Second Life
Courtney Redrose’s Big Adventure
Before I began the course Media Studies, I had little exposure to virtual online worlds such as Second Life. After learning about Second Life in class, various research and creating an avatar online and exploring the virtual world, I am amazed at everything it has to offer. Second Life is not only a type of internet game, it is a space where there are no limits to your creativity and expression. Strong communities are created and are even supported by the avatars’ own financial system, the Linden economy. Second Life is a place where you can meet and interact with millions of people around the world, who you otherwise would most likely have never met.
Anyone who has access to an internet connection can create a Second Life account free of charge. A basic account allows you to create an online persona called an “avatar.” With your avatar, you have complete access to the Second Life world. I have learned that the majoritit of people who engage in second life on a casual basis typically only use the basic account. However, more serious players can upgrade to a premium membership, which includes extended access to better technical support and other benefits not available to basic members. For example, a stipend of L$300/week is deposited into premium members accounts, raising the value of membership from US$72 to US$14. Second Life’s potential market is enormous based on the fact that the majority of people living in developed countries have access to an internet connection. The accessibility of potential customers paired with a free basic account results in a large market that will only continue to grow. The existing basic free membership is a great way to attract potential customers, who, after experiencing Second Life make the decision to upgrade to a premium account. When creating an avatar, the options are endless. The avatar can accurately resemble your appearance in real life, represent only certain
Before I began the course Media Studies, I had little exposure to virtual online worlds such as Second Life. After learning about Second Life in class, various research and creating an avatar online and exploring the virtual world, I am amazed at everything it has to offer. Second Life is not only a type of internet game, it is a space where there are no limits to your creativity and expression. Strong communities are created and are even supported by the avatars’ own financial system, the Linden economy. Second Life is a place where you can meet and interact with millions of people around the world, who you otherwise would most likely have never met.
Anyone who has access to an internet connection can create a Second Life account free of charge. A basic account allows you to create an online persona called an “avatar.” With your avatar, you have complete access to the Second Life world. I have learned that the majoritit of people who engage in second life on a casual basis typically only use the basic account. However, more serious players can upgrade to a premium membership, which includes extended access to better technical support and other benefits not available to basic members. For example, a stipend of L$300/week is deposited into premium members accounts, raising the value of membership from US$72 to US$14. Second Life’s potential market is enormous based on the fact that the majority of people living in developed countries have access to an internet connection. The accessibility of potential customers paired with a free basic account results in a large market that will only continue to grow. The existing basic free membership is a great way to attract potential customers, who, after experiencing Second Life make the decision to upgrade to a premium account. When creating an avatar, the options are endless. The avatar can accurately resemble your appearance in real life, represent only certain