Interview With Strawberry Linden

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

A few days ago, I had a chance to talk to Strawberry Linden. Strawberry is a popular Linden, having gotten her start as a noted fashion blogger. When hired, she became a marketing specialist, eventually moving up to Senior Social Media Manager. She appears in Linden Lab's "Lab Gab" shows, but also communicates to the residents in occasional Linden blog posts, interviews such as the Meet the Lindens events at the Second Life Birthday events, and others. While much is already know about her, here was a chance to learn a little more.

Bixyl Shuftan: To begin with, how did you find out about Second Life?

Strawberry Linden: An old friend told me about it, so I decided to sign up and check it out. I was confused at first and logged out right away. But then 2 weeks later I logged back in to give it another try and got hooked.

Bixyl Shuftan: How were your first days here after your second try?

Strawberry Linden: It was fun, I made some more friends and we "lucky chair" hopped together, and I won this beautiful red gown and walked around with it for like a month (laughter). Of course I first attached the box to my head, until someone showed me how to rez and open it and then wear it.

Bixyl Shuftan: How long did that take?

Strawberry Linden: Within a few days once I returned. Then I found this club that was all about bollywood music, which I am obsessed with, so I started hanging out there and made a lot of friends and just had so much fun. ... lot of social events.

Bixyl Shuftan: How did the idea of becoming a fashion blogger come about?

Strawberry Linden: One of the friends I made at the club had her own fashion blog, and she kept pestering me to join her, and for two months I kept saying no, and then December of 2007 I finally gave in and did my first post. A lot of people like the way I styled my avatar and gave me positive feedback from my blog posts, so I kept doing it and once she left Second Life a few months later, I created my own personal blog.

Bixyl Shuftan: In your opinion what were your most noteworthy posts?

Strawberry Linden: My tutorials and my meme and blog challenges. They got the most amount of attention early on. Then later when mesh heads and bodies were released and I started showcasing those in detail, those were the most requested.

Bixyl Shuftan: What were some of the challenges in operating the blog? Were any subjects hard to write about? 

Strawberry Linden: Nothing really, my blog was just a fun hobby for when I had time. The only challenging thing that happened was around the end I was just getting burnt out over blogging all the mesh heads and bodies that people kept requesting. So I'm happy I was able to stop doing those. I didn't like that my blog started feeling like something I had to do, instead of the fun and creative outlet it was for me.

Bixyl Shuftan: When did the Lab approach you about joining them? 

Strawberry Linden: They didn't approach me. They put up a position for a Marketing Content Specialist. They wanted someone to take high quality images and videos in Second Life and help them with marketing content. One of my friends told me that a lot of people were talking about the position and saying that it's what Strawberry does. I laughed and then I looked at the description and I thought, hey yeah maybe I can do this. So I applied, and 6 interviews later, i was hired.

Bixyl Shuftan: Nice, in April 2019?

Strawberry Linden: Yes, April 15th.

Bixyl Shuftan: What were some of your biggest surprises after you joined the Lab? 

Strawberry Linden: I was pleasantly surprised to see how passionately the employees are about the platform, majority of them are active Residents as well. It's been so amazing to work with people that absolutely love what they do and actually use and enjoy the product as well, just like myself.

Bixyl Shuftan: Nice, whom did you get along with the best? 

Strawberry Linden: Oh goodness, you're asking me to pick favorites (laughter), gonna get me in trouble. I interact with so many of them, and they are all so friendly and nice. I have to say that my absolute favorite person is Brett Linden, and not just because he's my boss. He's probably the best boss I've ever had and I feel like I can go to him for anything. Ebbe was also one of my favorites.

Bixyl Shuftan: I recall you've been on Lab Gab a number of times, with Xiola Linden.

Strawberry Linden: Yes, Xiola and I started the show together. She is actually the one that named it, Lab Gab. She was so much fun to work with as well. She was one of my first friends in the company and was my buddy that helped me through all the paperwork on the first day of work (laughter).

Bixyl Shuftan: Will Lab Gab continue to air on occasion?

Strawberry Linden: Yes definitely. I did try to do it every week or every other week, but it's just a lot of work to do it regularly like that, especially with all the other projects on my plate. But yes, it will continue in the new year and in fact I will be having some Linden employees on to talk about updates and other news, etc, in the new year.

Bixyl Shuftan: Was there anything you wanted to mention about the upcoming year?

Strawberry Linden: A lot of good news hopefully. I am excited for it and to see the platform grow even more. As for specifics, I can't say much aside from upcoming community events like Shop & Hop for Valentine's Day is already schedule and of course our 19th birthday this year in June will hopefully be even bigger.

Bixyl Shuftan: Should be fun. Was there anything else you wanted to mention?

Strawberry Linden: I wanted to wish everyone in the community and really happy holiday season with their virtual family and friends. I hope everyone stays safe!

Bixyl Shuftan: Thank you Strawberry, and Merry Christmas to you as well.

That concluded the interview with Strawberry, though we talked for a few more minutes. She also wanted to take a few pictures. 

So no doubt Strawberry will be continuing to do what she does. 

Bixyl Shuftan