I set up my Second Life account and was eager to get started. I had heard so much about the virtual world from the video game experts at work, but I had never gotten the urge to give it a try. In many ways, it intimidated me… reminding me of that blast-from-the-past, Dungeons and Dragons. While I never dabbled, my sister did and I could never understand that desire to create and “live” in an imaginary world. At times, there is more than enough drama in my own world (just ask my friends!). I know I’m not the only one with reservations about dipping my toe into the SL world… my classmate blogged about her concerns in her blog, BeckBlogic.
Well, I decided the only way to really try was to dive in… I created my avatar and got started. My first experience was unnerving to say the least. I had all these people around me and I felt exposed. Would they start talking to me? No! I wasn’t ready? And, weren’t they getting kind of close? I need my space! I logged off shortly after that.
But, I was determined to try again, especially after my classmate, Jenny, wrote about her successful partying on St. Patrick’s Day! I wanted to experience that same fun… but I got stuck on the Orientation Island. Yes, I never quite figured how to get off my little place of orientation. I ran into a SL avatar from London, which was cool, on this second go-round. Unfortunately, I wasn’t much help to her. We tried to figure out things together for a little bit, but she ultimately gave up partnering with me.
I resorted to logging onto the Second Life support website repeatedly to try and figure out the answers to my questions, but it didn’t help. I just wanted to know how to get in one of those cars around the island and drive. Then, my avatar froze up and I just wanted to learn how to get moving again. No answers on the support site, so I logged off.
I think what bothers me most of all is that SL is not easy to figure out. There are chats, menus, and different keys that control your movements. Maybe for me there are too many choices. I just want something simple-to-understand. Don’t worry, I will try again and maybe third time will be a charm… but, if a non-computer person like me finds SL intimidating and hard-to-use, how will SL ever catch on in the mainstream? It won’t.
March 19, 2008 at 12:35 pm
This is really a concern among residents who care greatly about the new-user experience. And yes, it’s frustrating. We’ve all (current residents) been there at one time.
The problem is Linden Lab is not very good and user interface design for new users. Rather, they concentrate on the power and flexibility of the system.
You already have an account. what you need is a new viewer. One that is better designed for newcomers into the “grid”.
Try the OnRez viewer. it’s actually won awards for it’s intuitiveness. In fact, many longtime residents enjoy using it, too.
Simply download and install it. Then simply use your existing name and password.
http://viewer.onrez.com/
If you don’t want to use the OnRez viewer – then here’s a work around:
Open your Linden Lab viewer.
Press CTRL-P to open preferences (and explore)
There is a preference to where you arrive – the default is HOME – it’s a pull-down menu. The other option is to return to your last location. There is a check box to show this on your login screen. if you turn that on – you can manually enter a name there.
A good name to try will be “onrez” (without quotes) – either way – you’ll be off of orientation island
Now – you’ll still be on an island – just another one. Click the SEARCH button at the bottom of your screen – a window with tabs apreas. Click the PLACES tab and then search for anything you can think of. When ready, click the TELEPORT button and away you go!