Getting started.

Morning, and afternoon SL-ites!

I'm Miragel, a transplant to this game from several other MMOs. I must say that I'm excited to begin my journey in this ever-changing and developing digital world!

I'm looking from guides/websites/general advice from the players themselves in how to best start out in SL. I've read over a great deal of the website here adn even enjoyed looking through the Second Style Magazine (awesome job btw on that if any of the creators are reading this)

I intend to visit some of the events this evening after work, but I wanted to just get a feel from those of you active on here of how the best and most positive way is to start out in SL.

A few questions that might be painfully obvious to all of you, but forgive me. Remember everyone was a n00b once.

-Is a house absolutely necessary?
-Whats the best way to become immersed in the SL culture?
-Who throws the best parties?
-what time does the server run on? (PST?)

General advice is always welcome.

Thank you and I look forward to my coming days in the community!
-Miragel

Welcome to SL, Miragel!

No, a house is not neccessary. Since our avatars are not affected by lack of sleep or the elements, there's no real need for any shelter at all. They can be fun if you like decorating/texturing, or entertaining in a 'realistic' atmosphere, or just to putter around with, but if that's not your thing, no need at all.

The best way to become immersed, in my opinion, is simply to explore and see what strikes your fancy. There's no one culture of SL, but are insteads dozens (if not hundreds) of different styles that appeal to some and don't appeal to others. Attending various types of events, parties, musical performances.. etc etc.. is a good way to explore what's available. Then there's always the option of creating your own niche if you believe something is missing.

'The best parties' is, of course, very subjective. That depends on your particular tastes. Keep an eye on the Events list and word of mouth, and find what's best for you.

SL Time is PST. LL is based in California. But since the majority of SL events and content are resident run and created, there are usually things happening that most time-zones can get involved in, even though EST and PST are the most common. The listings will be based on PST though.

The one suggestion I give all new residents is... try everything! You never know what you may or may not find suits you until you try it. Try building, scripting, texture-work and/or clothes-making, event hosting, and everything else you have the time and patience for. Something you may have thought would hold no interest for you may become what you love doing the most.

Welcome to Second Life, Miragel! I'll try to answer your questions and I'm sure others will have their own answers.


Not at all. You can use your land to create something you identify with, but if you just want to build you can always use the Sandboxes around SL.


Network with people. Make friends, become a regular at your favorite clubs/group discussions/events. Find an aspect that you truly enjoy and do that. Be open to new experiences, and do them as well. Use the "Find" button, click on the "Events" tab to find things to do (at your current time); Click the "Groups" tab and enter criteria to find groups that might interest you -- either you can join that group right away by just clicking "Join", or you can look at the list of officers and IM one of them to ask.


That depends on your taste. I've found that the most-popular clubs (the ones at the top of the list) are also lag hell due to (a) excessive scripting and particle effects, (b) heavy crowds. I'm lucky to be able to move in some of them, and I'm running a good PC on cable modem. I prefer the smaller-medium size clubs myself, but I will also seek out my favorite DJs. A good DJ is all the difference.


Yes, Pacific US time.

Some of my handy-dandy general pointers to new folks:

* Always ask questions if you're not sure. Most of the SLers will be happy to answer you, some will provide great help.

* If you're stuck or truly mystified, use Live Help.

* Drop by the Welcome Areas or the Shelter to ask more mundane questions or to interact with other new folks.

* Be sure to "Find": Yadni's Junkyard, GNUbie Center, The Shelter, and anything else you can pull up looking for "free" or "newbie".

* Be sure to visit the Ivory Tower of Primitives and do the first couple of floors. Even if you never build, you'll want to know how to rez a prim and manipulate it a little.

Good luck and enjoy your second life

hiya!

-a house isn't needed. don't rush to get land. consider renting if you think you maybe want a place to call home
-fly around. a lot. talk to ppl. try to not take the crap in the forums (or anywhere else) too seriously. when you meet ppl you like look at the picks in their profile and go there. ask ppl where they think you should go. have fun 8D
-what kinda parties? plain old? sexy? furry? gorean? for lesbian lefthanded christians? 8D
you can try the shelter in isabel for newbie friendly stuff (i work there i freely admit a huge bias)
-yes everything runs on PST. you get used to it 8D

IM me inworld if i can help 8D

Hi, and welcome

The best advice I can offer is to explore, explore, explore!

And talk to people you meet ... most will be very friendly and helpful.

If you see something you like, check to see if its a freebie. There are tons of freebies in the world .. many intended to help you see how to build and make things. If you are interested in building look for Building and Scripting classes, check out events called Show 'n Tell, and visit the Ivory Tower.

SL is a wonderful place, ever changing and fascinating. That being said, there are some things to be aware of .... dont buy land until you really understand the land market. Make sure you understand and take advantage of First Land, before you use yours.

You dont need a house; but if you'd like one .. there are people that rent land, sometimes including a house. Some of them make special deals for new players ... look in find for Land Rentals.

Read the forums ... lots of useful information.

And did I mention exploring? LOL

Have fun, and again Welcome!

thank you all!

It's a testiment to this games users that I wasn't immediately flammed for posting a hello

I can't wait to go home tonight and start my second life! thanks for the advice guys!

-Miragel

For some more background on SL, and to see some of the wonderful things that go on here, I'd invite you to check out the Metaverse Messenger, the largest newspaper in SL. It's available as a free download at www.metaversemessenger.com. Click on the office building icon to proceed to the main page and there is an archive with all of the past issues, going back to last August. I think you'll find it interesting and informative.

And welcome to SL!

P2

Oh, we generally wait til your second week to start flaming

Good Diurnal Anomaly to you Miragel!

Welcome to SL, and remember - unlike those other MMO's, here in SL there are no Experience Points or Levels - just Experiences and new Levels of interaction.

*Chuckle* - It wasn't that long ago, Miragel. I have only been enjoying my Second Life for a bit over four months now - and yes, I still sometimes put boxes on my head.

No, but it is nice to have someplace in SL to call home. Renting is always an option, and can be cheaper than paying Land Tier fees. There are a lot of places where you can rent apartments, condos, or even houses. You can also just rent land (as I do), and build your own nest - or have someone build one for you.

I must in all fairness warn you, that having land (rented or owned) is the gateway to the SL disease known as Prim Addiction. This habit is harder to kick than Crack. Trust me. I know. (Must ... have ... more ... prims ...)

Besides just touring around the various Sims, check out the Events calendar for stuff that interests you. I also recommend trying out some of the excellent beginners classes at Teazer's University.

I do! *Grin*

Seriously - what defines your idea of a good party? I do avoid the really big clubs, because they tend to be Lag Hell, but I am sure with a bit of poking around you will find some fun ones.

Sorta kinda. the clock at the top of your SL UI is PST ... BUT ... the SL "Day" is four hours - 3 hours of Daytime & 1 hour of Night. The celestial mechanics involved boggle the mind. See this thread: When is it Day & Night for more information.

As do we! Track me down sometimes in world, Miragel, and I will be happy to show you around some of the sights, and even take you for a hot air ballon ride (IMHO, the BEST way to tour SL).

Welcome!

lol I look forward to the challenge. A long time ago in a galaxy far far away I was quite the forum dweller.