Make the best of your Second Life

Hello, my dear reader. 10 years ago I stepped into this virtual space called Second Life. Since then, I lived different experiences, met different people and what feels to be perhaps the biggest gain is that I learned so many new things and developed myself in a way that I didn’t think was possible in virtual. Second Life does not replace our real life, but it can complement it in many ways:

• offers a unique experience for travel and virtual vacations in exotic or ancient places where residents can attend events and parties with music of all genres, join roleplaying communities, spend an afternoon at the cinema, have a romantic dinner at the restaurant, etc.;
• expands the level of real business with lower costs thus creating virtual jobs and profit for many residents, being also an excellent advertising tool used by real companies to host classes and remote meetings;
• is a much stronger promoter of a country, culture and traditions than reading an article, and that’s because you can “see” those places and the interaction with citizens is real;
• makes it possible to fulfill the artistic life in entertainment, literature, visual, graphic, plastic or decorative arts, etc;

When Philip Rosedale created Second Life, I think he turned the impossible into possible and actually created the way for a second chance in fulfilling a dream, in reaching a goal. Second Life makes you go from “I wish I could…” to “I finally did…“.  From “I don’t think it’s possible...” to “I can make it this way...”. As Philip Rosedale once said: “We don’t see this as a game. We see it as a platform that is, in many ways, better than the real world” (Google TechTalks, March 2006).

As residents of SL, we are a piece of a bigger puzzle that could not be a whole if even one piece were missing. Everyone has their own role and contribution to what, in two words, was named Second Life. I also like to call it Second Chance – because here, in this unique virtual space, more and more people from all over the real world find their way to lay the foundations of their dreams and projects thought impossible to fulfill.

So I drew up a kind of a Guide for the best Second Life experience regardless of whether you are here to explore the virtual realms, to fulfill your artistic dream, to create the desired brand line and so on; i hope you will help me to complete it with your suggestions and thoughts☺.

Be friendly and respectful with everybody

In Second Life you will meet residents from all over the real world, belonging to different cultures, speaking different languages, living SL in different ways. Most of them are here for the same reasons as you, so you can just meet them halfway; be friendly and include everyone equally, without prejudice. You can try to tell them a few words in their native language – it’s really a kind gesture that will pleasantly surprise them, and can be the beginning of a nice conversation and even long friendship.

Explore everything, visit everything, try everything that arouses your curiosity

Second Life is full of hundreds of fascinating places created by residents who have invested their time and resources so we can all have the most complex and pleasant experience possible. You can go from France to Norway with a single click, or visit famous ancient lands with just one teleport. Destinations that in real life you could not possibly visit, not all of them, and here, in Second Life, are rendered in an impressively realistic way – and it costs nothing to travel from one destination to another.

Ask for support

Second Life benefits from many in-world and Facebook support groups where you can quickly find answers to your questions and guidance in what you need to do. Many residents are open to help and support, so don`t be shy. In addition to these groups, you can search across the Knowledge Base, Second Life Answers and Forum, and if you have an issue you cannot resolve this way, then you can open a support case.

Try everything you’ve ever dreamed of

If you have a dream, something you always wished for, then just do it. And if you have more than one passion, work on them all, try them all, see which one gives you the most fulfilled feeling. This is one of the best parts: in Second Life you can build, rebuild, do, undo as many times as you need until you see what you wished for.

Never let anyone tell you that you can’t

Well, this is the same thing, RL or SL. They say that the easiest thing to do is to give up – which is wrong. Giving up can be the hardest thing you do – but what if, instead of giving up, you use that strength to try even harder? Work again and again until you get where you want. And if you ever give up on something, do it only because you feel it’s really the best choice you can make.

Show your support and appreciation

Never stop attending Events and Live Shows because you are unable to tip. Your good sense may inspire you to do this – and yes, financial support is appreciated and helpful, because it makes possible for all these events to be planned, and this means decors, costumes, animations, live performances etc. – But – your presence is SO much essential! YOU are the main reason why all of the above is actually happening! You – as audience – give the Meaning and Motivation – more than you may even think about!

And if you visit a place that impresses you and makes you feel good, or buy something you trully like, don’t hesitate to leave a nice message to the creator. They will definitely enjoy reading your words.

Honor the people who appreciate and support you

I have always been touched by the way people receive and actively support someone’s work. Those who understand all the efforts behind the final result, and that everyone needs appreciation and support. They are like medicine for the soul. Not out of pride – but out of the natural need to know that what you do is good and makes people feel good.

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Based on each experience and needs, this guide can include more Tips for the best Second Life experience, and i would really like to read your thoughts – you can leave your comments below. And whatever you choose to do in Second Life, remember that having dreams to believe in keeps you ALIVE – and doing your best to make them happen keeps your mind HEALTHY and BUSY. ☺

Useful links and LMs:

How to Get Help in Second Life – Second Life Tutorial by Strawberry Linden

Support page
Contact support for Billing issues
Submit a ticket for account issues
Check SL Answers
Check the Help & How to category on Destination Guide

Backdrop used from :SYNNERGY TAVIS:

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