Learning Curves: The Education of a Noob

When I first heard that the Kaylee Linden was looking for performers for Winterfest 2008, my reaction was, "No way.  There just isn't enough time to prepare."  On second thought I couldn't see how I could pass up such a great opportunity to get the word out both about The Virtual Worlds Story Project:
 www.thevirtualworldsstoryproject.com) or my new story program on Radio Riel.  So I bit the bullet, jettisoned several other projects and got the script below done.  Gabrielle Riel (owner of Radio Riel) should have an edited version of the audio recording soon, and I will post that as well.

Many many thanks to those who made it possible for me to meet this insanely tight deadline, including, Verde Otaared (who is responsible for the dropdead gorgeous photos), Gabrielle Riel, Saxet Uralia, and Kaylee Linden.  Thank you too to all the folks who showed up, listened (without gestures), and then stayed to talk and share their stories.  It was a magical afternoon.

LEARNING CURVES: The Education of a Noob

Welcome. My name is Jenaia Morane - the founder and head story sleuth at The Virtual Worlds Story Project here in Second Life.  The Virtual Worlds  Story Project, or VWSP as I call it, collects, preserves, and shares virtual stories in Real and Second Life, with a goal of exploring how our virtual experiences affect, enhance, and change our lives.  

Today, I'll be telling you a story of my own entitled, "Learning Curves: The education of a noob."  Before I begin, I would like to ask that everyone set their sun to midnight and gather close around the stage.  Anyone who would like to join me here on stage is welcome to grab a seat around one of our campfires.

To hear the story, you can either click on the stream for this sim to hear my voice or simply follow along in text.  Oh and be sure to stick around after the story is finished for a chance to ask questions and tell stories of your own.

The Total Noob

Once upon a time, in a land that was neither here not there, but everywhere imagination and creativity thrived, a little stub-nosed avatar with attitude was born.

 

Like all newborns in Second Life, she tumbled into existence with little more than the clothes on her back and an avid curiosity about the world she's read so much about.  She'd heard, you see, that it was possible to bring people from all around the world together - to build classrooms and campuses and communities devoted to learning.

 

But as is often the case with dreamers, the little avatar had no idea how much she would have to learn, or how much her Second Life would challenge, confuse, and ultimately change her before her dreams came true.  Which was probably a good thing - as you are about to see.

 

To hear the complete story, contact Jenaia Morane inworld to schedule a presentation, or email her at jenaia.morane@gmail.com.

 

Comments

[jmb]

This makes me realize what a boring life I have been living in SL. I am glad you found your purpose although I have yet to find mine, although I do enjoy it very much. JMB Balogh in SL.

[John, school teacher]

I have always admired SL and wanted to try but I'm afraid that it would make me live a fake life and miss lots of things in real life... Don't you feel anything like that?

[Jen]

I am embarrassed that I didn't see this sooner and apologize for not replying. Your question is a good one. I will answer it based on my 2+ years in Second Life. First, SL is not a fake life, it is simply different. There are things there I can't do in my first life and things that I cannot do that are routine in my first life. That said, the real opportunity and value for me lies in being able to connect and have meaningful exchanges with others. I am also doing things creatively that give me great joy. Does SL take away from my first life at times? Sure, but then again washing the dishes, paying my bills, and doing my taxes take away from telling stories in Second Life. It's a trade-off ;-) Thanks for posting.