It is human nature to take advantage of opportunity. The minute a creative person sets up an avatar in Second Life®, ideas start formulating. It is inevitable. Few environments can inspire more! Soon, a new member/ingredient of the cultural stew is added. On an individual level, the visionary sees potential everywhere, like a kid in a candy shop. Each resident learns more about psychology—of others and of self. On a social level, the mix of international viewpoints has sparked a cyber-based renaissance of idea-sharing and achievements. Collectively, innovations push the advancement on a scale never known before.
Sim Street Journal investigates the evolution of culture and commerce in the virtual world. This book compiles ideas from 45 music presenters, 25 entrepreneurs, and reviews of 85 visual artists in search of potential. It considers education, scent, and nonprofit activities. It reveals how the two worlds—first and second— impact one another. It can be an illuminating guide for new residents, seasoned ones, and just as importantly, to the out-world curious (who may or may not enter).
Observers may equate the virtual world to a game, and those who spend many hours in it seem addicted similarly. But it is not similar to a game nor is the reaction. The virtual environment is parallel to the real world, as each avatar is really experiencing a “second life.” It is not confined or directed like a game. It has some guidelines, but few “rules.” Rather, it is a society complete with geniuses, workaholics, entertainers, philanthropists, property-owners, criminals, and even some “homeless.” It is a microcosm, albeit with more conveniences. It is open to anyone with a computer and motivation to learn the interface.
This book expresses the virtual world uniqueness and significance, while it adds to the continuum between the real and the imaginary.
CONTENTS:
“Purpose and Play”
Eight avatar attitudes and what they gain.
“The Real in the Unreal”
Ten attributes and benefits all residents gain.
“Relevance Review: Conclusions from the Virtual Mirror”
Twelve conclusions that are relevant to cyber community and the real.
Inspiration versus Seduction
Ten steps in the process of detours, destructiveness, and defense.
Virtual Temptation: hobby or addiction?
Ten features that attract choices and commitments.
Virtual World Warning Label
Four Protection Policies for avatar health and equilibrium all need to know.
Index of Contributors
Eighteen Issues in the Sim Street Journal Collection also online.
- Eight avatar attitudes and what they gain.
- Ten attributes and benefits all residents discover.
- Twelve conclusions that are relevant to the cyber community.
- Ten virtual temptations to determine choices.
- Eighteen Issue Collection in the Contributor Index.
