SL and Linden World Impressions from a Newbie

Hey everyone

Having been a member of SL for a little over a month now, I thought it might be a good idea to post some of my thoughts... even though no one may be interested. LOL

First of all, the community for the most part is incredible. My first few days I was in the normal "WTF" mode of not knowing where I was and what I was doing. I was greeted, welcomed and helped by many of you old-timers (in SL time, NOT rl). People such as Cori and Beryl were incredibly helpful.. offering ideas, instructions and fun things to see, wear and play with. I thank you all for being so welcoming.

My days are mostly spent traveling, exploring, meeting and creating avatars. I am amazed at the talent and creativity this community has as far as building and making objects. I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to write a script, make clothing or build... but I am awed at what the rest of you do.

I was in Linden World on the opening, but was lagging so badly, I had to log off. I visited for a short while last night and actually felt as if I was in an amusement park. The Spook House, Trip to Mars and a few other rides/games I had a chance to experience were just amazing. Linden World has a "carnival" feel to it, with music, games and freebees given at the end of a ride, or a successful basketball shot. I have a feeling I'll be spending many hours there enjoying what everyone has created.

If there were a few things I'd like to see change, it would be having more people in game. But, with time, I'm sure that will change. I'd also like to see less bashing of other online games such as THERE. Being a former TSO player and a current player of THERE, I think all of them offer things for certain people... and what will be enjoyable for one person may not be for another. To each his own.

Kudos to all of you, for making SL an incredible experience and one I hope to be part of for many years to come.

JM

Great to hear that JM! It's always nice to have a new person in the community

Jon, I'm so glad I was able to be of some help to you in "learning the ropes" in SL, helping new people is one of the things I enjoy best.

Lindenworld does have some amazing stuff that we will all be enjoying for quite some time, thanks to the people who've worked so hard on their rides and attractions there.

Your point about avoiding bashing other games is a good reminder. It isn't a pleasant experience to have someone tell you how stupid you are for playing some other game. As a refugee from There, I am sometimes guilty of running it down (it's obvious which game I like better from the amount of time I spend in SL ), but I try to be fair and consider its good points and how others feel about it. I'm glad you consider SL a place worthy of spending your time, Jon, since I enjoy it immensely and hope that many others discover it and join us here.

I've only been on SL for about 1.5 weeks and I really like it so far. I'm going to try and learn the scripting so I can create wonderful things - like the many I see in SL.

The only thing I don't like is the lag. I'm on a cable modem so I think that helps. One of the reasons I like SL is so that many people can be on and chat and do things, but if the lag is bad - that's no fun. (yes I've changed my settings to help.)

I'm so glad I saw the review of it in Computer Gaming (nov 2003 issue)!!

I have to agree with JonMichael here. We arrived from TSO together and I knew nearly immediately that we would be staying. Everyone was so helpful and friendly and all of our silly newbie questions were answered simply and respectfully. Our TSO accounts have been closed and we haven't looked back. Next on the agenda ... mastering Photoshop!!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jon and Lyrical Song last night, and I just wanted to say what a great addition they are to the game. Lately have I have met some incredible new players (Oz Spade comes to mind as well) and longtime players, and it is starting to feel that SL is finally forming a community after seeming rather lonely and empty for a long time. There are so many distinctive personalities in SL and a depth and quality to the people (ok most of them ) along with boundless creativity that can't be matched. It never ceases to amaze me how addicted I am to this place

I make fun of There BUT, I always include good points... It's not TOO horrible...

I'm glad I was able to help in some way Jon..you and Lyrical are wonderful ppl so it was easy to be nice to you both

You're both an asset to the community and I'm happy to have been part of your first impressions of SL..welcome

Cris and Cori .. thank you both so much. Jon and I are having a blast here. We bought our first little bit of land last night so we are really beginning to feel like we're permanent residents of this incredible community. We've got some ideas of what we'd like to do .. but we change our minds daily (which is very typical for us). It's the residents like you that inspire us .. now if someone can teach me to make a t-shirt, I'd be sooo happy.

Lyrical,

IM me in game and I will give you what you need to make a tshirt and step you through creating them

Cristiano