The Second Life Learning Curve
There's a learning curve in Second Life for sure. The evolution of how we look, what we think is cool, and what our activities are over our first weeks and months are virtually uniformly topics of much amusement later on.
So one of the first things I'd do if I were exploring Second Life as a total newcomer is to order Sarah Robbins' book Second Life for Dummies. Beyond doing a superb job covering the basics, this is a book you'll not just use to help you get up to speed and understand the idea of Second Life and the techniques you'll need to participate in the world. It's one of those books you'll grab repeatedly over time to remind yourself of something you thought you knew!
And there's a lot to know, so it's not a surprise that universities are actually teachinng not just IN Second Life, but Second Life as a subject. The courses: Second Life 101 from University of Illinois Graduate School for example describes:
"four fun and interactive sessions that will assist you with Second Life Basics, acquaint you with educational and other great places to go, teach you how to design an avatar - virtual persona - and give you the skills you need to enjoy Second Life."
The real issue I'd have is that unless one is using Second Life as a requirement for employment or education, there are few beginners who will see the value in spending $125 for four classes on the very basic parts of the new resident experience.
To be honest, even in hindsight many of us might say that we could have had closets full of SL clothing, the very best hair, lots of techie toys, and even land for an $125 initial outlay.
Instead, there are other no cost / low cost options I'd suggest every new resident could take advantage of.
One is New Citizens Incorporated which provides classes and other free events in Second Life as well as a blog with tips and updates. There is a free New Citizens Inc. group in-world and five campuses where you can get help, information, education and even freebies. Find them at
- NCI Kuula, the original NCI location - Kuula (71, 173, 28)
- NCI South, adjacent to the South Welcome Area - Hamnida (227, 65, 112)
- NCI Beach - Fishermans Cove (62, 195, 24)
- NCI Caledon - Nova Civis Caledon Sim
- NCI Caledon Annex - Caledon Highlands (157, 214, 39)
NCI classes include basic and advanced courses in building and texturing, clothing and accessory creation, scripting, and land ownership. Examples of other basic SL classes include Second Life 101, Using the Search Menu, Avatar Makeover, SL Consumer Skills, and New Resident Q&A.
If you're more a video type and want to get some insight about what SL is all about Studio Dell has produced a number of videos such as the one embeded below, or look for the longer form interview demonstration from a writer, long embeded in Second Life, in Robert Scoble's series of four videos with Wagner James Au who has also authored books included in my picks shown above.
From inside Linden Lab, and for information on everything from how to change your body shape to how to make a flexible flag, Torley Linden's never ending stream of videos are informative, Though sometimes overwhelming to newcomers, Torley's videos are available on both YouTube and his website.
Recent Comments