A democratic community of beauty, imagination and self-expression.
Founded in 2004, the Confederation of Democratic Simulators is a community operated by and for its citizens and, as such, is the oldest democracy in Second Life.
A History of Virtual Self-Governance
An in-depth look inside the beginnings, disputes, governance and civic life of the first virtual democracy in Second Life.
CDS Business Directory
Explore CDS through its cultural spaces and resident-run ventures.
Guide for New Citizens
Learn about the values and political system of the CDS and how you can play a role in shaping our community.
Voices from beyond the walls
See what others are saying with these independent perspectives from across the wider community.
Playing democracy in a virtual world (2007) – YouTube
The Confederation of Democratic Simulators is an old institution in SecondLife. Are they still alive and well? Is democracy in virtual worlds a delusion or can it be achieved? Newbie virtual journalist Draxtor Despres meets up with residents and administrators to find out how much free will can be handled by a simulated system….
Made in Second Life: The Movie (2023) – YouTube (CDS section from 27:26 onwards)
“Made in SL: The Movie” is a special long-form documentary to celebrate the occasion of Second Life’s 20th anniversary. Filmmaker and Linden Lab contractor Draxtor Despres initially planned to produce a 10-minute short film, stringing together birthday wishes from as many Residents and Lindens as possible within that length. After an initial casting call, 17 Second Life Residents came forward, along with founder Philip Rosedale, as well as QA Engineer Mazidox Linden.
Celebrating International Women’s Day in Second Life – Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld
The theme for this year’s IWD is #EachForEqual, a call for gender equality, and the day will be marked in Second Life at Celebrating International Women’s Day in SL, a series of events throughout the day organised and hosted by the Confederation of Democratic Simulators (CDS). These will comprise music, dance, live performances and interactive activities.
Transcript of my lecture in Second Life on democracy in virtual worlds – David Orban
Here is the transcript of my inaugural lecture of the Craedo Auditorium in Colonia Nova in Second Life. Welcome to this seminar about “The theory and practice of democracy in virtual worlds”. I want to thank CARE, CRAEDO, and the Confederation of Democratic Simulators for inviting me to give this talk at the inauguration of this auditorium.
The Confederation of Democratic Simulators – When democracy…fails – This Island SL
Wandering around the CDS, the place looks good enough, with public amenities, public footpaths and public buildings. However dig deeper and get into the whole political landscape of the CDS, you find the SL democratic equivalent of nepotism. Friends voted in by the RA into places of power within the two commissions. Friends voted into places of power, even though those friends have no clue whatsoever about what that position entails.