Second Life
Tests ? Nobody said there would be tests ! Much discussion followed the announcement of a plan to introduce certification of SL specific skills. This is yet another confusing and emotive issue that requires clarification. This blogger spoke to a leading Linden who, for reasons of anonymity, refused to reveal how he (or she!) became a Linden.
<blogger> Good Morning.
<’Phyll’> Good Morning, Peasan
<blogger> Perhaps you could briefly explain the certification system
<’Phyll’> Yes. It really is very simple. In an effort to add some legitimacy to claims of technical ability we have removed the ‘resident ratings’ page from inworld profiles and intend filling the vacuum with a simple certification system.
<blogger> I see. And how will this work.
<’Phyll’> We envisage a heirachical series of interconnecting Skillz(tm) modules that residents can work their way through.
<blogger> That doesn’t sound “really very simple”.
<’Phyll’> Let me explain. Residents will be able to choose to study for certification in any 9 of the 17 base modules. For each base module the resident sucessfully completes, he or she will receive one or more Skillz(tm) points that can be applied to any the 23 second level Skillz(tm) modules. Once sufficient points have been amassed the resident can then be certified in any 11 of the Skillz2a or Skillz2b modules choosing no more than three from any Skillz2(tm) category unless two of their base Skillz(tm) are in the same base Skillz(tm) category. And so on.
<blogger> And so on ? How many levels are there ?
<’Phyll’> We envisage 60 or 70.
<blogger> 60 or 70 ? Why so many ?
<’Phyll’> Well, as we are asking for resident input on this, the number of levels and Skillz(tm) modules reflects the huge number of differing opinions that we anticipate receiving.
<blogger> 60 or 70 levels ? Skillz(tm) points ? You stole this from WoW, didn’t you ?
<’Phyll’> We have never heard of WoW.
<blogger> So, assuming a resident reaches the final level what will they be ?
<’Phyll’> A camel.
<blogger> I see. And people just starting out will be … ?
<’Phyll’> Certifiable.
<blogger> This sounds immensely confusing and unworkable. Would it not be simpler to advise people to ask for a portfolio and view previous work before hiring somebody ?
<’Phyll’> Yes.
<blogger> So why are you doing it ?
<’Phyll’> Mainly to give people something to bitch about while we get on with fixing Second Life(tm).
<blogger> So you expect this discussion to last a year or more ?
<’Phyll’> That’s not funny. I want to leave now.
Peasan Kuu – Skillz(tm) : level 1 Apprentice humourist (failed)
Second Citizen
Tests ? Nobody said there would be tests ! Isn’t this un-American ? Let’s go to another party. The last one was great.
Phreak
