Seeking clarity on a few things, being new and considering joining!

Greets!

I heard about Second Life awhile ago on G4 television and totally forgot about it- then stumbled upon it again just yesterday, so I've been peeking about to see what I think. I have the general feel down and have been wandering to all the recommended new player locales, grabbed some free items to goof with, built a few simple things, so on. I'm debating joining (you know, with money and all)- but I've been unemployed for over 3 years now, so I have *very* limited disposable money left... meaning I need to make wise decisions. So, I was wondering if anyone has some insight into a few questions!

Names- I have found the info in the Wikis that discusses how/why you have to choose the last names given for characters.. I guess my question is A.) how often do they cycle in new last names and B.) when they do, is it a full new list of names? Or is it just one name out, one name in? I was disappointed with the name choices- didn't like any, sadly (and I'm really used to having the same name in everything I do online with my "character" first names, so it's really tough for me to pick a name with no meaning to me!) Or, at worst, is there any way to disable the last name in order to go with one name?

Next I need to ask about everyone's favorite... money! I've read tons about how to go about making money within the world, but I suppose at heart I'm a touch jaded or whatnot- to me, if there are already 100 established furniture creators (as one example), how could a new entry/person establish any form of business? I know in real life, I find places I like to go, and only go there. I have a coffee shop really close, but I only go to the Starbucks another mile away. Is there enough of a client base to find a small shop off to the side to sell enough to make money with? And if so, is it enough money to justify the time spent? Are we talking $50 dollars for a week's work? Or $2000 for the month, working 4 days a week? I'm just seeking some experienced input on the odds of succeeding in making any money coming in "late" after some are established for years!

Lastly, off the top of my head, what would be a recommended land size for a start-up business? It strikes me the initial few sizes would have too low of a Prim count to hold a shop and have the sales items/display items... Also, I'm a "do it yourself"/"work alone" type, so I'd rather try to get up and go on my own than say, team up with someone else on a shop. Again, I have to consider the costs very carefully- just a few too many bucks and I could only afford one month and would be out of money since I have no income!

Anyways, thanks for your time and any input in advance!

You could always just come here and have some fun for now. If you don't like making things for fun then you wont last long. Otherwise, you might aswell go make burgers for Burger King. It'll be more fun and the pay will be better.

Quicky before I go to sleep:

Names are taken out of service once there's 150 of them. There's talk of custom last names (there's a thread about if you search for it) but it probably won't happen any time soon. Go for a new name, it'll grow on you.

Starting a business is complicated if you want it to be financially viable rather than a hobby, if that's your only reason for wanting land I'd suggest you spend some more time playing before you invest - get a feel for what is needed and what you can do. Keep in mind it's likely going to be a lot of work for very little return too. It's also possible to run a business using a basic account, build in sandboxes and sell from a rented space in a mall. Of course, you don't have to run a business at all to enjoy yourself.

So many less words, so better put.

Does that even make sense? Ah, hell, I'm too out of it to tell. Nite all.

Sleep well, AJ! You drunken bum!!!

Thanks, I'm sure I will, I must certainly need it - just noticed it took me at least 7 mins to write that little post.

Welcome to SL Jaym.

Starax is right...

I'd say get yourself employed in RL first before starting a SL business if you goal is to have the time invested convert into US$. You have to work more than full time to make a go of it in SL...

And $2000 for the month, working 4 days a week - NOT!

The time it takes inWorld to make US$ is very significant - it's NOT easy money.

Best wishes - and have fun!

Yeah, hehe, I should clarify- I would certainly take time out to have fun and all, but with my current situation the possibility of extra income (even if it was say, only $50 a month) is one of the reasons I might choose to stay here for a bit, over spending on one of the MMGSs (MMOs) I normally would. Because of a health circumstance that sets me apart from "normal" people, I can't work in just any ole' job (like Burger King, for instance ) and I'm no longer continuing work in my former profession due to the way it's run by others. I'm waiting on disability to process (yes or no) currently, but beyond that there's no hope of me finding employment (not that I know what I could do anymore, but that's a whole off-topic novel!! )

On the flip side, my former profession was as a virtual reality and multimedia developer- so I have direct experience in much of what is involved in Second Life. In fact, SL looks alot like the virtual reality tool I used for 6 years or so back in the 90's! So, I'm sure I'd be up and moving in no time from a production standpoint.

Anyhow, thanks again for your input (and to any who reply after!)

Generally speaking, if you come/stay here for the money, you're doing it all wrong.

For sure, making money is a great side benefit, but having it being the sole/only reason you're coming into SL takes away from its main purpose: entertainment.

Sure sure, there's a lot of people that do SL as their job, but that's just it -- it's a job. Not fun, generally speaking.

There are also dozens of people rocking out with SL as a hobby, and making money as a side benefit. This is probably the best way to go, if you want.

SL is completely enjoyable without spending a dime.

I always advise patience before embarking on any sort of business project. There's a lot of research and intelligence gathering that goes into entering any market and SL is certainly no exception. There's a lot to learn, from how customers interact with products and what their expectations are in addition to the technical stuff like how to build, script, etc. Best bet, as far as I'm concerned, is to take your time and enjoy the world.

When the day comes when you have a need or desire for something that isn't adequately satisfied by existing businesses, you'll know it's time to get cracking.

Projecting your income isn't something any of us can do with any authority. There are myriad factors that effect business in SL, from the proprietor's skill level, to his abilities in marketing and customer service, to his product's level of polish, sophistication and ability to serve an otherwise unsatisfied need. The range that's possible is entirely up to you and the market -- my first month in business, about a year ago, I made ~$130. In January of this year, I made enough to pay my RL rent (though this is after three months of intensive development). And many people make much more money than I do. Still more make much less. It all depends.

Like starting any business, you can't just show up and expect to make money. There's risk involved and a whole lot of due-diligence is necessary to really get a business going right. The nut is as tough to crack in SL as it is in any other market. There are no simple formulas or rules that indicate success or failure. It's all hard work, theory and a bit of luck.

There are those who will tell you it's not possible to succeed in SL -- everyone else got here first, they'll say, and now the new people are all screwed. Anyone who tells you that is an idiot and you should ignore them. My own success is evidence enough of that, and there are plenty of others who are even better evidence.

Success is waiting for those willing to work hard for it. Just set your expectations accordingly and you'll do all right. Best of luck!