Exploring Second Life

Above: screenshot taken in Story Mountain Center For Writers on Athena Isle (237, 87, 23)

When I first signed up for a free Second Life account, I didn't like the interface or environment so I didn't go back for a long time. Over the Christmas holidays I've decided to check it out again, mainly because of all the publishers, editors and authors I've heard talk about it.



The interface has improved since I last visited. This time, I also stuck to exploring areas of specific interest rather than wandering aimlessly. There are huge areas of SL that seem to be devoted to just clothes shopping and partying, and these appear to be very popular with the younger crowd.



I've found quite a few areas of interest to writers (including some paying markets) and there are tons of opportunities for meeting other writers. I've already chatted with one author whose book was recently highlighted in Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and Booklist, and several booksellers who have virtual shops.

I have been and will be posting more about writers and Second Life in Inkygirl over time. I've already had a couple of RL (Real Life) authors post in response, saying how useful they're finding Second Life.

On a non-writing front, I've dropped in on a live virtual concert, played the piano, read some books, relaxed on a chair by the beach watching dolphin frolic in a virtual sea while listening to the surf and the sound of seagulls.



I also flew a space shuttle to a Star Trek Museum Of Science (TovaDok II 24, 210, 34) and as I browsed the fascinating exhibits and information, I couldn't help but be impressed by the educational potential of this environment. No wonder hundreds of universities and school systems around the world use SL.

For you other Trek fans out there, here are just a few of the things you do and see in the virtual Star Trek museum:

Educational Exhibits on all aspects of Star Trek and Real Science. Visit the Bridge, Starships, Holodeck, Astrometrics, Starfleet Science Institute, test your knowledge at Starfleet Academy, see the Planetarium, 3D Starmap, Star Trek Cinema and Game Room. Get free Starfleet uniforms, padd, tricorder, free games and downloads. Fly a shuttle to the Spaceport!

Radio and Videos provided by SETI Insitute. Are We Alone? is a weekly hour-long radio magazine that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the new science of astrobiology. It is hosted by the SETI Institute's Senior Astronomer (and Trekker), Dr. Seth Shostak. Come listen to the show, watch some videos, and pick up info on SETI science.

Learn about Vulcan, Klingon, Borg, Romulan, Bajoran, Ferengi Culture, History, Philosophy, Eating and Mating Habits. Artifacts and Exhibits on All Star Trek Species. Dine on gagh and blood wine at the Federation Buffet, visit the Holodeck and Hydroponics. Meditate on Surak's teachings in the Vulcan Contemplation Garden. Swim with George and Gracie the whales from ST IV.

Swim with George and Gracie, the Humpback Whales brought from the 20th Century by Admiral James T. Kirk in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home". IM Wabisabi Matahari for a fireworks display from the Whale Observation Pier.

Away Teams please report to the Shuttlebay at the Star Trek Museum of Science for your assignments. Fly to the Spaceport, return thru a wormhole and Borg attack, or to the Vulcan sim, Eridani, or Imzadi Beach for Shore Leave. Tour the 4 islands of the Star Trek Museum Complex. Many missions await you. Shuttles are automated, no piloting skills required.

While your shuttle is being repaired, relax and enjoy live NASA TV, movies and Star Trek music videos, as well as exhibits of Star Trek Art. Shuttles are now flying from the drydock to both embassy buildings. The drydock is one of many areas available for parties.

"The History of Star Trek" featuring a full-size re-creation of Capt. Kirk's Enterprise complete with the Bridge, Captain's Quarters, Sickbay, Engineering...take the transporter from the lobby up to the ship

For me, the novelty of just walking around in SL for the sake of walking around would quickly wear off unless there was some useful and interesting content. Happily, it also turns out that the areas of SL I'm most interested in have little appeal to party-types.



I set my status to "Busy" (under the World menu after you login) whenever I don't want to socialize with other avatars; that way if they try to send me an instant message, etc., they get an auto-response that I'm not available. Finding out this tip was a biggie for me since initially I found I was getting constantly interrupted while trying to read and learn.


Above: Athena Isle 110, 210, 23 - "The Goddess Grove"

I can see how SL could be a real timesink unless you're careful about managing and limiting your time, but for now I remain cautiously intrigued. :-)

Plus hey, I've always wanted to be able to fly. :-D