I too am techncally new to SL, Although I started about 2 years ago and quit for this reason. I often find myself overwhelmed with ALL the places there are to go. So I fel lost and alone. Now still I find myself feeling like th OP. This game is HUGE and spread out. Useing the destination tab send me to places with very little acyivity even though it showed haveing 25 people in there. I think interaction with the local wild life at a club is just like a real club. If you don't have the satus your ignored. What I have found myself doing latly to combat this is just talking in genral chat. Once I start getting in there and talking people start talking back.. simple "hey how is everyone doing tonight" get a few responses...then a few compliment to the dj and host...start dancing and haveing fun listening to the music..before you kno ims are flying around. Unfortunately I'm not here to get a girl. I'm here for fun,music and exploreing. So if your want to engage in friendship you've gotta come outta your she'll and blow up the gen chat...