Event Etiquette

Hi Everyone,
I was at an event yesterday and I noticed that several people kept walking up on the stage while other people were supposed to be presenting.

I was thinking that with SL expanding constantly, maybe there should be some sort of notecard for newbies on event etiquette.

You know, just the basics -

* don't go on stage if someone else is up there presenting
* some variations on how to answer questions at a guessing event (like don't blurt out answer if that's not how the host wants it)
* keeping unrelated sounds and scripts to a mininum or turned off
* language - depending on pg or m sim

and anything else anyone can think of.

Also maybe explain that there will be lots of lag depending on how many people show up.

We could probably get this to be a Linden sponsored notecard. Or maybe on the welcome island they could have it.

... don't wear a gigantic stack of speakers on your head.

Camille -- those things you've noted are basic common sense. Behave as you (general you) would behave in RL, unless you're also an idiot in RL, in which case you're hopeless

Shadow Weaver regularly recites a set of rules very similar to what you've noted, and I haven't noticed a lot of disruption at his events. Just my two cents.

Yes I know they are common sense to you or me, but lately I think people forget because its not RL. I've never been to an event where anyone says things about event etiquette.
For most it may just be a simple reminder so that they turn off scripts, etc.

As Nergal noted, people who hold events often read off a list of do's and don't's just before the event, and that is usually sufficient to let people know what is acceptable behavior at said event. I've been doing about one trivia or mentor event a week for a while now, and I rarely have problems. If I do have problems, I simply ask the offender to modify his behavior; if said behavior continues, I call a Linden. Easy-peasy, and no need for a notecard.

Yesterday's Show & Tell was definitely a test on many people's computer systems. At one point, there were over 40 people at Stage 4.

One problem I had throughout the event was that I couldn't easily rotate my camera because one of the AV's sitting near me had a very large transparent animated "fire" attachment which kept taking focus when I wanted to click on my AV or alt-rotate to look around.

I definitely agree with Camille's suggestions. I was wondering if it would also help for very busy events, if perhaps people could remove their AV attachments (especially the large, scripted, animated, or prim-heavy ones)?

Thanks for reading =)

-- Kex

It's not something I've had to deal with at one of my events... yet!

I feel for you that haave, since I've seen it happen, and to be blunt, my first thought is to the no-build pushgun, see elsethread.

But...

As event hosts and mentors, some of us both, we should play the respectable part. Put forth the rules first, and your attendees, even those who may dislike you, will respect them. And if they don't we have recourse to Linden.

If there are no Lindens, well... there's always that pushgun!

Not all host or hostesses talk about event ettiquette beforehand. I know I didn't. I have not been to one yet that someone has done this.

I think it would bore people if it was done before each event. Have some sort of notecard/interactive area in the beginning island that is required to do to get off the island to come to SL mainland. Or just have the Lindens speak up more at the events or hand out event ettiquette cards.

i attended three events yesterday. the newbie autobio gathering went very well as did the "there reunion" (don't ask). the former was well organized and everybody behaved. the latter was a bit informal and some clowning et cetera was to be expected.

the building workshop was a different story. the facilitator was well prepared and doing a good job of handling the situation; but she had her hands full. i was appalled (not too strong a word) at the behaviour of the older, experienced characters hanging around, mouthing off and generally getting in the way.

i'm not a newb to online communities or basic 3d modeling but some of my classmates obviously were. some left and i couldn't blame them. others muddled through. if y'all (i won't mention any names but i know at least two of you post here) are trying to control prim count by running off the newbs, i believe you'll succeed.

Somem of us also lag baddly, so sorry if you see me flailing around like a muppet

Pirate

I have to agree with Camille's original post.

I attended an event last nite. My experience was less than happy.

One person was standing in front of the stage building things, and also walking up on the stage randomly. Another person refused to put away a beer that was spamming errors. At least 2 ppl were spamming audio clips of cartoon characters, rude quotes and the like.
And last but not least, someone who felt compelled to keep hitting their shortcut buttons ad nauseum, i.e.; "Huh?", "Look at me", etc. It's enough of an exercise in frustration dealing with the lag involved with having 30+ Avs in a small area, without having to deal with a constant barrage of extra lag caused by folks who mill about aimlessly and hammer out audio clips. If you're there because you are interested in the event, welcome. If you are there to draw attention to yourself, please refrain from attending. Better yet read the suggestions Camille has made. Btw, there was no reference made to what type of conduct was acceptable or not prior to the event. While I wish it wasn't necessary for the host to have to play virtual babysitter, I definately think it needs to be addressed.

Here's one that I was recently guilty of... I came late to an event area and people were chatting. I guess I didn't notice that it was a trivia game where speed of reply counts, and traded a few cards with people I'd been meaning to catch up with in-game. Bad idea. It threw them off.

So even though one of the main purposes of events is to get people together for calling card trading, ratings, and all those little mechanical things that are tied so strongly into the fabric of SL, don't trade with someone who is in a trivia contest or sports game, or any activity that requires speed, control, or reflexes. Hang out, watch, even participate... But wait till it's over before making your trades.

I just want to say how much I appreciate these comments and also the hosts that are so patient! Events have had a nice climb in attendence which is great to see but of course this opens it up to the posibility of more "activity". =)

Other audience members, it doesnt hurt to let someone know if they bug you, maybe do it in an IM so you don't make it a public matter (or file abuse up under Help if it applies). Or maybe sometimes someone just needs a "clue" on how things work I am sure they will appreciate your help.

I agree too its very nice for a host to lay out some foundational rules before they start, thanks to all those who do that.

Please feel free to call on a Liaison for help if you get overwhelmed. We are not always speedy and sometimes it does seem that we might not be doing anything but we try to handle in IMs and keep matters as quiet as posible so as not to disturb the event further. Thanks so much for your participation!