Its a Mystery - to me at least!

Am I the only one mystified by the many options in SL? Am I the only one who is surprised almost daily about the features available? Lighting, land, viewers, scripting, sculpties, bugs, work arounds, deeding, streaming audio and video, the list is almost endless.

So many people know so much more than I do. And thankfully, most of them are delighted to share that knowledge with me. Its one of the many things I love about SL. People here do not hoard what they know. If they chuckle at my ignorance, they do it when I'm not present! And for that I am grateful!

For several years I searched for an internet game that would appeal to me. My reflexes are not now, and perhaps have never been, as sharp as needed to play the shoot-em-up games. Strategy games give me a headache. Chess is an excellent example. Planning 30 moves in advance, all the time knowing that your opponents next move will change them in an instant, makes me a bit crazy.

I heard about SL on the radio just over a year ago. I managed to remember the name, and went looking for this 'game'. Getting in was so easy. A few bits of information and I was on Orientation Island (which is one of levels of hell Dante did not discuss). I'll not share with you just how long it took me to get out of there, but I think I my record stands. Despite all of the frustrations I was entranced! The creativity did it for me! And, lets be honest, the OIs are okay, but the real show is elsewhere.

I don't remember much about my first days on the mainland. I was shot at several times. Some dude propositioned me on a beach someplace. Being bored out of my mind while camping is crystal clear. Zooming around the metaverse looking for a nice, safe place occupied a lot of time. Being homeless was no fun at all, but with virtually no Lindens in my pocket, it was my only option. I was adorned head to toe in freebies (some things don't change).

What ultimately what kept me coming back were the people I met. My oldest friend here in SL was about two months younger than me. And, incredibly, I was able to help him! It felt so good to answer a question or two for this new friend. Then, a short while later, I met a SL Mentor. He was someone I could go to with my 'dumb' questions.

Throughout this time I was kind of desperate for more help. I typed 'info' into search, and managed to find my way to Info Island. It was full of folks who knew SL so much better than I did. Each of them offered help, and more; friendship, great conversation, and laughter. Lots of laughter.

Info Island and its sister islands have become my SL home away from home. Just wandering about feels very good to me. Other than shopping, I rarely go any where else. And that is due to you, my friends. The warm welcome you offered, your caring and assistance improved my SL experience completely. Virtually everything changes at the speed of light here, but the genuine friendships only grow deeper with time.

And, hardly anyone shoots at me anymore!

HJ