Social behavior codes & norms

[MikaMayMor]

Hello, I'm a SL first timer.

Are there any social behavior codes and norms I should be familiar with?

Is there any kind of behavior that's considered to be impolite?

Thanks!

 

[Rolig Loon]

Yes, on two levels.  On the formal level, you should be aware of what's in the TOS, and particularly the Community Standards.  The TOS is somewhat dry and legalistic, and not the sort of thing that most people digest in one sitting (if they read it at all).  The Community Standrds, on the other hand, are a single page and quite easy to follow.  Violations of either one can get you suspended or ejected, which sounds terrbly harsh but makes sense once you read and see what they say. They are basically common sense things.  You'll see a collection of other policies listed at the end of the TOS.

On the less formal side, there are unwritten rules that again are mostly common sense but may be culturally biased. Don't just wander into someone else's property uninvited, for example.  Don't spam in groups.  In general, don't be a jerk. Landowners have absolute authority on their own land.  They may eject or ban anyone at any time for any reason -- or no reason at all -- without warning.  That means that individual landowners can make up their own rules (no nudity, no using ban lines, no running a business out of your home, no bling jewelry, no using Voice, .... ).  Linden Lab won't interfere in disputes between residents unless there is some reason the believe that somebody violated the TOS (It says that right in the TOS), so residents have to clean up their own messes.