Assignment 11: Notes From Event Observation

My in-field research occurred on Saturday, January 19th at 10:00am (Central) / 8:00am (SL Time).  It was a dress themed event for jazz, and social, enthusiasts.  My notes from the first 20 min of the event are found below.

Location is Owner #1's Jazz Club

Event: Morning Jazz, Pajama Themed Event

Avatar arrival: 9:55 (Central) / 7:55 (SL Time)

Invite sent out 3 mintues before 8 SL time

14 attendees by 8:04 SL TIME

2 couples immediately start dancing

Owner #1 is dancing solo on floor

Girl relaxing on west wall couch

Dj is located behind bar at designated DJ area

dress code is pajama attire

Owner #1 is wearing formal dress

6 wearing pajamas attire

3 wearing goth attire

3 wearing formal attire 

2 wearing casual

1 Furry attire

Owner #1 welcomes all of the guests who arrive via Teleport

Owner #1 casually talks with attendees,

Everyone, but 5 dancers, is hanging out at the north end of the jazz club, next to the dance floor, sharing conversation

Observational Notes

Upon my arrival, before the start of the event, I was one of 3 avatars at the location.  It is a larger sized club that has several seating areas, 2 bars, a stage, DJ area, and a dance floor.  The decor was mostly set in red and gold, that gave a semi-formal appeal.  Within minutes, the DJ was shouting to the attendees in the chat window, asking if the music stream was working properly.  Within 5 minutes of the invitation being sent out, 11 avatars teleported to the site and immediately started socializing.   

2 couples soon went on to the dance floor and began dancing as partners.  The owner of the group was dancing as well.  As the music played, the avatars were exchanging comments that related to a darker humor.  More avatars showed up via teleport as the event became more established.  The maximum number of users I spectated were 24.  The general portion of them, not including the dancing partners, were hanging out at the north end of the club.  3 avatars were seated at the bar, one girl was laying down on a couch, while the remaining avatars stood to chat, and animate.  

By 8:20, I had noticed that the group had decreased in size.  The 13 avatars that were left would remain for the duration of the event.  The conversations remain on similar topics of dark humor; yet changed when a popular song, "The Girl From Iponema" began playing.  While some avatars were toying around with the name of the song, others began shouting requests to the DJ.  The next song was a performance by the modern jazz singer Michael Buble, which also prompted a response from the audience.  As the requests are continually shouted by avatars, the group begins to shift over to the west wall seating area; which is situated right next to the DJ's station.  

By 8:43, eight avatars are sitting down, and four are standing adjacent to the couches and chair.  Only one person remains on the dance floor.  The atmosphere becomes more timid, as the avatars are in a  relaxed position, and continue conversation with each other.  At this time, Owner #1 and the DJ announce some of the events that are occurring later on in the day.  For the final song, the DJ plays Frank Sinatra singing Happy Birthday.  The avatars join in on the singing to recognize the birthday of one attending group member.  It was with this, that the event had concluded, as well as my research.

Methodological Notes

I remained in public sight for the duration of the research.  I also participated in the clothing theme by wearing pajamas and slippers, embroidered with a band logo.  While I did not participate in the dancing, I joined in on some of the conversations when prompted.  I walked around the club hall to note the numbers, and dress code of the avatars.  As the groups positioning moved throughout the club, I placed myself right along side them. 

Some questions I had pertained to the ongoing relationships with the club's owner, and the group members.  Does she encounter the same group members each week?  Is the event a good source of recruiting new members and performers?  Does the number of attendees remain the same from week to week?  What transpires between Owner #1 and the DJ as the event was in progress?

Theoretical Notes

Being that the time of the event was in the morning, I didn't expect as much activity compared to a night event.  The ambiance seemed reminiscent of a small coffee house.  No more than 5 people participated in dancing, while the rest of the avatars seemed to be there for social purposes.  The chat window was more active than avatar animations.  This provided no sense of intimidation, as some avatars were open to ask questions since they were new to SL.  Also Owner #1 was able to use those opportunities to give out membership requests, and future event notices.  At the end of the event, Owner #1 and the DJ both thanked all of the attendees, and wished to see them again at future events.