Some newbie questions

Hello, everyone~

I've been alive for 11 days and having fun exploring the SL world.

In reading the sticky thread "Top 5 Tips", someone mentioned 'AO' as something desireable. Unfortunately, the search function doesn't seem capable of searching for literal strings so I couldn't find anything using it. What is 'AO'?

Also, the topic of exploring other Lindens' private habitats without their consent came up. I am aware of 'ban lines' as constituting a physical restricted zone protecting various privately held properties. Why aren't these used more often in cases where owner's don't wish to allow public access?

Also, I wasn't self-conscious about the way I walked until reading that thread. People really care about this? It's like high school all over again.


Liliani

They cahnge your animation sets. How you walk, fly, stand, and sit! I have one that I give away for free in my shop. I'll look for you when I'm on 2nite.

Welcome to Second Life!

All that AO is is a custom walk to replace the sl supplied walk. If you are a woman, you can wear a sexy ass-shaking walk. If you area manly man you may find or create a John Wayne walk, pilgrim. There are many free AOs for all kinds of movements.

Welcome!

"AO" is an animation override. I would define it as a gadget which allows you to use custom animations in place of the default ones (walting, sitting, standing). Some people may now violently disagree with me if I would consider it a low-priority nice-to-have.

Actually, the term "Lindens" normally is used only for the people working for Linden Labs. The usual term for most people you meet is "residents" .. or "people"

Many people, yours truly included, hold ban lines to be a nuisance. They do not prevent visual intrusion, while making walking around difficult. Why shouldn't you be allowed to cross the parcel, not intending any disturbance?

But it is indeed usually not welcome to just walk into a private residence with people in it without asking beforehand.

Finally, I do hope that SL is at least slightly more full of fun than your high school.

Um, I'd rather people stayed out of my house when I'm away as well...just like RL.

Of course, if that's your choice.

But, out of curiosity ... why? It's not that people may re-arrange the furniture or litter or steal anything. If you aren't there you don't even notice that they have been there. So what's the harm there?

Gosh, sorry, but I've been known to wander into people's houses when I'm sure no one's around just to see the decorating, find out who designed things and perhaps check out their shops for myself. Sorry if that's rude, but I assume people will darken their windows and/or lock their doors if they don't want anyone there.

Ban lines, in themselves, are obnoxious. Just my $.02 (U.S.).

I just don't like the idea of people in my house, messing with my stuff, when they haven't been invited to do so...it disturbs the illusion of privacy I try to maintain. Also, respect. My house is 750m up with a perpetually locked door and, while I realize that's easy to get around when you know how, I'd hope people would get the message and have enough respect to stay out. Older residents generally do, but newer ones seem to feel if they can get in, even with camera cheats, then they should go ahead and do so.

I guess I just like having a 'sanctuary' from some of the SL madness, a little corner to call my own, and finding hints that someone else has been there feels like a bit of an invasion. I know that's mildly crazy in SL, but I've never claimed to be entirely sane.

@Diva: IMO, if it's on the ground and open, and there are no indicators that you're not welcome, it's not rude to look around. When it's obvious that someone is at least trying to maintain some semblance of privacy, then that's different story.

Not all houses have lockable doors or tintable windows. Also. using camera controls you cann see into any house without going inside if it is locked.

Did you just say it's OK to spy, as long as you stay outside? lol

Not at all. Just Passing along a a feature of the program. (One that I wish would be removed). I better shut up before I get put on some Spy Greifer Watchlist.

if you want privacy, log out

Thanks everyone for your responses.

So, then locking doors is possible? If so, I guess this begs the question as to why wouldn't people simply lock their doors?

I have to agree with Ricky as to the harmless nature of people simply stopping in to admire another's creativity in their absence. Perhaps those who want to protect their property need to contact a virtual home security service which sends a text message in RL to their wireless phone so that they can login to SL and confront the intruder. Hey, maybe that's my new business!

That said, I do also think the 'ban lines' are ugly. Why not simply make it an invisible wall through which one cannot proceed without authorization?

Liliani

Update: I see that the locking door issue has been responded to while I was typing this message.

True privacy is all but nonexistent in SL, no doubt, but I see no reason why we can't give each other enough space to maintain some illusion of it...port over a few social niceties from RL, if you will.

Mmmm, maybe, but I think you're missing out on the opportunity to buy some really cute spy outfits...

I think I have a cloaking device somewhere..........
As far as privacy goes, as a rule I don't go into other peoples homes uininvited. A couple exceptions were when old businessn landmarks TP'd me there or in amoment of weakness had to admire artwork in one house. In that case, I left the owner a note expressing my regrets and my admiration for their home. As far as my home goes, I do lock my doors If someone peeks inside while I am there I really don't mnd i guess, they really can't do any harm. But if I am at home , under no circumstances should anyone be invading my privacy, whether by walking through an unlocked door, camera, or floating prim. Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you must.