Beginning My New "Life"

Well.....in my last blog entry, I told you about joining Second Life as my own social experiment in a 'life without consequences.' It has now been a whole week (actually, 10 days) since starting this off…..and already it has been quite an experience.

First, a little word about what it takes to get started in this game. When you sign up, you download a client viewer software that allows you to get in and manipulate the environment. Once you have gotten in and created your account (only requiring basic contact information), you select the basic features of an avatar. This is going to be your physical representation (‘character’) in the game……so this is the opportunity to pick some of your basic features: male or female, hair style, body shape, etc. This is honestly only very basic information because as you go through the game, you can change all of these things – even skin and eye color. You also must select a name – and a great plan for safety and control, you only make up your first name; your last name must be selected from a drop down list.

Once you have put your initial self together, you have to decide where you are going to start out this game. In Second Life there are hundreds of “worlds” called sims (simulations). There are some areas that are really designed to make starting out easier. The area I started off in was geared just for getting new players (called Residents) started out; so there were a lot of tutorials I had to go through and quite a few people who are there with the strict intention of helping a new Resident figure out the nuances. And I am really glad that I did….because it was a quiet and there were very few people – which made it easier to practice all the skills required to get around and search all of the information out there.

Now I am pretty good with walking and moving around. I have figured out camera controls, how to search, how to view profiles, and much of the other logistical workings. I think that I will be able to embark on the meatier stuff – like meeting other people and having experiences.

While not the most interesting of updates, I do have a few things to say about my impressions thus far. This “place” is a creation of genius. It is well thought out and very complete in its presentation. This world is created and really grown by the people who play in it. Businesses, artwork, events, and even families are created by the Residents for the Residents……and it’s brilliant. You can find everything from corporations to dance clubs. There are people from students to vampire rabbits. Brilliant!

Well……I am now off to find a job so that I can get an apartment in this place since the free space I am “borrowing” right now is kicking me out soon. Already…..I am getting evicted! Crazy. Hopefully my next update will include a new address.