Categories and Clickable Maps

Over the past couple of weeks in SL, I noticed a lot of new players looking sort of lost. As if they're looking for the next set of instructions from Linden. What's next? Where do I go from here? Some gaze at the events board while a few others stare at the World Map trying to click various regions in hopes of being teleported there. (I did the samething myself because the World Map in Orientaion Island links to various regions so why not the one in Ritch.)

Here are a couple of things I think would help to assist new players and veterans in finding places and things to do in SL.

1. Establish a Welcome Area in each Sim. That way each sim can have their own event board, and directory listing.

2. Setup a Directory listing thats organized by categories. Similar to the Yellow Pages but not as bulky. Each category will list the landmarks and a description for each property. Like a event board but with Categories.

For ex.
Shopping - New Clothing Design, Furniture Superstore, National Ammo, etc.
Skills - Ruth's Building Institute, Scripting University, Texture and Clothing College, etc.
Games - Big SL Lottery, Darwin's Drag race, Linden Ball, etc.
Entertainment - Boogie Down Night club, Comedy on the Strip, Mr. Wu's Theater, etc.


This can be implented in many ways. Any suggestions or ideas to how can have a directory listing at each Welcome Area?

Could it be something as simple as building a board like the event board with a list of categories. Then when you click here to get a landmark you get a note card with all the landmarks for that cat listed?

3. Put links to landmarks for each Welcome area on the World Map. Just like the one on Orientation Island. For instance, if I want to go to the themed communities area, I click the map and fly or teleport to the welcome area. Then when I'm ready to explore some more I can head back to the themed communities Welcome area, click a welcome area on the map and fly or teleport to that location.

Yes, I know over time everyone will have all the landmarks and will not need the directory or map to find your way around but think of the new players. When SL goes live I think it will make finding things a lot better. Sure I can fly around hapazardly and find a place or I can click on a directory.


Ra

NO! just no! the yellow pages is a good idea... but #1, NO! their are gonna be welcomes in the themed and Ricth... every sim... NO!

What you describe as Yellow Pages is pretty much what Landmark Isle is -- there are boxes there which contain landmarks (although I believe they are being or have been put onto notecards) -- click the box, get offered the landmarks/notecard inside.

I do like the idea of making the map at the welcome area clickable tho.

Thanks for your comments guys.

Nexus Nash,

Curious to why you think having a Welcome area in each sim is a No! No!?

I recall when I was in Orientation Island that I was able to select which sim to teleport or fly too. So if I wanted I could go straight to the Outlands from O island and have no clue to where the Ritch Welcome area is. A Welcome area with a map in the Outlands and otr sims would help.


Shebang,

Actually, I got the idea from you upon reading another post. The only issue is: How do I find your place to get to your directory?

Thank! This feature in my opinion help newcomers get around in-world easier.

Ra

I'm hoping that a landmark to Landmark Isle will be placed into the default landmarks in an upcoming release -- and that it'll be talked about at one of the newbie orientation stations.

Thats great. I would love to have my place listed in your directory.

- The Great Pyramid of Ra, category: Games

Ra

In my opinion noobs should all start in one server... unless LL what's to pay 18 liaisons... it's just that in a little while we will have 2 welcome area... it's also easier to help the noobs when they are all in one spot.

All ya hafta do is go to Landmark Isle and drop your landmark into the appropriate box =) I don't have the co-ordinates on hand -- it's in Welsh, and it is a little island. Ask any Liaison in world if you need more precise directions than that.

(LmI isn't mine -- it's Steller's brainchild =)