Monday, February 18, 2008

Alicia's Sunday Seven

Some days I think I pay more attention to Alicia's blog than I do to my own. Today she's coughed up another questionare.

1. Do you remember the first person who helped you in SL, and are you still in contact with that person?

I do indeed; it was Daedalus Lemuria, the owner of Cafe Casablanca. I stumbled into his jazz lounge about three days into my Second Life. Do I keep in contact? Kiiiiiind of. I haven't been by the cafe in a while, but I ought to.

2. Do you stick around in SL for business, or for the people?

Definitely the people!! I don't even have a business in SL.

3. Who is the most positive influence in your SL?

Creamy Cooljoke!! I'd still be a Harajuku Female if not for Free*style (kidding). Basically anyone I see enjoying their Second Life to the fullest.

4. Is there someone who makes you roll your eyes and groan when they IM you or if you run into them somewhere?

Yes, but a curteous, mannerly person does not name names.

5. Is there someone in your SL that makes you smile whenever you notice their name on your friends list, even if they're not online?

Only when I'm in love. *smiles* Oh, and my friend Leo. Just knowing that I know him is enough to make me smile.

6. Do you let people map you? Do others let you map them?

I've no problem letting people map me...the problem is I rarely remember to.

7. If we found out tomorrow that SL was closing, do you think you'd still remain in contact with your friends?

A few of them, definitely.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Alicia's Friday Five

Hey friends, I said before I'll most likely do a bit of babbling between advice topics, and I'm always true to my word. My first aquaintance in the SL blogging world, Alicia Chenaux of Ch'know? gave out a "Friday Five" questionare to her fellow bloggers. Since we're a bit slow in starting, I thought I'd give it a go.

Alicia asks....
1. If you could do one thing in SL, what would you do?

Anything? Exist without lag. LOL....actually, I would probably want to organize LiveEarth in SL or something like that. ^___^

2. If you could be anyone else in SL for a day, who would it be and why?

Hmmmm...I would want to be Triangle Cauldron of GHOST! because as far as I'm concerned, she's one of SL's most brilliant designers of the moment, and she's awesomely friendly and sweet to boot. Or Sasy Scarborough. Someone told me the idea for Another Fundraiser was initially presented by her, so I have a lot of respect for Sasy.

3. If you could change one thing in SL, what would it be?

Eliminate those smoochy-lips poofers once and for all!! *grins* Actually, I would take down a few of the sex sims (not that I'm against them, but do we really need that many?) and dedicate them to something useful.

4. If you could hop on a naughty poseball with one person of the same sex, who would it be?

Flame Trudeau!! She's awesome.

5. If you could hop on a naughty poseball with one person of the opposite sex, who would it be?

hmm hmmm hmm.....*smiles secretively*


Thursday, February 7, 2008

A quandary of profiles

Welcome to the first edition of ask Andria! We finally have a question that I have been asked to write on. Normally, I would post the email that included the inquiry; unfortunately, there is no email to be had. This question was sent to me in game, so I'll just have to wing it until we get the emails going.

To start, big thanks to Noel Ponnier for stepping up with the first inquiry. Noel asks, "what is or is not acceptable to have in your profile?"

Ahh yes, profiles. Such misunderstood creatures. Sometimes I wonder if many people are aware they even have one. If you are among this crowd, pay attention. In-game, right click on yourself, and select "profile" over on the left of the pinwheel that pops up. This will open your profile. Write in it. Then press 'okay.' Got it? Got it. Moving on.

The first point I would like to make is that the most unacceptable thing to have in your profile is nothing. Is your personality really a blank slate? If so, perhaps a little self-evaluation is of more pressing importance than reading Second Life blogs. Everyone can at least think of something to say about themselves. Still drawing a blank? List a few interests. "I like cars and music and boa constrictors and french truffles and self-cleaning dishes and window blinds" might not be the most interesting and well thought-out profile possible, but it is something you can expand upon later. And it's not blank.

Your profile should be something you take a little time on and think about. Remember, for many people this will be their first impression of you; so make the most of it. Quotes and lyrics can add a little artistry to a less-than-creative profile and make them a little more eye-catching, but choose them carefully. Quotes used should reflect something of you besides your favorite band.

Be concise when describing yourself or your interests. This is not the place to elaborate on your favorite hockey team-- remember, you only have 500 characters to work with. A brief mention of your interests is enough; if people want to know more, they'll ask.

Your sexual exploits are almost never acceptable. Okay, so you don't really care about getting to know other people and them getting to know you, and the whole point of getting on Second Life is a bit of raunchy chat and poseball sitting. By all means, mention this in your profile if it really is a reflection of your expectations. But leave it at that. You don't need to describe for the world your latest liaison, and I would rather not be TMI-ed when I click on you at Diversity Hair.

As far as your personal, real-life information, how much you put in is largely your decision. Whatever character we play in Second Life, it is still the first person behind it that people will come to know. A little background info can be useful and pertinent, but never put in information you aren't comfortable sharing, period. So simple, yet so often ignored.

When putting in personal information, ask yourself why and how others will use the info you provide. Things like your age, time zone, and perhaps marital status and occupation would be acceptable information. Religion, sexual orientation, political stances and so forth, if you care to share them, bring a little insight to your character.

Share a real-life photo if you like; but as cute as they may be, photos of your children are something I highly discourage.

Generally speaking, if you can't tell if a bit of information is something acceptable to share or not, ask if you could see yourself stating this tidbit to an outright stranger in the grocery/gas station/park. If you wouldn't share it with a stranger out there, don't share it with strangers in here either.

Don't be afraid to open yourself to new people and possibilities; just do so with a little courtesy and discretion. Noel, I hope this answered your question.

Ta ta!

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Email your inquiries to Andria Meredith at askandria@gmail.com. Enjoy your Second Life!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

An Introduction

Because, after all, you might like to know Andria before you ask her anything.

Welcome to Ask Andria, a 'Dear Abby' style Second Life advice column. This blog-column will strive to answer the personal, social and ethical questions and problems Second Lifers face in both lives.

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Andria Meredith is a psychology and english major at Washington State University. She has written on a local level for numerous publications. She loves writing and philosophy, understanding people and helping them understand themselves.

Andria lives in Eastern Washington, and loves the rainy season(s).

She has three pets, a cat named Sybil, a ferret named Penny and a beta named Sid Fishious.

She loves British comedy shows (Absolutely Fabulous, Are You Being Served, Monty Python) and George Carlin.

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Once we get started, Ask Andria will update weekly, responding to emailed inquiries, though I might post a few tidbits in between columns every now and again. You can email me at askandria@gmail.com. Thank you for reading!!