First Name: RidgeCat
Last Name: Zhangsun
Status: Administrator of NUS Second Life
Date Joined: Long long ago...
Avatar Influence: Suave College Dude
Words of Wisdom : "Don't Ask Me Who I Am In Real Life!"


01) In a nutshell, describe yourself in 20 words.
--> "Embracing this age of digital lifestyle, I've learnt to take everything with a huge pinch of salt." Thats less than 20, do I get a prize for that? *grin*

02) You got to work harder than that. Tell us, why the name, RidgeCat, as your first name? Whats up with this identity really?
--> I have to, because I started this whole community going and having to register with Second Life, I naturally will have to use this name for good reasons. The RidgeCat identity, I must say was not 100% original though. We did several case studies and saw how some other universities in Second Life has established somewhat a pretty cool and similar identity and after several brainstormings and fightings, we were very much inspired to give our virtual identity a name. Of course, 'Ridge' coming from the physical location of 'Kent Ridge' in real life and 'Cats' being an all too popular and natural choice of a mascot to be used. We hope that RidgeCat can form the basic entity of our NUS virtual communities, regardless, students, staff, alumni, NUS related support offices. It really brings us one step closer to making NUS Second Life our virtual home.

03) Some say you are 'The One', the entity who started this NUS Second Life? Seriously...?!
--> LOL. Well, you can say that... because I am the one who registered us into Second Life, it also naturally means I hold the secrets to every single inch of land you see in NUS Second Life. So butter me up when you see me! Haha... *Ok you are not gonna print this secret, are you?*

04) So what can we expect from these NUS islands?
--> We are currently 4 islands wide and has some basic infrastructures that will probably catch your eye as soon as you arrive at the spawning area. With the University Hall foyer desginated as the spawning area, NUS community should be able to relate it to NUS since we've simulated the entire building exactly like what it is in real life. While the oher buildings are conjured out of imagination, we retained also NUS communication cultures like our very own 'milo' truck and our very own version of Spinelli cafe in University Hall. Like how I would say to my developers, "We will be building and we will ALWAYS be building." So you'll be in for a surprise at every periodic update, do visit NUS Second Life regularly if you are not a frequent user.

05) Which is your current favourite place in NUS Second Life now? Why?
--> I have to say its the beach. In real life, who doesn't want to be drifting on a float on a good sunny day or to be lazing at the beach minus the sun burn? Whats more with the jet-ski to satisfy the speed demon in me, this is the life I would wish to live/retire in reality! Someone should really suggest a name for our beach though.

06) What outfits do you prefer yourself to be in? Do we expect you to change a lot in your avatar appearance?
--> I am the college suave dude, tee and jeans are all me. So far I am not scheduled for much changes since my presence is not exactly significant to most people. However, its my aim and dream to let my other RidgeCat Gurus manifest and shine in this establishment so I'll let them do the show-offs for me. But then again, anything is possible so... *keep your fingers crossed*

07) I don't understand why you're so highly elusive. ANYWAY, tell us your wildest dream in Second Life.
--> The other day I dreamt I was actually doing sports in our islands. And not just any sports, I wanted to do the Pole Vault for the longest time but I have only achieved it in my dreams so far... I told my developers later about this, they told me as much as it sounds ridiculous, they can actually make it possible for me! Do you think I am being ridiculous? I am only 1.6m tall by the way...

08) Erm... i'm no expert with sports really. Ok so tell us what is the one thing that puts you off so far in your NUS island encounters.
---> I've met quite a number of the pioneer students in the islands whom we've been working with from FASS and SOC. And like all places, you get some really promising people, you also get some of the most annoying people. If there is one thing I hate is the question they always ask "Why nobody around? Is it always so quiet?" Isn't it obvious that its not always busy when we have only announced it to a small elite group of students? What are they expecting? The kind of crowd queuing for doughnuts?! We're only a few months old into development now and should expect crowd to pick up after activities starts to pack in with more publicity from my RidgeCats, so please be patient and don't come in feeling so negative at your first visit. *Patience, my Jedi Knight, Patience*

09) What do we expect to come in the near future for NUS Second Life?
---> Like what the others said before, "You are only limited by your own imagination." The NUS Second Life future is very promising if our student virtual community is built up and catches on fast. With Singapore's recent win to host the 1st Youth Olympics Games and University Town set to be built under NUS, we have great plans ahead to perhaps simulate the Olympics Village and let overseas contestants have a preview of what they can expect when they eventually arrive come 2010. Really, anything and everything is possible.

10) Any words of advice/wisdom for the newbies who are coming in?
---> Let your imagination take you wherever you want and to experience whatever you felt your real life is lacking. Role playing might be necessary in a virtual world, but remember to keep yourself real within at all times. Most importantly, have FUN!

Interview conducted by LividEye Yoshikawa, RidgeCat Guru