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Minutes of Staff Meeting 31st March 2008
PRESENT: Dragon Schichiroji; Jane Atkey; Baji Bourjade; Sivat Arianto; StarRose Merlin; FireStaar Frye; Hermes Kondor; AlienShaman Constellation; GreyWolf Frye; Arawn Spitteler; Regnum Obviate; Hokon Cazalet; Manon Clary; Zenny Carpathia; Marcel23 Dreamscape; Arianna Eriksen; Azziel Foxley; Astaus Graves; Lilitup Aya.
Dragon opened the meeting by congratulating Zenny on the wonderful new library setup.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1) Newsletter
The latest newsletter is available as a download in .pdf format from: http://www.mysticacademy.org Methods of alternative distribution were discussed. Dragon suggested distribution by email which would need the Academy to collect email addresses from the members with the guarantee that these would not be used for spam mail. It is planned that the newsletter should be two monthly. Regnum recommended a display in every freebie store and suggested that it should be in book format. Dragon and Dansz to create a newsletter book. A freebie box needs to be constructed which will contain free items from Mystic Bazaar as well as the newsletter book. Dragon asked Arianna to initiate this. Jane suggested that such a thing can be submitted to I World. ACTION: Dragon; Dansz; Arianna; Regnum.
2) Regnum is experienced in website development particularly in search engine optimisation. He has offered his services to MA and will liaise with Dragon. He suggested that the MA website could have video and podcast content.ACTION: Dragon; Regnum
3) Radio
Regnum suggested that MA should have its own radio station. He suggested a stream 24hrs daily but because of ppl’s RL commitments this might not be possible. The stream would not need to be live all the time. It could be a mixture of live broadcasts and recorded material. The format being music interspersed with interviews, classes, meditations, news and so on. Dragon suggests a 2-3 hour slot twice a week and would like to run a pilot on Monday 7th maybe between 4 and 6pm SLT. Volunteers called for who are interested. Baji and Jane to contribute meditations – either live or pre-recorded. Regnum to investigate the radio streaming systems of other groups. There is a poll running on the new website for the Radio Station name – go to: www.mysticacademy.org/ma/poll. Regnum also suggested the radio could carry contests with winners notified by email. ACTION: Regnum; Dragon; All Guides.
4) Research Projects
StarRose has written on article on virtual mystics. Dragon advised all to read it and thought that it might form the basis of a research project.
Dragon is developing a feedback form for ppl to fill in following classes. This form would be on the website and students would be asked by guides to go to the link and fill in the form. This would be useful for guides to monitor their classes, to gather a list of testamonials and may form the basis of future research. A prototype form can be viewed at http://www.mysticacademy.org/ma/contact - Dragon to complete the form. ACTION: Dragon
Rockcliffe University visit:
A Professor and 10-20 students from the university student council are coming to look around MA. They will be visiting at 7pm SLT on Monday 7th April. (This unfortunately makes the visit very late for UK members (3am) although Dragon will try to be present).
The purpose of the visit is to see some of the builds here, and to see an "alternative" school. Baji is taking the lead and introducing them to MA followed by a meditation then Baji and Arianna will take them on a tour of the key areas.
Arianna and Dragon need to liaise with Filete re the provision of live music for the visit. ACTION: Baji; Arianna; Dragon
5) Matara
Dragon reported that the sister sim Matara is open and land is available for rent. It is planned for Matara to be available for members of the other spiritual groups. (Notefrom minute writer: Elborath has already advertised Matara through the Spiritual Leaders Group and the Spiritual Events Group and will continue to remind these groups about Matara)
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Beach Classroom:
The components of the beach classroom were accidentally returned to Zena by a new guide. The matter has been resolved and the guide apologised to Zena. However in future guides to check with the owners or with a staff member before returning objects.
Gaia.com:
StarRose reported that Gaia.com have invited her to help them induct ppl into SL and she will bring them to MA as part of that process.
Free Tibet:
Arianna is interested in running some kind of Free Tibet event but needs to find out more information about the political ramifications for MA. Dragon will liaise with Arianna on this. ACTION: Dragon; Arianna
Blog:
Dragon intends to start an MA blog on the website – a kind of diary of the events and daily happenings at MA. He will start it and invites everyone to add items to it.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 7th April 2008 at 2.30pm SLT
Minutes of Staff Meeting 17th March 2008
Present: Dragon Shichiroji; Arawn Spitteler; Jane Atkey; Elborath Gelfand;
Baji Bourjade; Manon Clary; Silverlight Indigo; Dansz Darkstone; Kahu Akina; Lizzy Renard; Wulf Urqhart; Vada Beningbrough.
MATTERS ARISING
Alien Shaman had suggested at the last meeting that the website URL should be included with the greeter. This has now been done.
ITEMS DISCUSSED
Newsletter:
A copy of the new format for the newsletter was rezzed. Dansz reported that the newsletter was well under way and she was waiting for one or two pieces to come in before it is finalised. Distribution of the newsletter was discussed. Baji put forward the idea of distributing it in free areas through a free vendor. Baji knows of some of these areas and will supply landmarks to these areas. The newsletter will be downloadable and available through the website. Dragon queried whether it would be a good idea to make it available only through the website – also mentioned the possibility of sending it out via email. Silverlight suggested giving out the website URL from vendors rather than the newsletter itself. ACTION: Baji, Dragon, Dansz
Website:
Dragon reported that we now have a new website – not yet fully operational and ppl visiting the new URL will be diverted to the old website. The new website has a greater capacity and resources than the old. The URL is: www.mysticacademy.org
Greeter System:
Lizzy Renard is the lead on the Greeter System – she will be compiling the stats and is following up visitors with a notecard of welcome and information. Lizzy is also collecting comments about the Academy which so far have been very positive.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Classes:
Kahun Akina announced that he is planning to start a series of classes on Huna.
GreyWolf reported that she has a new freebie area at the Bazaar.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 31st March 2008 2.30pm SLT
Minutes of Staff Meeting 10th March 2008
PRESENT: Dragon Shichiroji; FireStaar Frye; Headly Kronefield; Dansz Darkstone; Redrise Alter; Lizzy Renard; Kahu Akina; AlienShaman Constellation; Arawn Spitteler; GreyWolf Frye; Starlyte Aeon; Zaraza Llewellyn; Silverlight Indigo; Arianna Eriksen; Elborath Gelfand; Angel Hart Blessed; Latinfaery Fairey; Manon Clary; Benji Wuramunga; Oliviapraletra6 Tuqiri; Audeogeist Halderman.
APOLOGIES: Rian Hirvi
MATTERS ARISING:
CONSULTANTS: The four new consultants are settled and fully inducted.
GRIEFING: No griefing incidents reported
RULES OF CONDUCT: Jane has circulated the Rules of Conduct for Guides and has received no comments. They are now official.
DJ APPLICATION FORMS
AlienShaman has the lead on this and reported that he has had another back.
Dragon has not yet liaised with Arianna re Filete who wishes to do live gigs. ACTION: Dragon/Arianna
WEBSITE: It seems that website traffic is slow. People visit once in a while when reminded or told something new goes up. Dansz commented that we need website content which cannot be found inworld. Dansz offered to help Elborath with the website. Website needs to be better publicised.AlienShaman suggested the website address should be included with the ‘greeter’ message. ACTION:Elborath/Dansz/Dragon
CONSULTING PLATFORM TP PRIMS: Last meeting Baji asked if these could have a more attractive texture. Arianna said liaise with Rian on this. ACTION: Elborath
MOVING MYSTIC BAZAAR: GreyWolf and FireStaar report that the Mystic Bazaar is now bigger with more vendors and although not moved locations is the entrance is now easily visible from the Academy – a bridge is needed from the Academy to the Mystic Bazaar. It is not out of the question that the Bazaar may move in the future – depending on traffic and sales. GreyWolf reported that revenue has now paid for the Mystic Bazaar. FireStaar reported that her treehouse has been replaced by a henge.
MYSTIC ACADEMY INFORMATION AND TELEPORTATON BOARD: Elborath reported this is well on its way to completion. ACTION: Elborath
VISITOR STATISTICS AND FOLLOW UP: Lizzy Renard has agreed to take on the role of following up visitors to the Academy and providing the statistics. To liaise with Dragon. Many thanks to Lizzy. Lizzy reported that she has had some very good comments about the Academy from visitors – ‘classy’ being one of them. ACTION: Dragon/Lizzy
NEW ITEMS
NEW ISLAND: Manon has purchased a new island which lies close to Spirit City in the East. It is to be called Matara – meaning ‘Where Heaven Meets Earth’ - name chosen by Dragon. This is also the name of a town in the south tip of Sri Lanka – through which runs the river Nilwala. Manon would like this idea to be incorporated in the island. The island is closed for the moment pending landscaping. Manon needs the water passage by the Mystic Bazaar to remain open. Matara will show up on the SL map as one sim. Unfortunately the prims cannot be combined. It is hoped that the island may attract residents from the other spiritual groups and become ‘multi-cultural’. ACTION: Manon/Dragon.
DOWNLOADABLE DOCUMENT:
Dragon has called for an information newsletter to be available for download in .pdf format. He envisages this to have a big picture content. The deadline for publication is the 20th/21st March. Dansz to take the lead – further details to be announced. ACTION: Dansz/All guides
EMAIL ADDRESSES: Dragon would like to have a source available to record email addresses – with the option to remove the address if necessary. ACTION: Dragon
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING:
Monday 17th of March 2008 – time to be announced.
Minutes of Staff Meeting Mon 3rd March 2008
PRESENT: Dragon Shichiroji; StarRose Merlin; Lizzy Renard; Sivat Ariantho; Jophiella Willis; Elborath Gelfand; AngelHart Blessed; AlienShaman Constellation; FireStaar Frye; Baji Bourjade; Wulf Urqhart; Jane Atkey; Arawn Spitteler; Shaman Kharg; LadyMoon Merlin; Aqualyne Kohime.
APOLOGIES: Elborath gave Zena Zemlja’s apologies
MATTERS ARISING:
1) Chat Limiter
Shaman reported that there is not a chat limiter available in SL.
2) Location of Classes
StarRose reported that she has decided to hold her classes in the VR skybox. This works well for her Dream Exploration sessions and so should work OK for her other classes. StarRose helps the students to find the teleporter and AngelHart re-iterated her offer to help students find Star’s classes.
3) New consultants
Rian Hirvi wasn’t present to report on the progress the four consultants have made but they are settled in as far as StarRose knows.
4) Griefing
There have been no incidents of griefing per se since the last meeting although a disruption was reported that took place in open chat during a social get together. One member was engaged in what appeared to be some acrimonious IM chat with someone which they insisted on continually sharing with everyone. They continued to do this even though asked to stop by the other people present and eventually by a SL mentor. This had a very negative effect and there were new people present. Jophiella pointed out that it is against the Linden’s Terms of Service to share IMs – a fact not known to everybody. StarRose asked if we need a terms of conduct for the Academy and its premises generally. This discussion was finally decided by Dragon who said that the rules in the Covenant were sufficient as Terms of Conduct and were available in the library and would be given to all who come to the Academy.
5) Jane Atkey has finalised the rules of conduct for Consultants and is sending them out to all. They are; 1) I will respect my client’s right to confidentiality and will not disclose their personal information to third parties without their prior consent. 2) I will be courteous and considerate and act in a professional manner. Note to 1) It is acceptable to discuss readings in a general way without passing on personal information. Consultants are reminded that as a Mystic Consultant you are under no obligation to perform reading for a client if for any reason you don’t want to.
This prompted a discussion about those situations in which a Consultant might feel obliged to break confidence eg if someone disclosed they were about to commit a crime; or if someone disclosed they were about to kill themselves. The only people who have the details of all members are Linden Labs so in an emergency it would be Linden that people would report to. Litigation was discussed – Elborath reported that she carries indemnity insurance for any therapy work she carries out in SL.
Several Consultants reported that if they had concerns about a client re illness they always advised the client to see a doctor in RL. StarRose and Jane have been talking about putting out a notecard advising people what to expect from seeing a Mystic Consultant. ACTION: StarRose and Jane
6) DJ update
AlienShaman reported he had sent out DJ applications to everyone on the list he had been given but hadn’t had all the applications he sent out back yet. Dragon asked him to chase them up as soon as possible. Alien reported that Filete Homewood wants to put on a live music event rather than DJing. Dragon will liaise with Ari re this. ACTION: Dragon and AlienShaman.
7) Debating Forum
Elborath reported that she had postponed the Debating Forum until the last Monday in March. This will give her time to set it up and start persuading people to take part.
8) Update on Mystic Bazaar
FireStaar reported that Bamf had done an event a few nights before and the Bazaar had taken over $L1000. The events pull people into the Bazaar. However the location of the Bazaar and Club needs to be nearer to the Academy. FireStaar and GreyWolf are going to locate it on the land previously occupied by FireStaar’s treehouse. FireStaar will move her treehouse to the land where the Bazaar is currently. Dragon would like the Bazaar and the Academy to all be on linked land to benefit from each other’s traffic. ACTION: FireStaar, GreyWolf and Dragon.
8) Mystic Fayre
Unfortunately Arianna was not at the meeting so the programme was unavailable. Elborath reported that she had sent out notices to the True Brits group, the Spiritual Leaders group and the Spiritual Events group – and would continue to do so. Dragon asked Elborath to liaise with Zenny re getting the Fayre into the SL events listings once the programme was available.ACTION: Elborath, Zenny and Arianna
NEW ITEMS
1) Website
Dragon would like to know how many people know of the website and use it. It needs some revamping. ACTION: Elborath Gelfand
2) New Academy Information and Teleport Board
Elborath reported that as soon as she has some textures to Fnordian it will be made. She has most of the information already so will try to have it up by the next meeting. It was agreed to place it outside the main entrance. ACTION: Elborath
3) Attendance Statistics
Dragon would like someone to undertake compiling the statistics from the numbers of those visiting the Academy as well as sending them a follow up notecard. A daily archive email gives the information. This would involve the use of Excel. Jane agreed to take this on for now. ACTION: Jane
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Baji asked if the prims for the tp to the consulting rooms from the consulting tp hub could be made more appropriate – at the moment they are just white balls. Dragon asked Elborath to liaise with Arianna. ACTION: Elborath
Elborath reported that one of our members, Kimi Ayakashi, is President of an inworld TV station and thought that it would be a good idea to liaise with her re publicity for the Academy. ACTION: Dragon and Elborath.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING:
Monday 10th March 2008 2pm SLT
MINUTES OF STAFF MEETING 25TH FEBRUARY 2008
PRESENT: Lizzy Renard; Elborath Gelfand; AngelHart Blessed; GreyWolf Frye; StarRose Merlin; Baji Bourjade; Manon Clary; Jane Atkey; Wulf Urqhart; Dolfke Barbosa; Mariana Vita; Arianna Eriksen; Dragon Shichiroji; Shaman Kharg; Vada Beningbrough; Rian Hirvi; Dansz Darkstone; Starlyte Aeon; Arwan Spitteler, Jophiella Willis
APOLOGIES: FireStaar Frye sent her apologies and GreyWolf opened the meeting with a message from FireStaar. FireStaar apologised for her absence and for not being able to schedule her classes on Wicca at the moment but saying that she is intending to continue with them when RL commitments permit. FireStaar also went on to say that the staff of Mystic Academy (MA) need to work as a team to make MA the best education venue in SL and to continue to work towards making and keeping MA what it is. FireStaar said, via GreyWolf that if people have rezzed items around MA they often have good reasons to do so and for staff to check with the owner before returning items to inventories. FireStaar said that by doing this it would help to prevent misunderstandings in the future. Arawn felt this was something that could be discussed at the Wednesday support meeting.
GreyWolf then went onto to speak about herself. She said she doesn’t always express herself exactly as she wants to because of a stroke she had many years ago. So she asked ppl to always give her time to make herself clear. She thanked Dragon for his creativity and for giving FireStaar and herself the idea for the GreyWolf club. She also said her thanks were due to FireStaar who has been her mentor. Those present all thanked GreyWolf for all her hard work to make the Bazaar and the club so fantastic. GreyWolf said she welcomes everyone’s ideas re the development of the Bazaar and the Club.
GreyWolf said that the notecard givers are under construction and Ads will go into the search facility of SL. Also that the notecard givers will be displayed in other clubs. Dansz is working on the textures.
Elborath reported that she had joined the True Brits Group which gives free advertising to ppl for their sims, merchandise and events. She is sending the group the Landmark and description of MA in which the Grey Wolf club and the Bazaar also feature. Elborath also reported that the info hub is ready to send out to the other spiritual groups and that she is about to do that. There is a new category on the hub – Mystic Academy – which contains the places in MA together with landmarks and that the Bazaar and the Grey Wolf club also are featured in there.
NEW CONSULTATNTS
New Consultants: StarRose Merlin reports that the three new guides she had been inducting had settled in with help from herself, Rian and Ari. AngelHart Blessed one of the three was present at the meeting and was welcomed by the staff. Rian reported that there were four more ppl being inducted into being guides. Baji Bourjade reported that she was no longer consulting at Mystic Academy.
LOCATION OF CLASSES
StarRose Merlin would like to hold classes upstairs in the hall as she finds it disruptive holding them in the lounge as people do wander in and out and interrupt. Discussion was held re the interference in the upper rooms of the castle from the chat below in the lounge. StarRose reports that along one side of the hall there is no interference, but that there is a vendor on that wall. Starlyte reported that she had held a class in the hall and it had been continuously interrupted by the chat from below.
Shaman said he thought he had come across a chat limiter and would look into it. Arianna pointed out that there are many places to hold classes around MA where chat is not a problem. It was finally decided for Shaman to look into the possibility of limiting chat and to report at the next week’s meeting. Ari said she also thought she had seen a script that would limit chat. ACTION: Shaman, Arianna and Dragon.
Dolfke suggested a conference call to overcome chat problems but since the problem comes not from the class but from the ppl visiting the lounge this may not be feasible.
The question of holding classes in Spirit City but not on the MA site was raised. Classes are to be held on the MA site. This increases traffic and thus the position of MA in the SL search facility.
MYSTIC FAYRE
Arianna reported that she had three consultants for each session – but she would like more. She also reported a snag with the firedancers – they wanted
$L6000 to perform. Arianna had put out a call asking for donations but so far only had a quarter of that. Dolfke and GreyWolf both then made very generous donations. Jane, AngelHart, Manon, Jophiella, Lizzy, Wulf and Elborath had also all made donations. The target was met – and exceeded.
Arianna reported that she has had lots of offers for DJs for the night and will be consulting with FireStaar and GreyWolf. ACTION: Arianna, FireStaar and GreyWolf.
GRIEFERS
Wulf reported he had ejected two griefers the day before for abusing the students.
VENDORS
StarRose made an objection to too many vendors within the castle. Dragon does not feel there are many – and we have considerably less within the castle than in the previous sim.
SUNDAY CLASSES
The healing circle takes place on Sundays and Baji reported that Legolas is thinking of teaching Shamanic Journeying on Sundays soon – at 10am.
DJ APPLICATION FORM
Arawn reported no further enquires for the application form. Baji and Lizzy congratulated Manon on her first DJ event which had taken place earlier in the week. StarRose also has a stream working and will help out after a bit of practice.
HEALING CIRCLE
Wulf reported that he now knew his RL schedule and so had given Arianna times for the Healing Circle.
Baji said she may give a class about science, spirituality and consciousness in the future.
SPECIALIST DAYS
There is no advance on the specialist days suggested by Dragon at the last meeting. Elborath felt they would be difficult to organise and Arawn felt they would not be feasible from the consumer perspective. Dragon agreed it was hard to fit ppl around days but we may be able to do a specialist day once in a while giving the example of healing, herbal remedies and the healing circle which could be put together to make a specialist day.
AngelHart offered to host an energy healing circle. Dragon suggested she could work with Wulf perhaps at either end of the week and then liaise with Arianna about the scheduling and Jane should AngelHart need any further help.
BUILDING CLASS
Arawn would like help with textures for his building class. Could someone actually teach texturing to the class? AngelHart offered to make textures for Arawn and Baji says she has hundreds of textures. ACTION: Arawn, AngelHart and Baji to liaise.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 3rd March 2008 2pm SLT Mystic Lounge.
Minutes of Staff Meeting 18th February 2008
PRESENT:
Dragon Shichiroji; Wynne Honi; AlienShaman Constellation; Lizzy Renard; Lilith Demonge; FireStaar Frye; Arianna Eriksen; Prosum Questi; Wulf Urqhart; Dansz Darkstone; StarRose Merlin; Yuna Myoo; GreyWolf Frye; Lailu Loon; Zenny Carpathea; Arawn Spitteler; Azziel Foxley; Sivat Ariantho; Rian Hirvi; Manon Clary; Tezz Qinan; Dolfke Barbosa; Silverlight Indigo; Yonsay Gontineac; Gaia Granada
APOLOGIES:
Apologies from Baji Bourjade who will be late
ITEMS DISCUSSED
1) Dragon reported that Mystic’s traffic is up and thanked everybody for the activities and events reminding everyone that we need to keep the momentum going.
2) New Staff introductions – Rian intrduced Wynne Honi. Wynne told the meeting about herself – in RL she is a medical doctor with a Phd in Cognitive Psychology. She works in an accident and emergency department.
StarRose reported that she had inducted three new consultants and introduced Silverlight Indigo one of the three. Dragon welcomed Wynne and Silverlight and asked them to read the codes of conduct available on the website http://mystic.terapad.com or in the library. He also told them about the Mystic Support Group meeting for new staff – 1pm on Wednesdays – next meeting 20th February. ACTION: Silverlight, Wynne, StarRose.
3) The Shop.
GreyWolf needs help in organising three notecard givers, one for the Mystic Bazaar, one for the GreyWolf club and one for the Photo Shop (NB. There is now a Photo Shop situated in the Bazaar area). Dragon assigned Arianna to help – Elborath offered help. ACTION: GreyWolf, Arianna, Elborath (if required).
GreyWolf reported that the GreyWolf club now has regular DJs – some of whom are new and are working on getting material together.
Dragon drew the meeting’s attention to the rolling advert in the Academy Lounge for the Bazaar and asked for suggestions about increasing sales for the Bazaar. ACTION: All members
Dansz Darkstone told the meeting that he is skilled in textures and the use of Photo Shop and offered his services to the group. Dragon asked if Dansz could create a montage for the Academy – with the areas pictured which could act as a teleport board. He also would like a map of the whole sim and asked for help in developing that. ACTION: Dansz, Dragon and all members
4) Mystic Fayre: Scheduled for Saturday 8th March 2008. Arianna has the lead and is sending out notices. Arianna reported that the Fayre is mainly for consultants to gain a few more clients and to thrust Mystic into the public eye.
The day (which will last for about 9 hours) will start with the fire/skydancers, then consultations from about 10 or 11am SLT. Break for a healing circle about noon, a story from Sivat from his Pearls of Wisdom Class, then more consultations, ending with 2 hours of music and dancing at the club. Arianna asked consultants to IM her if they want to take part with a commitment to a particular time. She pointed out that at the last Fayre there were times when no consultants were there at all and wants to avoid that this time. Arianna asked for volunteers to help with the smooth running of the day and for people to help with publicity and advertising.
Dragon asked Arianna to draw up a draft programme for the next Staff Meeting.
Dragon put forward the idea of having small stalls outside the Academy at the Fayre and emphasised the importance of linking the vendors with the consultancies.
ACTION: Arianna, all consultants, all members.
5) Sandbox: Arawn reported that people are using the sandbox and then often stay throughout his building class. He expressed concerns about receiving enough tips to pay for the prim rights of the sandbox. Dragon asked the meeting to remind ppl to tip, to make tip jars clearly visible. Donations made to the central fund go to Manon towards rent.
Dragon asked if Arawn would like someone else to run building classes at different times.
Arawn said that other building classes could be scheduled in areas that he has no interest in – classes in animations and textures for example. ACTION: Arawn and builders among Academy membership who are interested in running classes. (PERHAPS ARAWN AND DANSZ COULD LIAISE RE TEXTURES) (Minute editors suggestion).
6) Skyboxes and land to rent: The skyboxes are now available for rent at 200 L$ per week – Dragon to place the central tp for them. There are 2 still available but the number can be increased according to demand. Rian questioned the rent – the skyboxes only have 75 prim allowance while a 512sq m land plot costs the same but has 100 prim allowance. Dragon said that the rent had set to be the same as other sims with similar skyboxes.
Manon reported that the spare plot of land was next to Arianna’s house – opposite the Mystic Bazaar. This was Rian’s old plot and she may now consider re-renting it rather than a skybox. ACTION: Dragon, Rian
7) Library Report: Zenny reported she had been having problems with notecards this week, but she has added 2 new books: ‘Abraham-Hicks’ and ‘Twin Flames’. Books in the pipeline include: ‘Notes from an Old Student’, ‘Writings of Judge Follond’ and ‘Psychedelics’ by Leou. ‘Emerald Tablets’ and ‘Planetary Awakening’ continue to grow.
8) InfoHub: Elborath reported that she has changed the heading (texture by Fnordian) of the Infohub prior to sending it out to the Spiritual Group Leaders group. It will now read ‘Spiritual Community Information Board – Compiled by Mystic Academy’. She has to enter the remaining places within the Academy and change all the perms to make the board non-copyable or modifiable. The she will send it out and update it centrally. Anyone with spiritual groups, merchandise, spiritual classes held off campus or places they would like added please IM the following to Elborath: A folder containing a notecard with description, a landmark and a picture. ACTION: All members, Elborath
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
i) Use of non-sim and rented sim land: Dolfke Barbosa offered her land for ppl to use to hold classes, meditations and so on. She has a meditation circle set up there already. Dragon mentioned that we have a handfasting coming up and we need a list of sites on the sim where such a ceremony might take place. StarRose offered her land too. ACTION: All ppl renting land on Spirit City
ii) Timing of Staff Meetings. Elborath reported it is difficult for Arianna to attend the full Staff Meeting when it begins at 2pm SLT. Neither Elborath nor Dragon can attend before 2pm on a regular basis. She suggested holding the meeting at 3pm SLT instead and asked for the opinion of the meeting. More ppl would find it difficult to attend a later meeting. The Staff Meeting time to remain unchanged – it seems to work well and Arianna usually attends part of it.
iii) Debating forum: Elborath reminded the meeting that the debating forum is scheduled for next Monday 25th February after the staff meeting and asked for topics for debate. ‘Meat is murder’ was suggested by Dragon, ‘Living is murder’ by Yonsay, ‘Living is loving’ by Dolfke, ‘Nature or nurture’ by Lailu. ACTION: Elborath
iv) Griefing: Baji Bourjade reported that Aesir Aeon griefed a visiting teacher and was banned. Since then he has been IMing her seeking a reversal of the ban. Baji believes him to be part of the ‘Brigit Brigade’ and asked that he remain banned. Dragon asked that if ppl get IMs from banned ppl to refer them to him. Lailu offered her services as did Elborath, Dolfke and FireStaar. If IMd by someone who has been banned they can be muted but this has to be done individually.
v) Dansz congratulated Baji on her appearance in the CBS video (to be found on the website)
vi) Website (http://mystic-terapad.com – Elborath reported that she has put a link in to the Avastar article in which Mystic and Dragon feature.
vii) Sunday Events and Classes: AlienShaman has noticed that Sundays are very quiet. Wulf mentioned the Healing Circle which takes place on a Sunday. AlienShaman would host a club event on Sundays and Arianna would like to set up a philosophy class on a Sunday. ACTION: Arawn and Arianna
viii) DJs: AlienShaman reported that he had given Dragon an application form for DJs and asked how that had been working. Dragon gets the odd person asking about it and said that anyone interested should contact him for an application form. He suggested that AlienShaman should liaise with Azziel. Anyone already known for being a DJ does not need an application form. ACTION: AlienShaman, Azziel Foxley – and all budding DJs in our membership
ix) Healing Circle: Wulf reported that he does not yet have his work schedule for next month so he cannot confirm the scheduling for the Healing Circle at the moment.
x) Dragon would like to see certain days flagged as specialist areas when all the events and classes held on that day have the same theme. ACTION: All guides
xi) Arawn wondered about setting up a playground. Discussion followed what would be in it. Arawn suggested a zoo. Elborath commentated that SL animals could be very prim heavy. StarRose and Silverlight both know of places to find realistic animals which are prim light. Silverlight gave the LM for one: Gothic Wildlife Reserve at Seco, Second Wildlife (198,109,29)
xii) Birthday: It is Arawn’s first birthday on Saturday next – he asked if anyone would like to attend a class in Necromancy.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 25th February 2PM SLT
Minutes of Staff Meeting 11th February 2008-02-13
PRESENT: Dragon Shichiroji; Baji Bourjade; Elborath Gelfand; Chizentao Chung; Wulf Urqhart; Jophiella Willis; seranah Questi; Jane Atkey; Rian Hirvi; Lizzy Renard; Jeremiah Demonge; Arawn Spitteler; FireStaar Frye; Kahu Akina; Sivat Ariantho; Vada Bebubgvriygg; GreyWolfe Frye; Arminius Roogus; Manon Clary; Arianna Eriksen; Doflke Barbosa; AlienShaman Constellation.
APOLOGIES: Dragon apologised for his prolonged absence which was due to illness but reported he is now well.
ITEMS COVERED
1) NEW GUIDES
Dragon enquired if there were any new guides during his absence and welcomed newcomers. Starlyte was a guide at the last meeting but he enquired about the new project she had in mind. Baji reported that she was doing something at her own place on this. She also reported that she had received a visit from someone known to cause griefing.
2) WEBSITE
Dragon reported that he has put the CBS footage of Baji Bourjade’s TV interview on the website. Elborath reported she has put new things on the website including revamping the ‘Features of the Academy’ pages to incorporate pictures and adding the Bazaar the Grey Wolf club. She will do the same for the other places of interest within the Academy. ACTION: Elborath
Dragon gave the group members the URL of the website for avastar
http://www.the-avastar.com/slife/jsp/microsite/pages/index.jsp
In the latest PDF download from there we feature on page 6. Dragon would like to get the article from there onto our own website – Elborath to liaise with the journalist ACTION: Elborath
Elborath reported that she has put a page on to the website called ‘Ask Elborath’. This is intended as an ‘Agony Aunt’ type column. Elborath would aim to answer 2 or 3 questions per week. So far there has been no response – despite Elborath putting the information into SL Classifieds. Dragon suggested a box for ‘Agony Aunt’ questions – Elborath to liaise with Zenny. ACTION: Elborath
3) GUIDES INDUCTION:
Dragon reported the setting up of a ‘Guides Hour’ on Wednesdays for the support of guides and particularly for new guides. Dragon also feels the Wednesday group could be used as a recruitment hour. Arianna to take lead on this. ACTION: Arianna
Jeremiah Demonge would like to be considered to become a guide – he would offer storytelling, poetry and the practice of mindfulness and contemplation. Jane will send him an application form. ACTION: Jane and Jeremiah
At this point Dragon also introduced and thanked Lizzy Renard for all her hard work greeting ppl at the Academy. Lizzy reported that she had been interviewed by two university psychology students who are writing a paper. The purpose of the study was not clear but Lizzy felt that it was in part an investigation using Jungian theory of when ppl become spiritual and partly the types of training available in SL Lizzy to link with Elborath with a possibility of putting the info on the website. ACTION Lizzy, Elborath
4) INFOHUB
Elborath reported that she continues to update the infohub as she becomes aware of other spiritual groups. It is time consuming and any help would be very gratefully received. People wishing to include a place in the hub to send a notecard giving details of the place, a landmark and a picture to Elborath.
Elborath also would like to now send the hub out to the other spiritual leaders. The maker of the hub, Fnordian gives permission and has supplied new text for to display compiled by Mystic Academy on the face of the hub. Dragon supports this. Elborath will then continue to update the hub in Mystic and simply send the updated one to the Spiritual Leaders as and when. Elborath reported that the hub development group had been very quiet lately. ACTION Elborath and Dragon
5) SHOP
FireStaar reported that the Bazaar is doing well, there are new vendors and although sales were down a little on last month, as she spoke someone was buying in the shop. Rian reported that here sales were increasing at MA. There is a greater range of Mystical goods on sale there. Dragon congratulated FireStaar and GreyWolf on their good work with the shopping area.
It was agreed that more advertising was needed for both the Bazaar and the Consulting areas. Ari commented that if we wear the Mystic T shirt we advertise the Academy simply by walking around.
6) SANDBOX
The sandbox is looking good and ppl are responding to the events postings – it is bringing ppl in.
7) SKYBOXES
Arianna reported that there is a lot of work to be done re financial, visual, prims concerning the skyboxes but has held off contacting Dragon until he was well. But a few ppl have come forward to say they are interested in renting one. ACTION: Arianna, Dragon
8) CONSULTANCY
Ppl find it hard to find out about the Consulting Areas or how to access the consultants. Internal advertising needed. Baji suggested putting floating text into furniture advertising facilities of the Academy. Dragon suggested posting a ‘consultancy hour’ on the schedule board – he has done so in the past and it worked well. ACTION: All consultants
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Vada Bebubgvriygg introduced herself. In RL she is a free lance journalist and is offering her services to MA. Her specialities are music reviews and interviews. Offer gratefully accepted (and with alacrity). Vada proposed to set up an interview with Dragon and asking her RL boss to print it. She will donate the money earned to the Academy.
Arawn commented that the video of Baji’s interview should be posted on events. ACTION: Dragon, Baji
Rian asked all guides to check the information in their staff board notecards and update as appropriate. ACTION: All guides
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 18th February 2pm SLT Mystic Academy Lounge
Minutes of Staff Meeting Monday 4th February 2008
PRESENT: Elborath Gelfand; Wulf Urqhart; Fafhrd Morigi; Baji Bourjade; AlienShaman Constellation; GreyWolfe Frye; Jophiella Willis; FireStaar Frye; StarRose Merlin; ArawnSpitteler; Manon Clary; Aesir Aeon; Rian Hirvi; Tamara Pau; Starlyte Aeon.
ITEMS COVERED
APOLOGIES: Apologies from Dragon – he is feeling unwell.
There were no new Agenda Items so the meeting concerned itself with matters arising from the previous meeting.
MATTERS ARISING
1) Classified Ads. Not everyone has classifieds in yet – asked to put classified ads in as soon as they can. GreyWolf needs to check something out with Dragon – has not yet had a reply – will email again. ACTION: All those who offer services through Mystic Academy
2) SANDBOX
Arawn reported that the sandbox is nearly complete – just needs a ‘few more tweaks’. There are some technical issues to be sorted – the tp pad is over water and the build button is greyed out. Discussion followed about who can grant these perms – it is unclear whether Arianna has the ability to do this. It was put forward that it would be a good idea for those abilities to be granted to one or two other ppl so that things can progress even if Dragon and Arianna are off line. Manon reported she is happy with the sandbox. Arawn said that the sky is not really suitable and it would be fine in the porch. ACTION: Arawn, Dragon
3) SKY BOXES TO RENT
FireStaar reported that Arianna had sent a message saying that the skyboxes were up. Discussion followed as to the best way of collecting the rent. The hippo system was most favoured. A rent collecting system has yet to be implemented. Whether or not the sky boxes could be advertised through the other groups was discussed. This would constitute spam but since some members of other groups might welcome an economical skybox as a home Star IM’d Nina Lancaster, of the Spiritual Leaders group, to she how she felt about it. ACTION: Arianna, Dragon, Star/Elborath
As an off shoot to this discussion, Rian gave the URL of a website which services spiritual groups in SL. http://secondlife.prayerchain.org/index.php/
Following the meeting Elborath accessed the website and has registered and put in a link to the Academy website: http://mystic.terapad.com
4) MYSTICAL BAZAAR
Mystical Bazaar now has a good selection of mystical goods. GreyWolf reports there are a few spaces left, but they are being saved for Wiccan goods. Elborath reported that she had included the Bazaar and the Club in the ‘Features of the Academy’ on the Academy website: http://mystic.terapad.com
5) GREY WOLF CLUB
GreyWolf reports that more DJs are needed for the club. AlienSharman commented that he will DJ but when he does there always seems to be a poor attendance. Possibly due to the disparity between time zones. GreyWolf was advised by Rian to contact Beeflin and also his friends Drezz Jarman and Verdant Homewood. ACTION: GreyWolf
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The meeting sent healing energies to Dragon
Arawn told the meeting that his next class next Thursday would be about the TP hack
Arawn also wondered when Dragon would be teaching in the Academy again.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 11th February 2pm SLT Mystic Lounge
Minutes of Staff Meeting Monday 28th January 2008
PRESENT: Dragon Shichiroji; StarRose Merlin; Lizzy, Renard, FireStaar Frye; Wulf Urqhart; Sharman Kharg; Arawn Spitteler; Manon Clary; zena zemlja; Fafhrd Morigi; Rian Hirvi; Arianna Eriksen; Jophiella Willis; Morriganne Tatsu; GreyWolf Frye.
ITEMS COVERED:
1) APOLOGIES: Received from Baji and Starlyte.
2) ADDING MYSTIC ACADEMY TO PICKS
Dragon asked all guides to add Mystic Academy to their picks, or to update their picks if it is already featured but out of date. ACTION: All Guides (and all members too)
3) CLASSIFIED
Dragon reminded Guides to put a classified ad into SL regarding their Speciality. He offered to fund the ads if necessary. ACTION: All Guides
4) SANDBOX
Arianna is constructing a ‘Sky Box’ sandbox for building classes and for purchasers to rez their purchase. Dragon asked for an automated system to monitor number of prims used and prim abuse. ACTION: Arianna
5) SKY BOXES TO RENT
Originally Rian’s idea Arianna is to set up Sky Boxes to rent over Academy Land. ACTION: Arianna
6) MYSTIC BAZAAR
Now up and running. To investigate renting out the spaces. Also to stock more goods of a ‘mystical or spiritual’ nature. ACTION: GreyWolf, Manon, Dragon
7) GREY WOLF CLUB
The club has been set up on the roof of the Bazaar. It is planned to hold gigs there 6 days a week.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
MEMBERSHIP INVITATION RESTRICTED TO GUIDES
Started as a trial last week this has worked well with no more abuse of group IMs nor any more griefing. System to continue. ACTION: All guides.
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 4th February 2pm SLT
Minutes of Staff Meeting Monday 21st January 2008
PRESENT: Dragon Shichiroji; FireStaar Frye; Sivat Ariantho; Wulf Urqhart; Rian Hirvi; Zena Zemlja; Elborath Gelfand; Arawn Spitteler; StarRose Merlin; Zenny Carpathia; Aesir Aeon; GreyWolf Frye; Charming Westland; Fafhrd Morigi; Gaia Granada; AlienShaman Constellation; Starlyte Aeon; Lizzy Renard; Paige Llewellyan; Iva Bellios; LadyMoon Merlin.
AGENDA ITEMS
1) The winter edition of MA’s newsletter – Mystic Star launched on 18th January 2008. Many many thanks to Zenny Carpathea for her superb editing and thanks to all contributors. There was discussion on how to make the newsletter accessible – it is already on the website http://mystic.terapad.com/index.cfm?fa=contentNews.news&directoryId=17145
It runs over two pages and you will find it under ‘General’ ‘Mystic Star page 1’. There is a link at the bottom of page one to page two.
A copy of Mystic Star is available in the library.
There was discussion re making Mystic Star visible to the rest of SL. A copy has already been forwarded to the members of the Spiritual Group Leaders group. Dragon asked all guides to distribute copies to friends who may not be members of MA. ACTION: All guides.
Dragon proposes that there is a shelf in the MA library dedicated to such publications – eg. Mystic Star, Minutes of Staff Meetings and induction materials for new staff and new members. ACTION: Zenny Carpathea and Elborath Gelfand.
2) Traffic: Dragon reported that there seems to be a marked improvement in traffic and group size following the Christmas break. He stressed the importance of putting our classes into the SL events calendar. StarRose reported she had done so for her Dream class with the result she had so many ppl attend that the sim crashed!
3) The Mystic Bazaar: GreyWolf and FireStar have done a great job in setting up the shopping area on the island. All thanks to them. They are also setting up a Bazaar club on the roof of the castle with an opening party on Tuesday 22nd January. It is intended for there to be regular music session up on the roof of the Bazaar with DJs. The opening of the Bazaar has been added to SL Search.
Most of the vendors in the Bazaar are from the group – anyone wishing to add wares contact GreyWolf. The Bazaar not only adds traffic to the sim but also contributes rent which helps with overall tier.
GreyWolf and Fire also thank Zena for her invaluable contribution to setting up the Bazaar.
4) Curriculum: Dragon expressed thanks to the guides for the hard work they put into preparing and running their classes and commented that the curriculum now has a fantastic range of subjects being taught. Fafhrd would like to see focus on mysticism in the form of devotion as he/she sees the discipline of devotion as an underlying principle – Dragon suggested Bhakti Yoga. There was general discussion on the suitability of devotion as a teaching subject – Sivat feeling it would be difficult to teach particularly if ppl were not initiated. Dragon commented that it would be difficult to teach but it could be facilitated. Fafhrd thought that on reflection a class might not be the right route. Dragon asked Fafhrd to discuss the idea further with him and see how it could be done.
5) Griefing: There were further griefing attacks over the weekend one of which targeted Starlyte’s healing class. Dragon drew the parallel with RL saying that if someone disrupts a classroom they are ejected. The rule it not to tolerate disruption and to eject offenders as soon as it starts. The comment was made that they then go on to harass via IM and Group IM. Dragon told the guides to advise griefers to contact him via notecard if they feel they have a grievance.
StarRose commented that griefers are after attention. The group agreed so after ejection any harassment by IM or group IM is to be ignored as far as possible.
The point was made that griefers after a ban can simply rejoin as alts. This led to
6) Policy for joining Mystic Academy: Many people have used self-enrolment. Dragon asked that we try closing self-enrolment for a week to see what affect this has. Zena pointed out that any member can invite someone to join and proposes that only Staff should be allowed to do this. For her own group she has closed self-enrolment and membership is by invitation only from herself. This has worked well and she has increased her membership from 500 to 1000 since doing so. Dragon feels we need a named person that members can contact if they want to invite a friend. Zena thought a team would be more appropriate, so ppl could invite newcomers to their classes if they wished as well as GreyWolf who may want to invite ppl from the Bazaar. Dragon will consider that but for now wishes to see what effect closing open-enrolment has. To be assessed at the next meeting.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Zenny Carpathea: Thanked Arawn for building a newsletter distributor for the library and plans to put another at the island hub. Zenny reported she is a little behind on updating latest info in the library but wants to make sure our newest teachers know they can add their content to the library. Lizzy Renard offered to help her. ACTION: Zenny Carpathea and Lizzy Renard
Elborath Gelfand: Arawn would like a sandbox for his building class – and also suggested that a sandbox would be useful for the Bazaar as ppl could rez the items they had bought immediately. Dragon asked Arawn if he could build a sandbox for the sim. Arawn would prefer to place the sandbox on the front lawn. Although this would not be convenient for the market the location could be added to the tp hubs. ACTION: Arawn
Arawn also mentioned that he is still having problems with his password on MA’s website. ACTION: Elborath and Arawn
StarRose: Asked if anyone had had problems with her security system because she feels she may need to reset the distance. There was no response – but if anyone has had a problem being ejected by StarRose’s security please IM StarRose. ACTION: All members
Elborath Gelfand: Reported she has joined Eventful.com – which is a way of keeping an eye on the events from a number of spiritual groups. Any event posted in SL should show up on Eventful.com Elborath will give her URL when she has ironed out difficulties she is experiencing with the site!!
Elborath Gelfand: Proposes to set up a page on the MA website as an ‘Agony Aunt’ type page. The plan is to answer maybe two letters a week, with the sort of problems ppl write to agony columns about. The idea was well received. ACTION: Elborath.
Zenny Carpathea: Thanked Arawn for building a newsletter distributor for the library and plans to put another at the island hub.
Dragon Shichiroji: Welcomed two new guides to the staff – Wulf Urqhart and Starlyte Aeon. Wulf and Starlyte are working to establish a healing circle. Wolf describes healing as about love for our fellow people and gathering the energy we all give off and sending out to those who need it. He does not see giving classes as the way forward for this, rather allowing ppl to come into the circle and allow it to grow ‘organically’. Dragon also thanked Starlyte for becoming ‘one of our most prominent contributors here’.
Dragon says there is a need for ppl to understand the concept and asked Starlyte and Wulf to prepare some more info about the healing circle and how the process works and how to add someone to it. Could they prepare something for the library and also something to be sent out as a group message. Zenny also suggested a notecard giver in the healing circle. ACTION: Starlyte, Wulf and Zenny.
Zena Zemlja: Has set up an outside classroom on the beach and drew the meeting’s attention to it. Zena explained that she has made a stone
circle with leather cushions to sit on plus a fire with logs. It is called Beach Elements Class Room because she uses the four elements in my
workshops. The classroom is there for everybody to use for classes.
Rian Hirvi: Rian Hirvi: said that we have a lot of prims left and a lack of
money for tier and put forward the idea of setting up a few skyboxes and renting them out.
Dragon pointed out that if we allow ppl to rent skyboxes then they have rights on the land beneath. But he likes the idea of having some small rental spaces for mystics with no home to rent for a small sum. Several ideas were mooted – Dragon favouring the idea of a dormitory type setup. The meeting was then closed with Dragon going to the beach to make the dormitory renting idea a reality.
DATE AND TIME NEXT MEETING
Monday 28th January 2008 at 2pm SLT
Minutes of Staff Meeting 14th January 2008
PRESENT: Elborath Gelfand; Rian Hirvi; Baji Bourjade; Arawn Spitteler; Sivat Ariantho; Miyam Letov; Zenny Carpathea; Zena Zemlja; Lailu Loon; Manon Clary; Lizzy Renard; Jophiella Willis; Starlyte Aeon; LadyMoon Merlin; Adam Kurelek; AlienShaman Constellation.
AGENDA:
1) Newsletter
2) Security
3) Any Other Business
4) Date and time next meeting
1) NEWSLETTER
The deadline for articles for the newsletter was Tuesday 15th January. Zenny reported that she had a reasonable number of articles but could do with one more story and some photos. Elborath supplied a piece on Spiritual Networking and some photos. Miyam offered Zenny a link to her blog with permission to use anything from there – and agreed to take a look at them herself and submit any she thought suitable on a notecard. Zena promised to get an article to Zenny by the deadline. Lailu reported that she is working on a Tarot Journal which will use different technology from notecards. ACTION: Miyam; Zenny; Zena, Baji.
2) SECURITY
There has been trouble with griefers in class. This began Monday 7th of January 2008 in Baji’s class with three griefers constantly disrupting the class one of whom was ejected and subsequently banned sim wide by Manon.
Subsequent to this one of the griefers disrupted Zena’s class and was banned by Zena. This led to an altercation with another guide who has been ‘unguided’.
Sivat reported that there had been a mega prim surrounding the Academy the day before – thought to have been placed by the same guide.
It is worth noting here that in the class Baji took after the Staff Meeting two griefers again attempted to disrupt the class and were ejected. Both of those ppl had a 9th January birthdate and it is reasonable to assume that they are alternate avatars of the previous disruptors.
With its own sim and with its message of tolerance and peace Mystic is going to attract elements who get fun out of harassing non- aggressive groups.
Elborath reported Dragon’s view which is: ‘I want the guides respected and have a zero tolerance policy for people who cross the line’.
She also reported that Dragon does not support ‘orbiting’ griefers.
A discussion took place about how to deal with this situation. Rian drew the group’s attention to the Guidelines to Eject/Ban and it was generally agreed that following the guidelines covers the situation. However the guidelines do recommend talking to the griefer and Baji pointed out that is difficult to do if you are taking a class. Elborath likened it to a RL classroom – a teacher would not tolerate such behaviour. When teaching the Guide taking the class in in charge – it is their classroom and therefore must take what action they feel to be appropriate.
The conclusion was to use the Guidelines but in a classroom situation to give a warning (public) followed by ejection if the disruption continues. Any further disruption would be grounds for a ban.
3) ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Arawn objected to the presence of the bill board outside the Academy – his objection was supported by all present. ACTION: Dragon
Manon queried the necessity of the sign by the steps of the Academy.
Arawn asked for a sandpit for his class to use when building. ACTION: Dragon
Miyam asked if there could be different music during meditations.
Zena asked if she could take the lead on the art gallery which has been housed in the dungeon. No one objected to this and Zena takes that lead.
The Shopping Mall is now OPEN!! Thanks to GreyWolf Frye for all her hard work. There are a couple of vacant stalls! Roll up!
4) DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 21st January 2008
Minutes of Staff Meeting 2.15pm SLT Monday 17th December 2007
Those present:
Dragon Shichiroji, Elborath Gelfand, StarRose Merlin, Lailu Loon, SkyeRanger Pinion, Zena Zemlja, Rian Hirvi, Jane Atkey, Legolas Llanfair, Arawn Spittleler, Baji Borjade, Jophiella Willis, AlienShaman Constellation, Astaus Graves, Sivat Ariantho
Dragon opened the meeting;
ITEMS DISCUSSED
1) Dragon reported that we are hitting break even point and there is only one parcel left. Enquiries to Manon Clary
2) The website is being regularly updated
3) Zena Zemlja has started a new forum where people can post their thoughts on classes they have attended
4) Dragon asked Guides to take pictures of their classes to post on the website – please send them to Elborath Gelfand unless you are an editor
5) We need a Mystic Staff reporter for a Mystic Newsletter. Suggested names for the newletter: The Mystic Star or The Mystic Guide
6) One of the upstairs rooms to be the ‘Press Office’ for the collection of articles for the newletter
7) Dragon asked that we reflect on what has worked over the last year and what hasn’t – action – please bring thoughts on this to the next meeting
8) Christmas party to be on Thursday night (20th December) time to be announced
9) It is important to have as many classes as possible over the holiday period: action: Guides to liaise with StarRose to schedule classes – this item to have urgent priority
10) A vendors area needs to be set up – Lailu volunteered to take the lead – Dragon to develop the area as an urgent priority. Action: Dragon and Lailu
11) Dragon reports that he is setting up an outside classroom. Action: Dragon
12) Staff meetings to be weekly on Mondays at 2pm – but a break over the holiday period. Next date to be announced as next Monday is Christmas Eve and the one after is New Year’s Eve… At this point Dragon left the meeting.
13) Jane Atkey has started a forum with regard to a consultant’s code of practice. Her suggested code is: 1) I will respect my clients' right to confidentiality and will not disclose their personal information to third parties without their prior consent.
2) I will be courteous and considerate and act in a professional manner.
There are also a couple of notes:
1) It is acceptable to discuss readings in a general way without passing on personal information.
2) As a Mystic Consultant you are under no obligation to perform reading for a client if for any reason you don't want to.
Star Rose had some concerns about the safety of the consultants and suggested that a list should be kept of people who persistently abuse the service.
It was agreed by 5 to 2 with 1 abstention to keep a list and to warn persistent offenders who could be banned if they continued to behave unacceptably. StarRose will draw up a warning letter and post it on the forum. Please register with the website http://mystic.terapad.com and add ideas and comments. Action: StarRose and all members.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was no Other Business
DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING
Monday 7th January 2008 2pm SLT
Minutes of Staff Meeting 7th January 2008
PRESENT:
Elborath Gelfand, Arawn Spitteler, Hermes Kondor, Fnordian Link, Dardiel Spad, Manon Clary, Baji Bourjade, Varick Vendetta, Zena Zemlja, Jophiella Willis, Rian Hirvi, Legolas Llanfair, Brigit Carver, Julie Apocalypse, Miyam Letov
ITEMS COVERED:
1) Happy New Year to Everyone
2) MATTERS ARISING:
a) Elborath brought the meeting up to date re the communications network. There is a group ‘Spiritual Group Leaders’ to which Dragon belongs and Elborath has now joined. This is to facilitate communication between the spiritual groups. Mystic has been developing an info hub and the plan is to make the hub a communications vehicle with a central updating facility. This hub is to be offered to all the spiritual groups with the aim of fostering the network without all the IMs and blue notices which clog up all our screens. There is a technological development group for the hub called Spirit Hub and Elborath will invite any scripters and builders from the other groups to join this group. Progress to be reported on. ACTION: Elborath Gelfand
Hermes expressed concern that the development of this group might constitute the development of a new religion for SL. It was explained that the networking group is an umbrella group for all the different spiritual groups not a religion in its own right. Zena asked for Merlyn Hern the leader of Witches Island to be added to the Spiritual Group Leaders group. Elborath said she would liaise with the group leader Nina Lancaster re this. ACTION: Elborath Gelfand
b) Greeter System: Greeter system is up and running – with thanks to all those who have contributed to that and Dragon sends thanks to Indigo Varialle for sterling work in tracking and following up visitors – this has resulted in increased interest in the Academy. Discussion followed re an automated system for tracking and following up. Fnordian has had some discussion with scripting such a thing but is waiting for further liaison from Dragon. ACTION Dragon Shichiroji.
c) Guide Object (an object for ppl to access which will tell them about whichever
part of the Academy/sim they are on. Elborath apologised but has not yet investigated this. ACTION: Elborath Gelafand
d) Scheduling: Classes to be posted at least one week in advance if possible – although last minute classes can be added and are very welcome. Zena questioned the number of places in which we have to schedule; the board, the web and the search facility. StarRose puts the schedules on the web for the week, but obviously last minute classes are put in by the individual guides. If someone wants to put a class into the week’s schedule on the website please contact StarRose Merlin or Elborath Gelfand. Please will Dragon look at the number of times we have to schedule again?
Discussion re whether Guides can send a notice through Mystic alerting members to classes they are holding in other groups. Dragon to consider please. ACTION: Dragon Shichiroji.
e) Training support: Kasia Albert to support Jane Atkey and assist with any teacher training enquiries
NEWSLETTER
There is a newletter scheduled for 18th January 2008. Intended for publication in house and on the website. Poems, articles about Mystic, interviews with guides, news, photos all welcome. We have a wealth of creative talent in Mystic – come on folks let’s get 2008 off to a fanatastic start. Drop submissions into the library box or send direct to Zenny. Name Mystic’s newsletter to be Mystic Star. ACTION: Everybody.
POST IT MESSAGES: Do ppl like them? The answer is yes and they are working well.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
No other business
DATE AND TIME NEXT MEETING
Monday 14th January 2pm SLT
Minutes of Mystic Academy Staff Meeting Monday 10th December 2007 at 2pmSLT
AGENDA
1) Land Permissions
2) Keywords for SL Search Facility
3) Activity
4) Consulting Area
5) Update on Island Finances
Present: Those present throughout: Dragon Shichiroji, Legolas Llanfair, Alienshaman Constellation, Baji Bourjade, StarRose Merlin, Elborath Gelfand, Sivat Ariantho, Falcon Rang, Arawn Spitteler, Rian Hirvi, Sridhar Shepherd.
Those present for part of the meeting: Zenny Carpathea, Yoga Chakrabarti, Jophiella Willis, Greger Korobase, Lailu Loon.
1) Land Permissions: Dragon reported that the problems with land permissions are now resolved and thanked Falcon for her part in solving the difficulties.
2) Keywords for SL search facility: Dragon reported that Mystic Academy was not appearing well in the SL search facility and sought the advice of the meeting as to the appropriate keywords to use. The final list is as follows: spiritual, consultation, dreams, meditation, zen, library, temples, enneagram, tarot, classes, shamanism, healing, EFT, wicca, teachers, Infohub.
3) Activity: Dragon motivated the group to increase the classes running over the next two weeks – Mystic Academy never closes For schedule see the events page on this website, or visit Mystic Academy inworld.
4) Consulting Area: Rian reported that she had had no interest in the four consulting areas available. Rian herself has one but the other three are vacant. Baji claimed one for tarot readings and Elborath claimed one for counselling, NLP and EFT. There is one free consultation area available.
5) Update on Island Finances: Dragon Reported that we are almost at break even point on the finances and many of the parcels to rent have been taken. There are two 4096 plots left at L$7200 per month as well as some smaller parcels. Dragon and Manon are more than willing to break bigger parcels down if someone wants something smaller. The Academy is very close to the goal of running rent free but is thinking of holding a Christmas fundraiser to help Manon with tier.
A.O.B
Rian told the meeting that there is a photo shoot for staff scheduled for this Thursday 13th December 2007.
StarRose reported that she had been speaking to Kiara Writer. Kiara is putting together the top ten groups in SL for a new SL magazine and Mystic is in that top ten. Rian drew the meeting’s attention to the fact that she had sent a notecard out about the new magazine and Mystic being in the top ten about a week ago – but it would seem that not many people actually received it due to the vagaries of SL. Kiara intends to visit Mystic for more information and pictures prior to publication.
Zenny proposed a writing competition with a cash prize. The submitted work can take any form, article, poem, short story but must have a spiritual theme. For information please contact Zenny Carpathea.
StarRose reported that people are still confused as to where and when classes are being held – they seem to be stuck at the hub – item for next meeting’s agenda.
Dragon wishes to hold Staff Meetings weekly at 2pm SLT but asked if anyone was prepared to chair them in his absence. Elborath offered to do so should Dragon be absent.
Date and Time of Next Meeting
Monday 17th December 2007, Mystic Lounge 2pm SLT
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Spirit%20City/196/58/31/ is the one Im using - you can make any SL url for any place in the academy