In the beginning!

I joined Second Life on 3rd May 2018. How did this happen? I often wonder myself. I have never gamed before, and my computer time, after doing all the usual domestic stuff, was spent surfing YouTube, E-Bay, and shopping sites (obviously). After a while it gets a bit boring!

 I needed something more interactive, and idly wondered if there was a virtual reality site, where I could build and dress an avatar, go shopping and dancing, and generally hang out with people and chat.

 A search provided Second Life as the main hit. I'd never heard of it! Anyway, I had a look at the home page. It all looked quite innocent enough and easy to make a start, and didn't cost anything...........(more about this later haha!).

 There are a number of system avatars to chose, from a simple "girl next door" to some quite interesting fantasy figures. I chose the girl next door look for obvious reasons! I first materialised at New Citizens Incorporated (KUULA) which is a newbie friendly location, (called a "sim"). At the top of the screen is a simple destination guide, and for those new to Second Life (SL), this is all you need at the start. Simple computer skills are enough to get by at this stage.

 For the first couple of visits I just explored, and I don't think I chatted to anyone. This is done either by using "nearby chat" or a personal message "IM". At the end of those first couple of days I wasn't sure it was for me. I didn't really get it at all. So at that time I could have walked away very easily. Although the newbie locations (sims) are packed with written guidance, there is no "holding your hand" personal guidance. It relies on your imagination and intelligence to manage your SL experience. What you don't realise as a newbie with a free avatar, is that the experienced 'players' see these avatars every day, dashing around exploring and not chatting, so it's quite obvious who the newbies are!!!! That didn't occur to me at the time.

 Is Second Life a "Game"? Wiser and older users than me can't answer that question, so I certainly can't. I went into SL as myself, and have continued to be an extension of myself. I don't see it as a game, but there are times when treating it as such makes me feel better about it!! 

 So why have I become addicted to this lifestyle? You'll have to await my next blog!! haha.

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