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!