Got A Second Life

Good old Billionaire Gates’ baby “Vista” and Linden Lab’s progeny “Second Life,” are finally compatible - so I’ve joined the virtual revolution and got a Second Life.

What do I think of it so far?  Well, I would advise anybody thinking of trying it out to give at a real chance.  My first impressions were that it was another case of a lot of hype over not a great deal.  Because of all the media attention, you kind of go into it with visions of a thriving bustling community with a vibrant local and global economy.  The truth is that while it may be all of the above – you don’t personally get the experience that it is – ie: it doesn’t immediately feel that way.  My first impressions were that it was just a load of geeks wondering around, showing off how clever they are and not speaking to each other, other than to boast or to show off what they’ve built.  But of course first impressions can be deceptive – I persevered.

If you give it a chance you’ll find that it really is an amazing environment with all kinds of potentials.  Don’t expect it to necessarily feel that way at first though.  From the way the media have presented things you could be forgiven for expecting to find a fully realized and actualized online virtual version of real life, in which you can easily start to make money and friends, give up your real life job, and meet and woo your life partner – all from the comfort of your own bedroom, home office or living room sofa.  While I don’t doubt for one second the claims of all of these things happening, the reality is somewhat different from the media story.

The point is, I think that SL (god, I’m getting into the lingo already), is kind of at the tipping point.  It’s at the point where it has developed to the level where all of the above things are beginning to occur.  That means that, probably the best time to get a Second Life is now.  If you go into it now you certainly won’t feel alone.  You’ll be struck by the number of people (avatar’s) wondering around looking completely bewildered and just as bemused as you are.  Give it a bit of time though and you’ll start to get the hang of it.  So far, I get the feeling it’s probably worth it.