Second Life Writers Project 2024: Updates as of January 2025
Despite extensive efforts, we have been unable to confirm whether Sylvia Woodham, as stated on her website, intends to republish stories from the Second Life Writers Project anthology without the consent of the authors. Several contributors have expressed concern and requested clarification on this matter.
To recap, Sylvia was dismissed from the project in mid-November 2024 after attempting to sabotage it, spreading falsehoods about contributors, and allegedly engaging in industrial espionage by claiming ownership of intellectual property that does not belong to her.
Ongoing Concerns and Actions
Thanks to the staff at the Milkwood Discord server, it has come to light that Sylvia has:
1. Misled others about her situation.
2. Solicited sensitive information from individuals, including digital signatures and PayPal account details.
3. Refused to provide a direct response regarding her intentions to republish content from the Second Life Writers Project anthology. Her ambiguous statement, “didn’t not,” suggests an evasive approach rather than addressing concerns transparently.
While Snakeappletree’s sole intent was to clarify whether Sylvia intended to publish others’ work without consent, the situation devolved due to her refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue and her deflective behavior.
Legal and Administrative Steps
I have taken all reasonable measures to protect the rights of the contributors, short of initiating legal action. Documentation, including screenshots, has been retained to substantiate my actions and ensure transparency.
It is disheartening that the situation has reached this point. My work has always been driven by a desire to support and promote the Second Life creative community and its writers.
Future Plans for the Project
Discussions are underway for a second edition of the 2024 anthology. Additionally, submissions are open for a 2025 publication, welcoming new contributors, with the exception of Sylvia Woodham. She has been banned from Book Island and associated spaces due to her disruptive and unethical behavior.
The SL Writers Project office on Book Island will remain operational. I will personally cover the rent to ensure its continuity, recognizing the importance of this space for fostering creativity and collaboration.
Reflections on Second Life
After 13 years in Second Life, I have observed a shift in its culture. A new influx of users has disrupted long-standing communities, often imposing their views and causing prolonged conflict. For individuals like myself, who rely on Second Life as a vital social and creative outlet due to remote living conditions, this change has been deeply disappointing.
While I cherish the friendships and collaborations fostered through Second Life, I am no longer finding joy in the platform. Many of my connections now extend beyond Second Life, which has become increasingly inhospitable due to troll-like behavior.
Financial Status and Payments
The SL Writers Project 2024 compilation was released via Amazon Kindle and print-on-demand services, which only disburse royalties after reaching a minimum sales threshold. Unfortunately, participation in a marketing workshop designed to promote the book was limited, in part due to misinformation spread by Sylvia, falsely accusing me of censorship, etc.
Payments will be distributed in Linden Dollars directly to contributors’ SL accounts once funds are released. At present, reviews of sales are planned on a quarterly or biannual basis, depending on revenue.
Personal Note
Despite the challenges posed by this situation, I hold no animosity toward Sylvia or anyone involved. I believe that with time, all actions and energies will align with harmony and the greater good. My focus now shifts to completing my own writing projects, including my opus majus and other novels.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the SL Writers Project and contributed to its vision.
Sincerely,
Snakeappletree
January 13, 2025