sadia mir

10:40 PM. With a bit of uncertainty, I am about to create my very first avatar. Okay. What is my name – oh, pre-determined lasts. Real or not first name? An internet blip – did I chose my avatar’s physical appearance or ’skip this step’? We’ll find out.

10:45 PM. Downloaded Second Life application package. I didn’t even know there was an associated application – I thought it was all through the SL website. Shows how much I know.

10:56 PM. About to log-in. Will see how this alternate life’s first experience pans out. Oh, have to read the “Terms of Agreement” – usually I skip straight to the “I agree” but let’s read to what I am agreeing in this world. A new language – “Servers”, “APIs”, “The Viewers”, “Linden Lab” (yes some words evident, but used to refer to specific items). Linden Lab does not pre-screen content. LindeX currency exchange of currency Linden Dollars. No ‘misleading, offensive, infringing’ names please. Usual account boundaries. Notes on copyright. Now I’m skimming. I think I’m stalling. Ok. I’ll agree to the above.

11:06. I’m in! Oh wait. Community Standards. Reading on …. “treat each other with respect and without harassment, adhere to local standards as indicated by simulator ratings, and refrain from any hate activity which slurs a real-world individual or real-world community.” Alright. Can do that. “The Big 6″ Behavioural Guidelines re: intolerance, harassment, assault, disclosure, indecency, disturbing the peace, and a group of other bewares from policies and policing to reporting abuse. Seems a bit unsafe. Elaine, if you are reading this, I wonder if your recent encounter (I’m sorry you experienced that!!) falls into any of the assault/indecency boundaries?

11:12 PM. I’m in! Important – F1 key for help and information on SL. On Orientation Island. I’m communicating with statues and jumping.

11:24 PM. Completed the Communication Tutorial. Streaming the SL info video. About .. um … how to live … virtually.

11:26 PM. I’m about to Exit to Second Life with fire burning all around me, volcanos erupting, lava spilling. All very dramatic.

11:30 PM. Spoke too soon. Must beautify and change outfit first. Must also perfect not bumping into things. I did manage to hold a torch. Naked people around me – I guess they should come along with me to the Appearance tutorial .. I could chat them over .. No, too bold at this stage of my existence.

11:50 PM. Updated the hair etc. Application crash. Have to reopen. Where will I be?

11:52 PM. 48, 236 online at this moment. I’m in the exact same spot. Onwards we go. A guy named Magic is speaking to me. My chat screen’s not up .. what’s he saying? In impatience, he’s gone. Chat screen now up – “Hello you”. Oops, that was me being rude by not replying – ah well. This talking to random people is odd. I’m thinking that I may need some time to adjust to the social behaviours of this Life, as I uncover them.

12:01 AM. Wasn’t paying attention and apparently my finger was on the arrow up key. Went over a wall. Fell onto landing below. Yikes.

12:14 AM. I’m flying. Into the Search Pavilion. Hey there’s a Lindsay here too – is it you, Lindsay? Too funny, out of 50, 000 people in this right now, that’s most likely a very silly question.

12: 27 AM. Tele-porting to Help Island.

12:37 AM. Grabbed some freebies from the store. Wandered around a bit. Before I enter into more SL action, I think I’ll sign off. Leave some excitement for the next visit.

So, I entered this world I have viewed (and still do I must admit) with uncertainty. As I continue to walk through new and varying spaces, I imagine more insight to the popularity of SL will become clear, as will my writings become more illuminating than this initial introductory post. I haven’t been wooed as of yet to take time out of the life I have 30+ years inhabited. But hey, with an open mind I shall move forward into my second life and see where it takes my avatar.