Burnt out and bored with SL: What would you do?
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Jennyfur Peregrine
Whatever
Join date: 24 Dec 2003
Posts: 1,151
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12-14-2005 11:05
From: ReallyRick Metropolitan Jennyfur, come join us in WoW!  WoW has been a great escape for me the past 3 weeks. Allows me to spend time by myself exploring this beautiful fantasy world at the same time as we have a Guild of over 60 SL members, I can still keep in touch and hang out with my friends. www.fetedinnerhorde.com for details. Oddly enough I am not much of a gamer. Although I have been known to play Tekken on the Playstation every now and then.
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~Jennyfur~http://jennyfurperegrine.wordpress.com/ http://slcc2007.wordpress.com/ Deadly Nightshade Design Studio (Indigo 86,61) Jennyfur's Designs on SLBoutique
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Jonquille Noir
Lemon Fresh
Join date: 17 Jan 2004
Posts: 4,025
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12-14-2005 11:18
How I combat SL burnout... I don't.
I log in every day, but it's usually just for 'business' updates and/or to help customers with something., and to clear out my messages so they don't get capped.
I just figure that if I don't want to create anything new, or socialize, then I don't have any obligation to log in. It's okay if I have burnout, and I don't try and force myself not to, or lament it at all. I think the worst thing about burnout is that we convince ourselves we should be logging in frequently, and then we feel we're missing something or letting some duty go unanswered if we don't log in.
SL is like any other hobby... too much of it and it gets really stale, and loses the attraction we once saw in it. The best thing to do for burnout is to go with it, and don't try and force yourself over it. Eventually it will pass, most likely, and something will inspire you to want to get involved again.
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Little Rebel Designs
Gallinas
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Kazuo Murakami
Sofa King
Join date: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 359
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12-14-2005 12:48
From: Jonquille Noir I just figure that if I don't want to create anything new, or socialize, then I don't have any obligation to log in. Yeah, as I posted ages ago I've basically left SL, I've probably spent 3 or 4 hours in world in the past month. The fact is, if you, as stated above, don't want to create anything new or socialize, theres really nothing to do (if you don't enjoy the mallsprawlcasinocampingsexclubfest that is 99% of SL.) Sure, people can say "well if you don't like it then create something else." Sure, hand over the $$$ and I'll be glad to. Fact is if you don't have a large chunk of disposable funds, good luck creating anything non-commercial in this GAME. |
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Persephone Phoenix
loving laptopvideo2go.com
Join date: 5 Nov 2004
Posts: 1,012
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FFRC Application?
12-14-2005 14:41
The FFRC is giving grants of $2000 to make rich content. Chat me up or stop by and pick up an application from the FFRC offices in world (lots of other places give them out too such as the Phoenix Spa and NCI). All one need do is to tell one's idea through four easy questions and you could have startup funds for a fun project or event.  From: Kazuo Murakami Sure, hand over the $$$ and I'll be glad to. Fact is if you don't have a large chunk of disposable funds, good luck creating anything non-commercial in this GAME.
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Events are everyone's business.
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Kazuo Murakami
Sofa King
Join date: 31 Aug 2005
Posts: 359
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12-14-2005 19:52
From: Persephone Phoenix The FFRC is giving grants of $2000 to make rich content. Chat me up or stop by and pick up an application from the FFRC offices in world (lots of other places give them out too such as the Phoenix Spa and NCI). All one need do is to tell one's idea through four easy questions and you could have startup funds for a fun project or event. Interesting, I'm off to a movie with my sis and her hubby, but when I get back I'll try to get in touch. |
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Eloise Pasteur
Curious Individual
Join date: 14 Jul 2004
Posts: 1,952
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12-14-2005 23:55
Hi Jenny,
It's entirely up to you. If you want to take a break, take one. Put signs up in your shops saying you're taking a break and can't be contacted - most of the purchasers will read them as they look for new clothes to buy, it's probably a better bet than putting it in your profile.
I don't think, sadly, there's any way to hack your "...is offline. This message has been stored." notice, but Strife might be able to tell you if there is one! Or a Linden - so it would say "I'm away. I won't answer your message, sorry!" I'm not sure what happens with capped messages if you have them forwarded - they might continue to be sent to an email. If you feel really responsible set up an account you don't check often, and the signs, and answer them when you feel like it.
I'm just over 17 months old in SL, and I think in that time I've missed 1 day. That's my choice and I'm happy. But the things I do now are very different to what I did on day 1, and rather different to what I was doing on my first birthday in SL as well.
If you decide you want to stay in SL I'd suggest looking for something new. Run clothes making classes, take an apprentice or two, go out and make new friends to chat to. Get into scripting, or making poser animations if that's new to you, a new creative challenge.
Lots of possible things could be added to the 'do something new' list, but only if you want to try them, it really is up to you.
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Chase Rutherford
Oldbie Conspirator
Join date: 6 Sep 2003
Posts: 126
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12-14-2005 23:59
From: Kim Anubis Pick a shiny new name and be a newbie again. Make yourself look very different this time and try a new style of fashion (you could even check out wings and bling and all that . . . they really can be fun). Be silly. Don't do any "work." Get yourself 512 m2 in a part of the grid you've never visited before and see if you can do anything cool with it. Go to some events. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. Explore. I did this. It cost so little, and was so much fun.
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Now only half evil! I've been trying to cut down.
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Zippity Neutra
What'd I miss?
Join date: 29 Sep 2004
Posts: 191
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12-15-2005 00:33
From: Luciftias Neurocam It's actually in Roxborough. Or was. And I meant "Italian Ice" not "Italian" per se, since if I use the term "water ice" people will wonder what the hell I'm talking about.  Ohmygod ohmygod, please Please PLEASE don't tell me Ade's has closed for good!!! Flip!? Flip!! I'm feelin' dizzy, man! Why is the room spinnin'?
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Am I random enough yet? 
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Magnum Serpentine
Registered User
Join date: 20 Nov 2003
Posts: 1,811
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12-15-2005 05:10
From: Jennyfur Peregrine I think perhaps that I am either bored with or burnt out on SL.
Here is the backstory: I feel like this whole year for me has been one hiatus from SLing after another. I wasn't on much in the beginning of the year when I cut down on smoking and was battling a bit of a depression. I got back into the swing of things for awhile and then I wasn't on much because of the wedding. After then I wasn't on a lot after I quit smoking other than to release some new designs. Then I was too busy with the SL Convention planning and then we were moving. Now we are moved into the new house and mostly settled in. I tried getting back into designing and SLing in general and mostly I'm lucky if I log on for 5 minutes a day. I rarely interact with anyone anymore. Even when I have time to devote to Second Life, I find other things to do. I figured once the move was done I would have no problem getting back into SL. Now I barely notice if I go days without logging in.
I guess I wonder if this is a phase or if I should just retire as it were from SL and get back to it when the time is right. Instead of trying to make myself enjoy something that I am obviously not enjoying anymore. I know I have been busy this year in RL and thats what has taken me away from SLing on some levels, but I don't know, its just like my heart isn't in it anymore.
Please note, that I'm *NOT* trying to garnish sympathy and reach a quota of "please stay in SL" replies. Moreso I am looking for feedback on how everyone else combats stuff being bored or burnt out in the virtual world or how they have dealt with long term hiatuses and then returned to SL at a later time.
I can't say that it is any reason in particular. I honestly don't care about the bumpy ride of 1.7, the impending doom of 1.8, the grid instability, the grid attacks etc. So believe me its not that. Its not any bad experiences that have pushed me away. Its not any particular bit of drama. I know what its not, but have no idea what it is. If that makes sense.
I'm on the fence about the whole leaving SL thing right now. I may stay in my semi-hiatus state, I may take a permanent vacation or a leave of absence and return when the time is right. I honestly don't know. My 2nd SL birthday is in 10 days. I can't decide whether I should feel honored for having made it this far or ashamed that I have wasted two years of time in here.
Regards,
Jennyfur What I did was this... 1. I sold off my land and now have less than the 4096 meters I get for free. 2. I switched Lifestyles. My new lifestyle has offered me a Government post, challanges, and responsiability of defending the citizens of two sims. Also, in my Government Post (Foreign Minister), I am able to visit other sims and experience new things all the time. Just some thoughts for you Jennyfur. |
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Tod69 Talamasca
The Human Tripod ;)
Join date: 20 Sep 2005
Posts: 4,107
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12-15-2005 05:22
From: Jennyfur Peregrine Oh I can guarantee that I get burnt out and bored with almost everything. It probably has a lot to do with being creatively driven and of course being a gemini. I like everything and yet nothing! Ooh Shiny Honestly, I've been suprised all along that I have stuck with SL for as long as I did. As another fellow Gemini I can sympathize with the getting bored. Got enough hobbies & degrees to prove it. But since I'm somewhat new to SL, I still find plenty to keep myself entertained, with or without the Fiance online with me. Sometimes you just gotta step back for a bit. Take a short leave of absence, but not quit. Come back in a few days/weeks/months. Probably weeks considering how things change in SL. Who knows? Maybe when you come back everything in SL will work as it should! 
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really pissy & mean right now and NOT happy with Life.
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Torrid Midnight
Work in progress
Join date: 13 May 2003
Posts: 814
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12-15-2005 05:50
Jen, take it from someone who's hitting 3 years in May, getting burnt out will happen and happen again. There have been a few times where I really considered leaving SL, for awhile at least. There was a period of time when I had creative block and I'd sit and stare at Photoshop for an hour with no ideas. That was so frustrating for me and I finally had to stop putting pressure on myself to create. At that point I started playing other games and took a short break in general, though still logging in from time to time. When I came back I had to accept the fact that I'm not a designer who can put out three or four outfits a day. I can't compete with that and I don't want to lol. I'm happy sitting down with an idea and it taking me a day or two to polish up. Once I accepted that I started to have ideas again which in turn adjusted my focus in SL. There was another time when drama was becoming too much to deal with. It seemed like egos were getting massive and needed their own sim just to contain them. I felt out of place and out of sorts with everything. I finally decided to start reaching out to other people and other places for inspiration. I found that collaborating with some of my friends who are also designers was a lot of fun regardless of the challenge. Spreading my wings has turned out to be the best move I could have made. Cut everything down to the bone Jen, down to the core reason why you loved SL to begin with. Sometimes you've got to take a step back and think about where you are and where you began. It's kind of like going through your old stuff in the attic that you haven't seen in years. You swear this time you're gonna get rid of everything but the next thing you know you're knee deep in rediscovery. If you can't seem to find a reason to stay then take a break and don't feel guilty for doing so. If there's one thing I've realized, it's that SL has really become like a virtual home. It doesn't matter what other game I get addicted to or how busy I get in RL, I always come back with bags of dirty laundry and starving for a home cooked meal  . If you do leave, you know you will be missed . There's also the fact that Flip would be let loose  . |
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Ingrid Ingersoll
Archived
Join date: 10 Aug 2004
Posts: 4,601
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12-15-2005 06:48
From: Torrid Midnight There's also the fact that Flip would be let loose . holy crap. |
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Starax Statosky
Unregistered User
Join date: 23 Dec 2003
Posts: 1,099
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12-15-2005 06:56
From: Ingrid Ingersoll holy crap. The grid would be flooded with prim babies!. Self replicating Flipper babies! Oh, I'm sure he's a good boy really. |
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FlipperPA Peregrine
Magically Delicious!
Join date: 14 Nov 2003
Posts: 3,703
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12-15-2005 07:52
Oooo, good ideas folks! Keep 'em coming! And now for my next trick... THE ARISTOCRATS!
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Peregrine Salon: www.PeregrineSalon.com - my consulting company
Second Blogger: www.SecondBlogger.com - free, fully integrated Second Life blogging for all avatars!
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Artillo Fredericks
Friendly Orange Demon
Join date: 1 Jun 2004
Posts: 1,327
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12-15-2005 10:41
not to be confused with the AristoCATS "Reaawwwww Pffft Pffttttt!!!"
Yea when I get burned out on SL, I usually go play World of Warcraft or the "Next big thing" game coming out. But since HL2 and Doom3, there hasn't been anything that has struck my fancy,
What I'm gonna end up doing anyway is building some built-in shelves and cabinets for our living room that we are FINALLY getting aroudn to remodeling.
Other than that, reading or painting would be ny next choices to divert my attention!
Cheers!
Arti
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"I, for one, am thouroughly entertained by the mass freakout." - Nephilaine Protagonist --== www.artillodesign.com ==--
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Soleil Mirabeau
eh?
Join date: 6 Oct 2005
Posts: 995
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12-15-2005 10:48
From: DogSpot Boxer Me? I started playing WoW. |
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Killian Lagerlof
Registered User
Join date: 27 Nov 2005
Posts: 23
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12-15-2005 10:57
lol i don't play WoW but i do enjoy a little Counter-Strike when i'm not in the mood for SL, but for the past month SL has pretty much taken me over. i find new stuff every day to get into. plus im a security officer at a club and thats kinda fun. pay's not great but its fun |
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Jeffrey Gomez
Cubed™
Join date: 11 Jun 2004
Posts: 3,522
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12-15-2005 11:15
I would, um.... Go outside. Or, failing that, just log some time in game of choice.
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Ingrid Ingersoll
Archived
Join date: 10 Aug 2004
Posts: 4,601
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12-15-2005 11:51
From: Torrid Midnight SL has really become like a virtual home. It doesn't matter what other game I get addicted to or how busy I get in RL, I always come back with bags of dirty laundry and starving for a home cooked meal . Ha! very true. I've logged into SL several times while I was out of town and it really did feel like being home again when I was in my little sim. |
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Alan Kiesler
Retired Resident
Join date: 29 Jun 2004
Posts: 354
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12-15-2005 12:59
From: Jeffrey Gomez I would, um.... Go outside. Or, failing that, just log some time in game of choice. Been trying to go outside more often myself, but winter has come early for once.  Many here are saying to 'look at why you joined SL in the first place.' I have. Unfortunately it was from the perspective of a pissed off Uru Live player, who wanted that sense of community back - in any form really. I'm no longer seeing that here, at least as much as I would like. On top of that, I'm currently one of the client casualties of the 1.7+ codebase, and I'm seeing New Things on the horizon in terms of extending Uru. So, for me, a Sabbatical is about to begin...
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Timothy S. Kimball (RL) -- aka 'Alan Kiesler'
The Kind Healer -- http://sungak.net
No ending is EVER written; Communities will continue on their own.
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Lash Xevious
Gooberly
Join date: 8 May 2004
Posts: 1,348
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12-15-2005 13:30
I was going through a burn out phase of sorts, getting better though. Different factors led to it, but it all ended to my feelings of leaving SL. What I did to help myself? Wasn't much. I unloaded my stress to sympathetic ears. Some folks told me to shut up already. Others listened and that helped ... they became an interactive diary of sorts. I also am humbled by the concern strangers have given me. I guess I sounded really down in my Profile and I was, but still ... their attempts to comfort made me see how cool the SL community is. Stepping outside of the business lifted off a lot of weight. I let people know I was going to be useless for awhile, having an emotional breakdown and all. Red wine does wonders too. And then one day I logged in again with this heavy heart, saw my av with her fangs and wild hair, shirt open from navel to nose, and thought to myself, "Why feel chained when I can do anything I want here?" So now I wander around the grid, admiring builds other creative monsters have made. I look to the people of SL for inspiration. Be it the sandbox junkie seam-zapper freak or the horny newbie who wants me to guide him thru his virtual puberty. They all make me smile. I still help people who IM me ... only after molesticating their brains for a while. I threaten to devour things, burst out into perverted songs, allow myself to be infatuated with strangers, lurk in dark places, and tell newbies to slay Lindens to level up. It's a bit manic. Maybe I am going mad. But it's a departure from what I've grown accustomed to in SL. It's fun and that's what I needed to feel again. |
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Luciftias Neurocam
Ecosystem Design
Join date: 13 Oct 2005
Posts: 742
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12-15-2005 13:50
From: FlipperPA Peregrine That's funny, Jennyfur and I used to live in Roxborough up until a month ago, right on Henry Avenue at Cinneminson by the agricultural school (only spot in Philly with cows, horses and sheep!). We've moved a few miles north to Lafayette Hill. I *highly* recommend Mister P's pizza - its so good, we call it crack pizza. Several SLers who've been by to visit also have had it and agree that its the best! Small world! -Flip I know Mr. P.s. I'll fete you guys at Chez Neurocam sometime. You lived across from the Farm School? |
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Picabo Hedges
Second Life Resident
Join date: 12 Nov 2004
Posts: 262
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12-15-2005 16:25
Simple answer to a very simple question - quit. Permanently or temporarily - your choice. That's the simple answer. Anything else is just rhetoric.
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Jennyfur Peregrine
Whatever
Join date: 24 Dec 2003
Posts: 1,151
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12-16-2005 05:38
Thanks for all of your advice and for sharing your experiences with me. I am still undecided. I guess I will just take some time to figure out what I want to do. The odd thing is that it isn't for lack of creativity and ideas that I feel withdrawn from SL. I have a ton of things that I want to do. Maybe I am overwhelmed and procrastinating at the idea of doing them. Who knows? I guess the safest plan is to not have a plan and to just go with the flow.
Regards,
Jennyfur
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~Jennyfur~http://jennyfurperegrine.wordpress.com/ http://slcc2007.wordpress.com/ Deadly Nightshade Design Studio (Indigo 86,61) Jennyfur's Designs on SLBoutique
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Fiona Peregrine
Java Junkie
Join date: 9 Jan 2004
Posts: 99
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12-16-2005 06:06
Hi Jen My advice is don't make any big decisions. I went through this phase a year ago of thinking I had to quit because I wasn't interested in doing projects anymore, or really in socializing either *shocking* I tiered down to basic and now Crow holds the only land we have. I log in when I feel like it and travel to really enjoy Second Life and look at the creativity of the residents. I still love what Second Life is about, the primary change for me is how much energy I'm spending in my first one. I used to spend hours in SL a day and I just don't feel the interest in that anymore. I changed companies and took a promotion, which keeps me busier, and Crow lives here rather than across the country. For me personally SL filled a boredom gap in real life I don't have anymore. I also play video games and I'm starting to think from all these posts I need to check out Wow. I know a lot's changed for you too, you got married and you guys got that great house. The nice thing about Second Life is it's not your first -lol- when you're burned out you can take months on vacation until you really feel like doing a project or enjoying the creativity of it and then come back. The strange thing is I feel no less committed to SL as a community than I have in the past, I've just put it in a different perspective. I'm sure at some point something's going to pique my interest more in Second Life and I'll be on more. Don't quit or make any big decisions, there's really no need to do that. And happy holidays to ya by the way
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Well behaved women rarely make history-
Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
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