EOTB: Linden Lab to Introduce "Onboarding Experiences Built by Second Life Creators"

 

One problem Second Life has had to contend with over it's history is retaining newcomers, only a small fraction of those who log in for the first time keep coming back after the first few visits, many not even after the first. This virtual world has a steep learning curve, as well as it can be a challenge to find out where to go and what to do, and newcomers unless they have friends to guide them or extremely persistent, grow frustrated and lose interest in sticking around. 

 

Linden Lab has been trying various things over the years to try to keep new residents coming back, and encouraging other residents to help out.  On Monday March 30, Linden Lab announced on their blog "new onboarding experiences ... built by talented community creators." 

 

As part of our ongoing experimentation with improving the new user experience, we’ve recently launched a new set of onboarding destinations in Second Life designed to make Residents’ first moments more social, interactive, and fun.

Each experience has been independently built by a group of talented community creators and are currently among the first locations newly-registered community members will experience for a limited time as we continue to assess what types of experiences and locations retain and engage our newcomers.  

 

The blog entry would go on to say the work, "was part of a pilot New User Experience Working Group (NUXWG)," and it had finished up a week earlier, calling it, "an outgrowth of our ongoing Creator Partnership Program, where we work directly with the community for select partnerships across a variety of initiatives." The Lab stated the same group was behind "several new mobile-specific landing locations" in 2025. 

 

Over the next few weeks, we will be testing these and other starter locations as we continue our ongoing efforts to experiment, learn, and evolve the new user experience - with ongoing consideration for our Community Gateway partners and other collaborations. 

We invite the community to check these locations out for yourself and support these creators who put lots of love and labor into this project.  

 

Currently, there are six of these Onboarding Experiences:  

 

Madpea Scardey Cats,  in which the player rescues kittens from a playfully spooky funhouse.

 

Driving Dirty , described as "where you can play different games, grab free prizes, meet new people, and hang out with others."  

 

Rush Week, which looks like a college-themed dating area.

 

Brazil Tour, a place in the theme of the country Brazil where one can play a few games or interact with others, some of whom may be from the country.

 

Club Midnight Pulse, a newbie-oriented nightclub where besides dancing to the music, you can play a few quests and meet others.

 

The Learning Center,  a space-stationed theme place described as "an interactive destination designed to teach the basics through gameplay. Explore obstacle courses, collect hidden stars, and learn core skills while progressing through challenges."

 

To read the blogpost in full, Click Here.  

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Second Life Destinations: The Zenescope Metaverse comes to Second Life

Created in an exclusive partnership with the acclaimed comic book publisher Zenescope, the all-new Zenescope Metaverse is bursting with magic and mystery. In this week’s “Second Life Destinations” video, Zenescope co-founder Ralph Tedesco gives an exclusive “first look” at this exciting new virtual world experience. 

Immerse yourself and discover the many secrets hidden across this vast Second Life region offering dark and twisted games and experiences inspired by the Zenescope universe. In partnership with Epik, visitors can snag limited edition collectibles inspired by heroes, villains, and Zenescope favorites such as Cinderella (a.k.a. “Cindy, the serial killer princess”), Belle, the Mad Hatter, and more.

This huge region is so highly detailed that it might just take several visits to see everything. Start your journey in the wide courtyard where you can connect with others before exploring. As you traverse this enchanted realm of flowing brooks and glistening flowers, keep an eye out for hidden locations and easter eggs referencing some of Zenescope’s most iconic tales. 

Meet new friends as you wind your way through the Hedge Maze and discover games that you can play together like the whimsical Goblin Golf. Don’t miss the special quest to score the ultimate prize -- but beware of the Jabberwocky, among other fantastical creatures.

Experience storytelling and comic books in a whole new way at the Zenescope Metaverse -- check it out exclusively in Second Life. 

Video production credits: Draxtor Despress
 

News and Commentary: Sansar, One Year Later

With the attention on InWorldz's collapse, it went almost unnoticed that a week ago it was the one year anniversary of the official release of Linden Lab's newer virtual world, Sansar. Initially simply called "the next generation virtual world" for over a year of it's three year development, once most Second Life residents had a look at the place or talked to someone who had, interest in the place by the users of it's established world quickly plummeted. So a year later, is the place any better? In short, maybe a little, but ...

Read more in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games.

Two Sansar Contests by Linden Lab, One Offering $10,000 USD Prize

There's a couple of contests in Sansar going on. One for avatars, one for experiences.

For those looking for a new Oculus Rift, or perhaps looking to give one to a friend if you already have one, here's your chance. Linden Lab is offering a contest for those who design the best five Sansar avatars, offering a total of over $5,000 worth of prizes.

To begin with, Linden Lab isn't calling them avatars, but "avatar props." The contest has five categories, "Most Innovative," "Best Halloween Costume," "Funniest," and "Most Fashionable." The first prize for each is an Oculus Rift and an Oculus Touch Virtual Reality Headset Bundle (worth $399.00 USD), and a one year Super Creator Sansar Subscription (worth $359.88 USD). Honorable Mentions get a one year Creator Sansar subscription (wotth $119.88 USD). Entries have to comply with content guidelines. The deadline for new entries is Oct 1 at 5PM SL time.

For more information on the avatar prop contest, Click Here.

The second contest involves not avatars, but areas in Sansar, their "Scariest Experience in Sansar" contest. For this one, first prize is n Oculus Rift and an Oculus Touch Virtual Reality Headset Bundle, a one year Super Creator Sansar Subscription, and a whopping $10,000 US dollars! Entries here also have to comply with content guidelines. The deadline for new entries is Oct 15 at 5PM SL time.

For details on the Scariest Experience contest, Click Here.

Source: Sansar Blog

Image Credit: Debi Baskerville   Ryan Schultz

Second Life From a Newcomer's Perspective

While longtime residents of Second Life usually can remember details about their earliest days, time and experience have a way of dulling memories. Plus things change over time, and newcomers have to deal with things the earlier residents haven't, such as mesh and Bento. On the other hand, they have access to things like the Destination Guide, and of course the Newser, that those here years ago didn't have. So sometimes we need a newcomer's perspective.

Mangrovejane. a self-described "artist ... A creator of Fantastical Things. An explorer of virtualities and a philosopher on the nature of realities,"had only recently heard about Second Life after reading articles about the art there. So she decided to sign up and see what was there herself, documenting the first five days of her journey. Her preconception was that making an avatar and moving about would be easy enough, thinking of "The Sims" and "World of Warcraft." But that wasn't exactly the case. She had been a little worried about perverts trying to trick her, but instead found people willing to help her out. On day three, she found some examples of the virtual art she was searching for. On day four, she came across the IvoryTower of Prims and the Builders Brewery and took a crack at building.

After five days, she felt she had accomplished much, and had found some preconceptions didn't match what she experienced. She had some advice for other newcomers.

After Learning Island, residents are basically on their own. Fortunately, there are places such as Caledon University where newcomers can keep coming back to learn.

Have a goal or goals and a purpose, "Without a goal, you will feel lost and will quickly become bored and despondent."

Not everyone is out to grief or harass you, "Don’t assume everyone in world is creepy and out to get you and grief you. You will not meet one person who treats you badly or even annoys you in this first week. There will be no drama and no griefing. People will be genuinely friendly and are often happy to give you advice, especially if they know you are new."

Don't believe the hype and bad press, "Go in and make your experience about what YOU want. Think about what you like to do, what you might want to do, who you want to be and live that life. Stay away from the 'adult' areas (unless that is where you actually want to be)."

Don't let those who do try to bother you push you around, "if someone is annoying you…just teleport away. Mute them, block them and go somewhere else and do something else…don’t let someone else’s bad attitude ruin YOUR experience."

If your only experience with interacting with others on computers is from games like "World of Warcraft," always remember, "it took me a little while to fully comprehend it…You CANNOT die in world!!!!!!"

You’re gonna be ok. You are going to get frustrated and the learning curve is going to be steep. You will accidentally get naked in public and not know how to get dressed and be so mortified you mention it over and over again. You are going to run into walls and people while you are learning to move around in the world. You will not know where to go or what to do. You are going to freak out the first time you fall from great heights while flying. You are going to doubt your ability to translate your first life art into second life art and you are going to have a hard time talking to people because that’s just you. When it all gets a bit much, just stand up and walk away from the computer. Go outside. Breathe fresh real air and live your first life. Your second life isn’t going anywhere without you.

And lastly, adventurer….Explore, Explore, Explore.
Mangrovejane is still going about Second Life. You can contact her by IM, or send her a message on Facebook.

Hat Tip: AlmostThere Inventor

Bixyl Shuftan

Ask Dr. Philly: "Pointing Out 'That Guy' "

Dr. Philly (Joshua Xavier) is back with his column about "people issues" in Second Life, such as love, relationships, drama, and more. In the latest two letters, the first has a club manager advertising his venue through Facebook dealing with a supposed former sim owner whom demands he leave and help in spreading "the truth." The second reader points out the success of Joshua (and his alt Becky Shamen) in Second Life compared to him, and asks why the difference.

Read the column in People.

Ask Dr. Philly: "Up The Wall With The Blues"

Dr. Philly (Joshua Xavier) is back with his column about "people issues" in Second Life, such as love, relationships, drama, and more. In the latest two letters, the first reader asks about how to handle people whom just won't respond to being talked to. The second deals with a resident whom wonders what "the rules" are about being able to take advantage of an avatar's ability to more or less take on any form at will.

Read Dr. Philly's column in People.

Ask Dr. Phily: "Between a Rock and a Shady Place."

Last week, we announced Dr. Phily (JoshuaXavier Resident) would be handling our advice column about "people issues" in Second Life, such as love, relationships, drama, and more. Afterwards, we received not one, but two responses. Both were residents having to deal with neighbor trouble. Dr. Phily  offers his advice on the matters.

Read the column in People.

"Ask Dr. Philly" Advice Column

Readers will remember for a while we had an advice column by DrFran Babcock, "Ask DrFran." As DrFran has been on hiatus, Joshua Xavier has stepped up to take her place for a while with "Ask Dr. Philly." Named after Dr. Phil, whom appeared in Second Life some months ago then mentioned the virtual world on his show, "Dr. Philly" will handle any questions from you the readers about virtual relationships, disputes with friends, or any other "people" issues, and offer a little advice on how to handle the matter.

The column will be in People.

Goodbye 2015

As we say goodbye to 2015, each of us has had their share of experiences in the past hear, large and small, happy and sad. From the Relay for Life, to shopping hunts, to community events, there was no shortage of what to experience.

So what have you the readers been through this year? What stories do you have to share about what you went through in 2015?

Ask DrFran: Dancing Queens Drama

DrFran's column "Ask DrFran" is back. Her latest letter deals with a girl asking her advice concerning a new friend. She had been happily accepted by her group of friends. But lately, there's been some trouble. What exactly was the issue, and what solution was there? DrFran had a little advice on the matter.

Read DrFran's column in People.

Reader Submitted: My First Five Years

Nydia Tungsten, a friend of Second Life Newser, recently passed a milestone: her fifth anniversary in Second Life. In her reader submission today, she looks back at her time here, and more recently in InWorldz. She also offers a little advice to those just coming to the Grid.

Read Nydia's story in People.

Interview with Tantari Kim

In this time when Second Life is celebrating being officially a decade old, Grease Coakes recently interviewed one of the residents whom was around from the first days, Tantari Kim. Tantari talked about how she found out about the early Second Life, and what virtual life was like in the world's first days.

Read Grease's article about Tantari Kim in People.

Ask DrFran: Is Second Life™ Addictive?

In her latest column, DrFran answers not an email, but a question by a friend in an inworld conversation. The friend mentioned another friend, and posed the question: is it possible for someone to spend too much time in Second Life? DrFran has some answers, and comments for the questions. It might not be quite what some might expect.

Read DrFran's column in People.

Ask DrFran: The Green-Eyed Monster

DrFran's column is back. In her latest letter, a reader deals with someone looking herself after some actions concerting her relationship with a friend, and not liking what she sees. So what happened and what should be done? DrFran offers a few answers.

Read more in People.

Ask DrFran: "A Buddy Comes Out"

In recent real-life news, the topic of homosexuality has been making headlines over the issue whether or not the state should recognize gay partners as married. It's not an issue in Second Life as partners could be same-gender from its start. But there can still be problems. DrFran recently got a letter from a resident whom in the past a good friend of his "came out." So what happened, and what did DrFran have to say on the matter?

Read DrFran's column in People.

Ask DrFran: Where is the Meaning?

Today, DrFran is back with her help and advice column. In her latest letter, a reader had once been going happily about the Grid. But recently, she's been having some feelings of doubt about what her Second Life has been. So where does she go from here? DrFran has a few suggestions.

Read DrFran's column in People.

Ask DrFran: How Can I Get Him Back?

In her latest column, DrFran gets a letter from a lady whom was in a relationship in the past, and now wants to try and find love again. So what's the answer to her questions? DrFran had a few things to say on the matter.

Read DrFran's column in People.

Ask DrFran: DrFran’s Soapbox

Today's column from DrFran Babcock hits on some sensitive issues. Her latest letter comes from the person behind a child avatar, for whom Second Life allowed the happy childhood that was never available in reality. Recently however, something happened that has cast a dark shadow over the once pleasant time here.

Read DrFran's column in People.

Ask DrFran: It’s a Big Grid

In DrFran's column today, she gets a letter from someone who came back to Second Life after a long absence, and is amazed at how the place has grown. But with all the places around, just what's the best way to meet and make friends? DrFran had a few answers for her.

Read DrFran's column in People.