An outsider’s perspective…

In an article that Eloise Pasteur writes for Second Life Insider as a follow up to a blog posted by Your 2nd Place ’s Nobody Fugazi, Eloise talks about how she divides newcomers to SL into three categories; citizens, incomers and tourists.  I mainly want to talk about my take on the Tourists part.  My home is located in West Haven within flying distance of the Public Orientation Island and the Public Help Island.  Which means that a large portion of newbies end up at my front door.  Early on I had put up ban lines because of the constant invasion and disruption.  But then there came a point that if I couldn’t stop them, then help them, or move.  So I dropped the ban lines and opened my doors.  Because my FL past work experience includes some years in the tourist industry, I started treating them as out of town tourists.  They are lost, need information, assistance, directions, etc.  Not only has it lead to me joining the Volunteer Help Island group but I have also applied with Linden Lab to be a Volunteer or Mentor.  *wave to Blue Linden*  I think it has made me a better avi and a better resident of SL.  As a bonus I have made some really cool friends.  I think by first treating them as tourists and taking the time to help them understand what SL is truly all about we help to turn them into Residents or Incomers.  There will always be those who come in, don’t get it, and leave.  And then there are those who come in and treat it as a game for their own amusement.  But for the rest of them I plan to take the time to help them aclimate to the coolest way of life this side of First Life.

Tin