Location: My cabin on UR Island

All avatars have a “date of birth.” Mine was January 11th of this year, the day when I drew up Ignatius to begin exploring the virtual world.

In no particular order, my “lucky 13 + 1” lessons learned:

1) Students can take care of themselves in-world, though 18-22 year olds are more fearful than my demographic about just going up and talking to strangers, even in a virtual world. 

Speculation: Young people who do not play online games prefer networking with those they already know (hence, Facebook).

2) It is a delight to cavort in an ape suit.

3) Second Life has the amazing advantage of participants creating their own content. I’ve recently learned how to make decent-looking 3D clothing for Iggy with little more than a piece of clothing from my closet, digital camera, Adobe Photoshop, and a few Lindens.

4) There is more sex than violence in Second Life. I’ve avoided both, though flirting seems a regular part of the in-world experience.  Serious flirts like HoJo Kilda know boundaries.

5) It is great delight to cavort in an ape suit while wearing a tuxedo.

6) Never underestimate the kindness, or viciousness, of strangers.

7) The Virginia Tech tragedy brought out a lot of kindness in a virtual place.

8) Second Life has passed the “40K plateau” without too many horrors.  Recently I have been noting 44K people online at one time.

9) Looking like a “stock avatar” is to ask for trouble from those who molest newbies; looking like a walking Smithfield ham gets chuckles; looking like an uber-babe or hunk gets one. . .well, I’d ask Pappy about that but, sadly, he’s not with us.

10) Helping a pestered newbie while dressed as an ape in a tuxedo intimidates those of ill will.  Especially when you bump them and say “Lookit Mack!  Leave dat lady alone!”

11) Small-scale businesses seem to be the norm, but I don’t get around much.  I’ve yet to see a corporate storefront in SL.

12) I probably spend too much time in Second Life.

13) The greatest delight is to dance about in an ape suit and tux with another ape in a sun dress.  Di, I will not run that picture unless you give me the okay!

14) I will spend more time in Second Life.

RUN THE PICTURE BABY!!!!!!!!!
I love the ape suit too I will wear it more often…..
Di

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