait nous aider à trouver une solution. (Vous trouverez ces emails plus bas.)
Nathalie (Merlina) et Jean-Marc (Newbab) ont dépensé plus de $4,000 d’argent personnel en trois ans pour que Pirats continue à permettre à près de 250 artistes de montrer leur travail dans 159 expositions visitées 168 682 fois par 20 054 personnes. Aujourd’hui nous ne pouvons plus nous le permettre.
Pirats est présent sur tous les réseaux sociaux, dispose d’un site internet visité dans plus de 100 pays avec un trafic important. Chaque exposition était relayée par des vidéos, des albums photos, des flyers, des catalogues d’exposition… Bref, une très forte communication, sans doute la plus forte communication stable et sérieuse que Linden Lab ait pu avoir sur une durée de 3 ans en Europe. De nombreux artistes ont connu et sont venus dans Second Life pour exposer dans les galeries Pirats comme Francis Ray (Tinos Resident) ou Frédéric Camilleri (Tehos Quar).
Nous pensons donc que Pirats est le principal ambassadeur Européen de Second Life et qu’il aurait été de bon ton de discuter avec Linden Lab d’un partenariat pour maintenir Pirats dans Second Life.
Aujourd’hui, Linden Lab nous fait une réponse en nous envoyant une facture de $2,051.21 USD. Non seulement cela clos l’éventualité d’un dialogue, mais aussi, cela signifie que le travail de Pirats qui apporte à Linden Lab une image de qualité, de sérieux, de stabilité, sur Internet, dans la presse papier ou sur des radio, qui a permis aussi à Linden Lab de gagner des clients qui sont eux aussi devenus des ambassadeurs en communiquant à leur tour sur des blogs, les réseaux sociaux, n’a aucun intérêt.
Nous pensons que notre travail à rapporté plus à Linden Lab que ce qu’ils nous demandent de payer aujourd’hui, et pourtant, nous devons payer pour ce que nous avons produit sans même une conversation, sans même une réponse franche à nos questions.
Nous sommes donc maintenant dans une situation qui ne nous laisse plus le choix, Pirats Art Network va fermer.
Nous remercions toutes celles et tous ceux qui nous ont suivis dans cette aventure, qui nous ont soutenus, par des dons, par l’adhésion à l’association, par leur confiance et par-dessus tout par leur production artistique.
Nous sommes désolé de ne pas avoir réussi à poursuivre plus longtemps cet engagement qui avait prit une importance vitale pour nous au regard de l’attachement que vous nous avez tous témoigné.
Nous avons connu la joie de vous voir nous rejoindre, la tristesse de voir certains disparaître comme Vanfarel Kupfer et Sabrinaa Nightfire pour qui nous avons une pensée émue et qui nous ont démontré que Second Life n’est pas fait que de pixels mais aussi de la force de ceux qui vivent avec force derrière leur avatar.
Lundi aura lieu, si Linden Lab ne ferme pas le simulateur avant, le vernissage de la galerie Oméga, l’anniversaire des 3 ans de Pirats Art Network et la fin d’une aventure étonnante de vie et dont le souvenir sera toujours présent en nous.
Merci.
========================================================
Emails à Linden Lab :
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden, Rod Humble, Jay Linden, Catherine Linden, Madhavi Linden
On 2011-02-17 - 01:58 am GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
As president of the Real Life organization Pirats Art Network, I would arrange a meeting with your services business to discuss an important topic of our future and Second Life one.
For over two years, we have had talks with Catherine Smith, Madhavi and others from Linden Lab. But we regret not having more followed over time.
That's why I can insist, with all the respect I owe you, on the seriousness and importance of my request.
Without wishing to impugn or criticize, because it's not my point, team stability, direction and guidance of Linden Lab has not always been a strong point. But I have no doubt that the laudable objectives have always been followed with fervor and courage.
In the area of interest Pirats Art Network, Art, Second Life is now at a crossroads. Recent change the pricing policy has driven a large number of groups, universities and arts organizations to free models of grids such as Opensim.
Some of you know Pirats Art Network, because we have a strong communication, both inside and outside Second Life as on Facebook, YouTube, Dailymotion, MySpace, LinkedIn and especially through our website now followed in nearly 100 countries and whose visits are steadily rising.
I would pass quickly on the internal statistics, because you must know better than anyone, almost 16,000 unique visitors and some 130.000 TP in our galleries, openings with 90 to 200 people every Tuesday to see the work of more than 200 artists from around wide.
Our main strength is undoubtedly the growing number of people we attract in Second Life, which came first for Art, for Pirats, but still, ultimately, residents of Second Life and clients of Linden Lab.
It's therefore aware of our strength and the new situation of art in Second Life that I wish that we meet together to discuss what we have in common: the desire to bring more faithful residents and continue to grow this amazing platform that is Second Life.
I do not come to you full of claims or condemnation, but the sole purpose of continuing the efforts that we have continued to provide to give a real value to this space, which, you know, has not always been easy.
After being one of the largest art group in Second Life, Pirats Art Network is becoming, if not already the case, the last with a real media impact, while the public interest is growing.
I ask you to kindly consider my application seriously and, beginning with an answer even if you refuse.
Rod Humble seems to say, quite rightly, that residents have the benefit of content in Second Life and that's its great value, Pirats Art Network has more than many others contributed to that and we want to continue with you this great adventure.
Best regards,
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-09 – 05:27 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hi,
I see you have received my email.
We have some questions and we need some answers and it’s very urgent for us regarding LL prices changes.
I know you have many work, but please reply us as soon as possible for a meeting.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards
--------------------------------------------------------
From: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-09 – 07:21 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hi Jean-Marc,
Please let me know what questions you have so I can make sure I have the answer for you.
Regards,
Carla
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-09 – 07:21 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Thank you,
I think you’ve read my first email.
PiRats Art Network is a big Art group in SL. Your recent changes of prices is a big problem for us because we don’t have sufficient credit for the next year.
We think, as professionals in Art and events, we do a big communication for us first, but for LL too and our communication is for quality residents because they want to work for long time and not only play sometimes in SL.
Our sim PiRats Art Network received many people (about 100,000 TP for more than 16,000 unique avatars).
More and more people come in SL for Pirats, artists and visitors because they see our communication on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Dailymotion and our website.
We don’t want to quit Second Life, because it’s the best place for us to do our job.
We are looking for patrons and partners in RL, we have started some negotiations for long time partnership with a big international company of art but it can take some months to achieve.
We will pay in the coming days the balance of the bill as a nonprofit.
What we ask ?
- Can we think about a partnership with Linden Lab around Art in SL?
- Can you in this partnership allow us to keep the PiRats Art Network sim for few month for free or with special discount?
- What adjustments would you ask in our communication in exchange?
- Do you think we can talk about a long time partnership or do you prefer a short partnership?
- Have you some others propositions to help PiRats Art Network to stay in SL during the time we find a durable solution?
We think you have a great platform and we have a good expertise in Art, event and communication, We all gain from working together towards the development of Second Life.
If you think it will be important, we can have a meeting in SL or by phone with you to talk more about that.
Thank you kindly consider our request with the seriousness that we had to make PiRats Art Network the great group it has become in two years at your side.
Thank you,
Best Regards
--------------------------------------------------------
From: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-10 – 10:21 am GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hi Jean-Marc,
I will forward your e-mail to another department that will take care of this.
Regards,
Carla
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-09 – 07:21 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Thank you very much.
Please join the first one.
Regards
--------------------------------------------------------
From: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-10 – 10:21 am GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hi Jean-Marc,
They said they can help you out with your request. They suggested you join Linden Endowment for the Arts.
Regards,
Carla
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-10 – 05:31 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your reactiviry.
What means joining LEA?
What about our sim Pirats Art Network?
What about our independency?
Do they means we must be a part of LEA team or we can continue our work on our sim?
Can you give us the right contact to talk about?
Thank you
Best regards
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-14 – 11:39 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
Please, can you tell us the way to discuss about joining LEA like your proposition?
We are currently talking to have money to buy the sim to keep it online, be sure we will pay for that in few.
Can you tell us the way to keep it online few days during we make the payment? It’s very important to show our work to partners that the sim be online.
We are honest with you saying we have a problem, but we are honest saying we will pay. We don’t play in SL.
Thank you in advance for your confidence.
Best Regards,
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-03-22 – 08:22 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
Please, can you answer to my request please or send it to the right person?
We have now all money to pay the last invoice. I think Dominique Vernageau (etoile16 Food), our accountant, have sent to you a request about the amount of the sold in USD regarding the both checks you have in Euros.
Thank you
Best Regards
--------------------------------------------------------
From: Courtney Linden
On 2011-04-06 – 04:39 am GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hi!
You mentioned you had a question about your Second Life land. What can I do for you?
Thanks,
Courtney Linden
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Courtney Linden
On 2011-04-06 – 04:39 am GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hi Courtney,
We want to discuss a partnership with Linden Lab about Pirats Art Network.
I let you know first my previous discussions with Carla Linden, I think all information’s you need about this topic are in.
If you have any questions, please ask me. I’ll try to answer asap.
Please, consider us as very serious with our project.
Since last email with Carla we have talked with some potential patrons and partner but it’s a bit long.
But, in good news we have a new partnership with one more RL gallery and with ENSAD (Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts Decoratifs - whose origins date back to 1766 - is a public administrative institution of higher education under the Ministry of Culture and Communication. It is administered by a board of directors, headed by a director and has a board of education and research.)
Thank you in advance to help us to be a part of LL adventure ;)
Best Regards
**This is the first email I’ve sent to Carla Linden:
Hello,
As president of the Real Life organization Pirats Art Network, I would arrange a meeting with your services business to discuss an important topic of our future and Second Life one.
For over two years, we have had talks with Catherine Smith, Madhavi and others from Linden Lab. But we regret not having more followed over time.
That's why I can insist, with all the respect I owe you, on the seriousness and importance of my request.
Without wishing to impugn or criticize, because it's not my point, team stability, direction and guidance of Linden Lab has not always been a strong point. But I have no doubt that the laudable objectives have always been followed with fervor and courage.
In the area of interest Pirats Art Network, Art, Second Life is now at a crossroads. Recent change the pricing policy has driven a large number of groups, universities and arts organizations to free models of grids such as Opensim.
Some of you know Pirats Art Network, because we have a strong communication, both inside and outside Second Life as on Facebook, YouTube, Dailymotion, MySpace, LinkedIn and especially through our website now followed in nearly 100 countries and whose visits are steadily rising.
I would pass quickly on the internal statistics, because you must know better than anyone, almost 16,000 unique visitors and some 130.000 TP in our galleries, openings with 90 to 200 people every Tuesday to see the work of more than 200 artists from around wide.
Our main strength is undoubtedly the growing number of people we attract in Second Life, which came first for Art, for Pirats, but still, ultimately, residents of Second Life and clients of Linden Lab.
It's therefore aware of our strength and the new situation of art in Second Life that I wish that we meet together to discuss what we have in common: the desire to bring more faithful residents and continue to grow this amazing platform that is Second Life.
I do not come to you full of claims or condemnation, but the sole purpose of continuing the efforts that we have continued to provide to give a real value to this space, which, you know, has not always been easy.
After being one of the largest art group in Second Life, Pirats Art Network is becoming, if not already the case, the last with a real media impact, while the public interest is growing.
I ask you to kindly consider my application seriously and, beginning with an answer even if you refuse.
Rod Humble seems to say, quite rightly, that residents have the benefit of content in Second Life and that's its great value, Pirats Art Network has more than many others contributed to that and we want to continue with you this great adventure.
Best regards,
Jean-Marc Larroque
**Carla Reply:
Hi Jean-Marc,
Please let me know what questions you have so I can make sure I have the answer for you.
Regards,
Carla
**Second email from me:
Thank you,
I think you’ve read my first email.
PiRats Art Network is a big Art group in SL. Your recent changes of prices is a big problem for us because we don’t have sufficient credit for the next year.
We think, as professionals in Art and events, we do a big communication for us first, but for LL too and our communication is for quality residents because they want to work for long time and not only play sometimes in SL.
Our sim PiRats Art Network received many people (about 100,000 TP for more than 16,000 unique avatars).
More and more people come in SL for Pirats, artists and visitors because they see our communication on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Dailymotion and our website.
We don’t want to quit Second Life, because it’s the best place for us to do our job.
We are looking for patrons and partners in RL, we have started some negotiations for long time partnership with a big international company of art but it can take some months to achieve.
We will pay in the coming days the balance of the bill as a nonprofit.
What we ask ?
• Can we think about a partnership with Linden Lab around Art in SL?
• Can you in this partnership allow us to keep the PiRats Art Network sim for few month for free or with special discount?
• What adjustments would you ask in our communication in exchange?
• Do you think we can talk about a long time partnership or do you prefer a short partnership?
• Have you some others propositions to help PiRats Art Network to stay in SL during the time we find a durable solution?
We think you have a great platform and we have a good expertise in Art, event and communication, We all gain from working together towards the development of Second Life.
If you think it will be important, we can have a meeting in SL or by phone with you to talk more about that.
Thank you kindly consider our request with the seriousness that we had to make PiRats Art Network the great group it has become in two years at your side.
Thank you,
Best Regards
Jean-Marc Larroque
**Carla Reply:
Hi Jean-Marc,
They said they can help you out with your request. They suggested you join Linden Endowment for the Arts.
Regards,
Carla
**Third email from me:
Thank you for your reactivity.
What means joining LEA?
What about our sim Pirats Art Network?
What about our independency?
Do they means we must be a part of LEA team or we can continue our work on our sim?
Can you give us the right contact to talk about?
Thank you
Best regards
Jean-Marc Larroque
**Fourth email from me:
Hello,
Please, can you tell us the way to discuss about joining LEA like your proposition?
We are currently talking to have money to buy the sim to keep it online, be sure we will pay for that in few.
Can you tell us the way to keep it online few days during we make the payment? It’s very important to show our work to partners that the sim be online.
We are honest with you saying we have a problem, but we are honest saying we will pay. We don’t play in SL.
Thank you in advance for your confidence.
Best Regards,
--------------------------------------------------------
From: Carla Linden
On 2011-05-19 – 06:42 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
I am requesting that PiRats Art Network be taking down for non payment you
will have 7 days to remove you objects. invoice #2664, dated 9/16/2010 has been past due long enough.
Regards,
Carla
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-05-20 – 02:36 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello Carla,
Etoile16 Food is waiting for you about his last question: how many you need to sold this invoice?
Please tell us and we pay immediately like we said to you in our last conversation.
We have the money for that since 2 month, we only wait you say us what is the amount we must pay after EU USD conversion of the amount you received.
Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Courtney Linden
On 2011-05-20 – 02:36 pm GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello Courtney,
Please, contact me asap about our conversation.
Carla asks our sim be taking down in 7 days.
We ask LL for an answer about our situation from more than 2 months.
Thank you.
--------------------------------------------------------
To: Carla Linden
On 2011-08-12 – 00:29 am GMT+1
--------------------------------------------------------
Hello Carla,
6 month we wait for a reply from LL and LL reply today with an invoice !?
Please contact us asap for a meeting
Best regards
=========================================================
No more contact with Linden Lab.
