I can't believe I'm going to ask this....

[OneGrassRoot]

It's about a concept I've, frankly, turned my nose up at since I heard of it, thinking it's dangerous in some way...people "wasting" their time in the virtual world. (yep, it was judgmental.)

I felt the same way about Facebook and thus resisted it, but I now see how, like anything, you can either "waste" time or it can indeed be a remarkable tool to be put to good use.

I suppose it's all a matter of what we make of these modern tools. :)

Sooooo, does anyone have any experience with or in Second Life?

I've been investigating web-based platforms for offering classes, and my search took me to both Skype and Second Life.

Previously thinking of Second Life as similar to Sims in that it's just a game, I now wonder if my perception is all wrong? A lot of companies and organizations are there...with people "gathering" in this virtual way.

Especially with our group here speaking of creating and manifesting, I suddenly find this concept INTRIGUING. It could be FUN! :)

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this?

Thanks. :hi:

[kentauros]

1. I guess it all depends on what you get out of it.

I've never tried Second Life, but do use Skype as a free long-distance phone service (international calls.) It's a good tool for doing readings and probably teaching, too, if you use the conferencing and webcam functions.

I have more books around here that I've never finished reading because I'm either too "busy" reading something relatively unimportant online, or reading for research and then using that knowledge in my writing. In fact, I've got a list of books I am going to soon be sifting through again to determine which ones I want to order. It never ends ;)

The only other people I've known on DU or elsewhere to use SL are RedXIII, Archae and undergroundpanther, or I think she has. Try her first and see what advice she might have :)

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Thanks, kentauros....

I'm looking into Skype, too. Lots of stuff out there...it's amazing.

I'm with you -- I rarely read full-length books any more, as I find I spend so much reading and researching online. So much to read, so little time...

I'll check with the other DUers you mentioned. Thanks again. :)

:hug:

[kentauros]

3. You're welcome OGR!

:D

undergroundpanther is probably the best one to talk to. Plus she posts here sometimes :)

[Metta]

4. A regular. Mostly a good experience. I does strange things.

Hello, OGR. I've been involved with sl for almost two years. You do have to download their program, which gives you a desktop icon, so you can go directly in world, or whatever the proper term is. I initially got involved to meet with fellow meditators from a group I'm in. For the most part, sl is reliable and fun. I found that I greatly benefited from going through their newbie projects which give you skills practice and from going over the knowledge section of their www. home page. Initially, I spent a lot of time there and anymore I go there once a day to meditate with folks from around the world.

There are a number of meditation spots that regularly offer sittings. There are a couple of spots that have some kind of easy to access and resonate with energy charge which I find helpful with clearing and balancing and there's all kinds of everything else available there, too.

From time to time, sl is laggy. That is, avatars don't rez or there's a longer than usual lag between what you type and when it's available for other folks to read and sometimes it may take awhile to get from place to place. These are exceptions to otherwise easy access. Sometimes, stuff you put in your inventory disappears so I advise you to copy stuff for safekeeping when you can. This is an unusual occurance though it does happen.

You can search for all kinds of stuff and the only limitations, I find, are in one's imagination and level of caring.

Hope this is helpful. Anything else, just let me know. :hi:

[OneGrassRoot]

5. wow, meditation groups!

That is SO COOL!!!!

Thank you for that feedback, Metta. That does help. :hi:

:hug:

[villager]

6. Meditation groups!?

Suddenly, I'm considering Second Life!

[Metta]

7. yeah, many.

I know of some Buddhist ones and I'm sure there are other denominations as well. It's all available via their search.

[winyanstaz]

8. sory but I have not heard of this second life thingy :)

what is it and where?

[kentauros]

9. It's a virtual reality meeting place

but not in the Hollywood sense of "virtual reality". Here's the wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

I've never used it, like FB, as I have enough in my life and online to suck my time :P

[winyanstaz]

10. ty.....

I am not certain I would enjoy that as like you said...we all are fairly busy and that sounded like you had to build a world there....
I think simple is best :)

[OneGrassRoot]

11. That's the way I've always viewed it, too....

and I still haven't looked further into it - -like you said, no time!

But, whereas before I was turned off by it, I am now intrigued and wish I had more time to explore.

Time, time, time...wish we could create more time and flow through what we have more gracefully and easily....


:grouphug:

[OneGrassRoot]

12. and another short ramble about this....

I'm viewing this differently now because, as Metta said, there are seemingly very productive things (or potentially productive things) taking place within Second Life.

What I've read is that many companies, organizations and even some schools are using it as a "virtual meeting place," like Skype but there are more fun tools to make it more engaging, as if you're really "there" together.

I especially am intrigued by the potential to join energies such as during meditation.

So, any "game" aspect doesn't appeal to me at all. Just as they don't in Facebook or other venues.

Yet the ability to use it to connect in a new way, and additional way, and actually feel as though that time is being well spent (as I often feel it is in Facebook now), is very attractive.

Have a great day, Everyone! Continued blessings and prayers to the suffering souls in Haiti and beyond....

:grouphug:

[winyanstaz]

15. You have some good points there...

If I get some extra time I will go play around there and see what I see..:)

[eilen]

17. So does SL function somewhat like

the metaverse that Hiro Protagonist frequents in Neal Stephenson's Snowfall?

[OneGrassRoot]

18. I have no idea....

I'm not familiar with Snowfall, nor SL, unfortunately. :) My investigation into Second Life hasn't moved beyond this discussion. lolol

Sorry...

:hi:

[Myrina]

13. I worked in IT at a college that wanted to implement it ...

... many bugs, server issues, to me seemed like a waste of time ... like you said, a jazzed up version of The Sims.

The college scrapped the idea.

:shrug:

[OneGrassRoot]

14. Thanks :)

I appreciate that feedback. :hi:

:hug:

[Cleita]

16. I wanted to do second life and found out I can't do it on my computer, a Mac.

It looked like it could be a lot of fun like doing Sims but more interesting. Have fun if you do.