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Monday, August 9, 2021

WHITE HARBOR GACHA: TAKING THE GUESSWORK OUT OF THE GACHA – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC), REPORTING


One of the Joys of life in the Grid, and especially as a reporter covering  life on the grid, is that I get to travel around and learn about some of the real gems of SecondLife, often tucked away in the most unlikely of locations. It was on just such a day that I found myself in the quaint little village of White Harbor.  The fresh air blowing in from the ocean, the scent of sea heavy in the breeze. Sea Gulls circling about, with their distinctive chatter, and the familiar sounds of wind-whipped halyards, slapping against main masts on dozens of sails boats and watercraft. It was here that I first met Silken Sydney, owner, and curator of White Harbor Gacha, puttering about in her shop, and I was instantly captivated by her story.  She was busily preparing for the arrival of the Ferry, due any minute from City by The Bay, carrying tourists who would descend on the Gacha shops and paw over the treasures there. Sydney graciously agreed to chat with me about her operation, as long as I agreed to help with the dusting.  She handed me a dust rag without further comment on the matter and pointed me toward a shelf of already sparkling Gachas

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):  So tell me, Sydney. What is a Gacha, anyway? 

Silken Sydney (SS): A Gacha is a Collection of items or an item from a collection that is randomly attained by a game of chance.  In other words, you pay per pull on a machine, much like slots, and get an item from a grouping.  No guarantees what it will be.  You pay to play to get what you want. Items range from common, to uncommon, rare, and Ultra Rare.  Each is harder to get based on its ranking.


JB: So, where are the Gacha machines?  Where do I pay my money and take my chances?  Isn’t there usually a bank of these “slot machines” somewhere?

SS: Ahhh...you see, Josh.  That is what makes White Harbor Gacha different.  We take the element of chance out of the purchase.  We have already paid for the “random pulls”.  We have taken the chance out of the game for you, by paying for the random pulls and throw-away prizes.  When we win the good prizes, we display them here and resell them to the customer at a fraction of what they would pay for the same item retail. 

JB: I have seen Gachas advertised in various locations on the grid. Just what is different about your Gacha place from the others out there?

SS: White Harbor is restricted to 9 Shops ONLY.  This helps reduce lag and Vendors are voted in should an opening become available.  We give our shopkeepers their store.  There is no rent and they get 1000 prim to work with.  With no overhead, they stand to make a clear profit but they are also solely responsible for the traffic to their stores.  While I advertise for everyone naturally, they are expected to go above and beyond.  Quality and exclusivity is the goal.


JB: This sounds expensive.  How do you fund the operation?  

SS: White Harbor functions on donations only.  Often the tier is not met but we cover the cost personally.

JB: So then,  where, and how, are your operators expected to advertise?

SS: In order to maintain their status of a storekeeper at the Harbor, each is expected to advertise 4 times a week as well as maintain a cohesiveness to the environment.  There are Gacha groups that they can join and advertise.

JB: Do you do this all by yourself, or do you have business partners?

SS:  Yes and no.  The Land is owned by Benton Torkelsonn who has allowed me to have The Harbor built in order to house the Co-Op Gacha Guild, established just for the Harbor.  The Co-Op consists of 9 people who all get a vote and get input on what they would like to see happen or changes that may come up.  In doing that, I guess you can say they are business partners.


JB: I understand your operators have to sign a covenant?   How is your covenant different?

SS: We are offering more than just a place to rent.  This is a community and its very specific on the level of quality we wish to maintain.  It’s very clear on the expectations, violations and end results.  Everyone is asked to read this before accepting a Shop here.

JB: How many shop owners can you work with? 

SS: There are a total of nine shop owners, including myself.  That is the maximum capacity for the Harbor.

JB: Can you share with us some of the more unusual Gacha items for sale at White Harbor?

SS: You will find many quality items at the Harbor.  Listing them isn't possible due to the fluctuation of availability. They can be there one day and gone the next.  I encourage everyone to speak to the shopkeepers if they are looking for anything specific.  Many of us have a surplus not even in the stores yet.


JB: I saw a sign on my way here advertising something called a “TGE”?    What is this “TGE Gacha Resell Event” that read about? 

SS: Tempting Gacha Event is for resellers.  This is done every 3 months along the pier adjacent to the Harbor.  24 spaces only are allowed and it runs for a full month!  You can come by sea, air, or teleport in.  Vendors from all over including some of our shop keepers bring their best items and offer great deals.

JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

SS: White Harbor and the TGE Event are simply things to experience. It's not just a bunch of stores.  It's an actual sail-able Harbor with other scenic features.  The Stores are amazing and they are surrounded by an interactive environment.  You just have to come and see for yourselves.


So there you have it, folks. If you have an eye for the unusual, the eclectic, the curiosity, or that perfect item to add to your collection of other items, scoot on down to White Harbor and look through their collection of one-of-a-kind treasures.  Hurry now!  Once these precious finds are gone, they’re gone.

 SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lepudro/39/80/23

https://www.flickr.com/photos/138278567@N05/

Be There!

Aloha!

JB

 

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