socializing in second life

Take a class! (There are no enrollments, tuition or tests, just show up.) The instructors will be glad to chat with you before or after the class itself. And after the class you will have at least something in common with the other students. There are also discussion groups on various subjects, which is kinda like a chatroom, i.e. anybody can just join in the conversation.

Or hang out in a sandbox and ask someone what they're building, or ask them for help with something you want to build. Some people are really trying to get something done and don't have time to chat, but some will be glad to show off their latest creation. But you may need to wait until the person is moving around. If they're standing still they probably have editing or scripting windows open so they won't be paying attention to chat.

Indeed. I've met many wonderful folks in the sandboxen just by saying 'hi!' and admiring their build.

i was really quiet when i first came to second life but i went to the angry ant and ended up loosening up a bit. now i never shut up

I almost have no problems with people wanting to socialize. My avatar is a bit of an ice breaker and tends to have people love it or hate it, so as soon as people see me rez in they are very vocal towards me (good or bad)

While I am happy to chat away I also like to simply watch people interact with each other, it's very entertaining!

Yeah, having an unusual avatar can be a good conversation starter, at least if its something attractive or truely funny rather than something stupid - though these qualities are very much in the eyes of the beholder!

There are cool avatars in some of the freebie packs, and remember you can usually change the colors or mix and match different parts.


Also, click on people to check their profile, most don't say much but some will give you an idea what the person might want to talk about.

As many of the above posters have noted, it often depends on where you are exploring. One of the reasons I decided to settle in Caledon was because whenever I was there, people greeted each other with a pleasant "good day" or "good evening" regardles of the nature of their appearance (unles they happened to be busy working on things or were eye-deep in IMs). Perhaps some of it is just the nature of Victorian good manners, but you will find that it extends to all forms of beings and species--it's an incredibly open-minded group of people.

I would also suggest that you not necessarily head for the biggest clumps of green dots (has anyone yet made an avatar that when you get up close to it turns out to be just a big glowing green dot with legs?). Often the best conversations will occur when you open up a discussion with a small group of perhaps two or three folks. It's often just a more comfortable dynamic, as well as the fact that in a small group people will be more likely to have something to say other than:

"Man....Lag sure.....is bad...here."

*inordinatly long pause*

"yep."

I talk when talked to. Alot of times im getting Killed with IMs and don't say a whole lot in local chat, unless someone is talking to me, But Im nice to most people unless you come up to me and say some out of the way comment, or asking me to "try pose balls" with you.

So just try talking to people and say the persons name. Often unless I see my name I don't pay attention. OR even try to IM the people/person you want to talk to.

HI

Sometimes I just say whatever pops into my head. For instance, yesterday some friends and I ended up in someone's dumping ground. We met the owner, a Pegasus, and what did I say to him? "You have horsey eyes" Yes, I was an idiot, but they were the coolest horse eyes I've seen. Convo ensued, and he ended up letting us visit pretty much any time, and telling me I smelled good

I guess the moral of the story is, say anything and you may meet some new people. If you make a total ass out of yourself, just never speak to them again. Sort of like RL. LMAO.

How odd! I've been here about a month and met loads of people.. most from random encounters in public places.. don't just stand there and be quiet, say something!