[HMDS] My arrival to Second Life
When I first arrived in Second Life, I decided I needed to buy some land and build.
I randomly chose a spot that did not cost more than $20US, taught myself to "terraform" the land to create this tower of earth, and learned how to make those brown platforms, then bought furniture and the waterfalls.
I liked all the air. I pad no attention to the land around me. It was a small accomplishment, but I was proud.
Little did I know what a mistake I had made.
I set up the platforms so that when you walked he edge you landed on the one below it. I also arranged a couch so two could view the water portal.
However, I had a surprise when I flew around looking for neighbors to show my new land. The first couple I found was having sex. The second was in the midst of a domination scene.
Once I found some avatars clothed somewhat like myself, they taught me my first SL lesson: most areas in Second Life are rated "me" for mature. I needed property in a "PG" region. But first before I sold it, I wanted to show off my work...
Meanwhile, I learned another important lesson: neighbors are everything. The tall tower behind my property obnoxiously destroyed my tranquil scene by randomly flashing textures. This also caused a glitch making the textures in my own property go haywire.
Funny incident: I gave an intern at my office access to my account. He played around for a half hour, just to see how the space worked. That night, within Second Life, a fellow tracked me down. He looked mad. He approached and said, "Please remove your box from my roof." I had no idea what he meant until I saw it. My intern had created one and left it there! Lesson Learned: don't loan out your avatar!
As I prepared to sell my home, I saw an avatar next door on the map. A neighbor? No, a customer, looking to buy shoes. Her name was Abigail. I was actually nervous when she agreed to stop shopping and take a look
I walked her through the space, showing off my favorite touches. It was fun. I was surprised to learn how awkward I felt, spending time with a "beautiful" avatar, making conversation, as if I was on a date or something.
Before she left I felt even more awkward - in person I would kiss a check, hug or shake hands. In SL, not only did I not know how to make physical contact, I was afraid it might be interpreted as an invitation for some "M"-rated activity!
Before I left her sitting on a platform watching the water, we traded cards. That way I would know when she was online. She did not own property like me, only staying at places friends would loan.
I promised to give her a tour of my next home once it was complete. I had found a "PG" -rated region that could be what this region could not. The region was all water-based, no land to form, and I could make it open-aired as I liked. Plus, I bought four times the space. I knew I needed more room for Global Kids to grow.
Within a few days my old property sold for twice the amount I had originally paid.
