hazeonelove

I just reposted this in the thread you linked, THANK YOU!

I appreciate that thank you. I know can be a bit scatter brained and off topic at moments. But I'm glad some of you can still piece it together and understand it. Thank you!

I've been thinking that too. If he knows what that place is about, and insists on being there, then I need to just go my separate way. He's a great "kid" and a good friend. But, the variables just don't add up to a positive. And I would assume that I would just be more at risk.

If I may... As soon as you click "Log In" in your viewer, you're starting to RP. SL isn't a "game", where you turn it on and play through linear, or even open world, quests and or missions to move onto the next stage. SL is a social media tool, believe it or not. The name of it is Second Life for goodness sakes. By signing in, you're voluntarily participating in an online RP of the world. Of life. You dress your avi, buy things "as the avi", hang out with virtual people... It's already RP. Even if you don't go to an RP sim, you're still RPing. And just because someone may not agree or necessarily like a certain genre of RP, still does not give them the right to judge, by any means. I enjoy Star Wars RP from time to time. I don't expect anyone else to. But it would be rather silly for someone to talk negatively about it JUST BECAUSE THEY DONT GET IT. Being a child avi is an acquired taste. Just like BDSM RP or Furry/Neko RP. Do I necessarily like them? Maybe, maybe not. Do I understand why someone might light them? Yes. But that doesn't compel me to put down or call them "demented" for doing so. As this person said, why do you connect child avies with mental illness, past trauma, needing psychiatric help, etc.? Maybe some people just want to run around as a crazy kid. One of my good friends is a child avi. And he runs around with a knife and a Halloween mask, telling everyone he killed his neighbors and for some reason, gets told to burn things by imaginary leprechauns... Does that sound demented? Hell yes it does lol. But it's hilarious. And he does it all in good fun, all for a reaction. There is no hidden skeletons or trauma. He's just a bored person looking to have fun. And he came up with a great story to run with. So... I, or anyone else, can or will change your mind. And I'm personally not trying to. But I just recommend you get to know people before judging them on their taste or their appearance. Somehow, I have a feeling that this way of thinking is a prominent factor in your RL as well, carried over on to SL. You can be whoever you want in SL... Why be you?

There's a huge difference. And most of the time, it's fairly obvious. The ones in bikinis on the beach where no one seems to be... Come on. Then you see a lil baby running around is a dress or something, and you automatically think she's just like the other? No. Some just like the idea of RP. Another life or scenario to go through. Honestly, I don't even know why anyone would judge another resident. We all are on SL for one reason or another. Some handicap, some obese, some with low self esteem, some because they need to be social, and they somehow can't be in RL. We have no right to judge another. Child avi or old man avi. Furry, lion/human, purple reptile, vampire, bdsm Dom, bdsm sub, slave, master, the list goes on! And who the hell cares!!! Can we worry about the price of gas or some crap instead of this, please? Let's just help each other. I mean, grab an avi friend and go shopping. Everyone has their thing. And alright to do them. And let's just think for one moment... Even tho I don't condone it or participate in it... Isn't some guys avi virtually having sex with another ADULT who just so happens to play a child avi, better than a RL person raping and killing an actual child in RL? That's just a question.

I apologize for that, thank you for telling me. I'll remember and do so next time. In response to everyone... 1. Do not judge people. Please. This wasn't meant for you to get out your aggression on whatever child avi have hurt you in the past, and now you're bitter. Stop it. I know many child avies that are amazing people. A lot of which are very successful in SL, making children's clothes and such. Ever think about maybe they always wanted to design clothes for kids, or "adopt" a kid in SL because they can't have one in real life? It is therapy, at it's most human of forms. People helping people. Some adult never had parents, one never had kids... Now they have a place to come together and help each other. It's beautiful actually. I'm not a child avi, don't want to be. But I can understand why someone would be. And I respect that. Behind that avi is an adult human being, just like the rest of us. 2. I agree. I'm not trying to hang out there or get upset because I'm banned. As I said, it was scary. No I didn't plan on coming back anyway. But it is very disappointing that now, my little "brother" will not be around. That's where he hangs out, so now, we will not be able to hang out. Unless he wants to leave that place for awhile. But that's up to him and I'm not putting my chicken in a basket just yet on it. But I'm not concerned lol. It's not THAT serious of a thing. I'm not going to be heartbroken or any types of distraught over it. Will be missed tho. 3. There is and is not a fine line. It's a matter of opinion really. And I appreciate every opinion. But... My opinion is, there is. I say this because we're specifically speaking in terms of Linden being the governing/presidential entity. So, I'm specifically speaking about Linden's defined ideas and principals clearly stated in their TOS. And, taking into consideration the residential input of their experiences dealing with Linden affairs. In this Linden world we live in, it states that there IS a fine line between virtual pedophilia and Age-Play RP. The defining factor being, sexual acts of any kind with a child resident that DOES NOT STATE that they are of legal age. Therefore, dirty chat, is ok. Nude "family beaches" are ok. Places called things like "Daughter Runaways", "Daddy/Daughter playground"... (I do not know if these names are actual names of places. I have just seen places with these TYPES of names). And even those are ok, as long as they state "No Age-Play" somewhere in their profile. There's thousands of loopholes here. We should all know that. It's the exact same with RL government law. There are fine lines and loopholes that just let's the bad people go sometimes. And we have to accept that, because we're not going to change it. So... All this applies to the LINDEN principals and regulations/TOS. So... I want to clarify that. My personal opinion is not anywhere in this... And it's staying that way. SL is SL, not RL. So we have to "live in it" as such.

I understand the TOS and regulations for specific things in SL. So I know where the fine lines are and what is acceptable to report and what really doesn't matter, since it's on that fine line. But here's my story, and I'm not sure what to do about it, besides nothing. Because, it's on that fine line and reporting will do nothing. Story: I have a newly adopted little brother, well... He kinda just adopted me as his older brother lol. And he's great. He's his own person, with his own likes and dislike. The only thing we come together on is the RP part of being sibling. And it's a nice break from the rest of things. So in line with that, we spend time together and hang out. Obviously, has to be in PG places. Which is fine. So, he TP'd me to this one beach (shall remain nameless for their safety and mine. If you've ever been there, you know exactly which place I'm speaking of). So we were just hanging out dancing, talking to other people in local. And I saw this shout pop up about renaming someone's title. I love those things. I'm just the kinda guy to use it. Meaning, naming them something funny, rude, whatever. I understand humor is a bias opinion and I may be a jerk for doing so. But if you seriously put one of those titlers on, you should know that something CAN and MIGHT come your way in the form of a ridiculous title. So I went ahead and named the person once, yes I admit, it was vulgar and rude. Then the person reset it, and I put a different name. 9/10, no ones names people with those, the time just runs out (now I understand why people ignore them. Such as i am now). So I got an IM from the person, "You better think twice before doing it again". First of all, do not threaten me. If you want it to stop, be an adult. Tell me it's not appreciated. I will apologize, and stop. Simple as that. All that "status" and "rank" in SL is for the birds. I don't care who you are or what you own... Talk to me as a human being. That's all I ask. So I did stop. But even tho I did, I was still kicked and banned from the beach. I don't mind. I understand that some people like throwing their weight around. And I do admit my fault and take my consequence with a smile. That's not what I'm confused about. It's this... The Dilemma: If you wear a titler, but don't want random titles... Title yourself and leave it at that? I don't want random names either... That's why only I can mess with my title. And so, I save grief by doing so. If you don't enable something to happen, it won't. Again tho, I admit that it was my choice to be vulgar and or rude on the title. I'm not making excuses for my actions. But it's just a thought. Secondly... Isn't age play and pedophilia against TOS? The fine line is, sexual age play Vs. Age play RP, and I understand the difference. But this beach is blatant with it. You go there, and you get 5-15 IM's from little child avies, asking if you're looking for a "babygirl"/"babyboy" to take home and have "cuddles" with. If that's not blatant, I don't know what is. I personally don't understand THAT fetish. It's not mine. But to each their own. My confusion is... You get butthurt for something YOU enabled (the titler), and then proceed to ban me. Okay. But, running and operating a Pedo-Beach, as I call it, is completely okay? There's dudes with names like "ChildLover" there. Come on. I was just there with my little brother talking. Talking about Nutella for Christ sakes lol. So I'm just confused on what really is going on. To me, it just sounds like a little boy that got his feelings hurt and wanted to show he's strong by doing the ONLY thing he can, ban someone. Rather than pulling his big boy pants up and talking. So what do you think? What would you do? And as I said, all the "bad" stuff is going on through IM's, not local. So it's not an acceptable report. You know this by the 30 people standing around, but no one speaking. Kinda eerie actually. And you can ask around, this beach is known as the Pedo-Beach. I met 4 people just in my travels that have been there and it freaked them out. How blatant it all was. I'm not one to jump on the reports tho. Nothing was done to me harmfully. I got punished, and rightfully so. So I'm not reporting anything on that. But I'm asking your personal opinion on what you would do, if anything. P.S. I'm also not one to make an alt, aiming to somehow get revenge. It's truly not THAT serious. This is just my first experience with this.

Awesome, thank you!

If it is indeed photoshop, then I feel the same way. I get hesitant when I buy skins and shapes because of that. Half the time, the product looks nothing inworld as it does in the pictures and or advertisements.

I tried out the box light idea, and it looks good. I can raise and lower the intensity, change the color filter, etc. So, I can see lots of lighting options coming from that. But I still haven't messed with the environment editor. The most I've done with that is change the sun position when I'm in a place that's at night. I just hate when places are dark and don't have a "moon" or ambient windlight set. So I just change it to day time. So I can see. Other than that, I haven't touched anything. I opened the menu and was amazed at the millions of options and buttons. So I just closed it. Side note: I went to a photography place earlier this morning, and was interested in getting photos done. Just to see if they're good and can do something really kool. The first questioned I asked was, "do you turn your graphics all the way up and take the photos"? She said, "no, my computer won't allow me to". So... I'm not sure about the quality I'm getting. She edits the photos, I'm assuming in Photoshop, then sends them to the client. She also asks for half the money up front, before you get the pics. Kool thing is, the studio was a giant green screen room. So I'm sure she can add some really nice photos and backgrounds. The examples and photos she had on display were... Nice. But not the high high quality I wanted. The highest quality I saw were actually "morphs", not straight photos. And I just don't like the look of morphs. So, I'm going to see how my photos came out. If I'm not happy, then I'll need to find a better place. Any suggestions on photo studios? There has to be people out there with great computers, who can keep their graphics on high and take photos for people. As I said, I'm trying it myself. I guess all I need is a photo booth. But I need a big one. All the photo booths I've seen and used have been small. So when you zoom out, even a little, you can see everything outside of the background. Which sucks. So that's why the green screen room really intrigued me. I would do that, but I don't have the proper programs for green screens. Unless there's a free program I could get?

Awesome, thank you for that! And ya, I'm on the Firestorm viewer. Seems to be easier than the LL viewer. More options as well. And about facelight... I'm just not wearing them now. Seems like just a waste of space.

I agree. Facelights just don't seem to do anything got my avi. Maybe it's because I'm already very light skinned? Not sure. But I'm just not wearing them. And good advice about the light box!!! Thank you!

Awesome, thank you for that! Ya, I was kind of thinking that people just raise everything to Max for photos, then return the settings back to low. It only makes sense. And I know ZERO about face lights and windlight. I know I HAVE a face light... But no idea what it does when I wear it lol. And windlight... I understand WHAT it is. But I know nothing about customizing it and such. If you don't mind, explain what exactly face light does. And, where do I find the setting for windlight?

I'm adding you all into one response, I'm lazy lol. And I really don't feel like giving a simple 2 line response to each of you. You all deserve more. THANK YOU, everybody! It is comforting to know that there is a group out there that would understand where I'm coming from, and NOT think I'm asking for sympathy. We all know that card... But I have heard of "Cape Able" before. I'm not sure if I've been there and it was dead or if I couldn't find the location at all. But I know I went down some path towards Cape Able and didn't get far lol. So if you could please send me a group invite to... Virtual Disability? The other name you mentioned Treasure being on the board of, that one. I would appreciate it! And that sim sounds good too. I'm renting a skybox right now and it's... Not what I want. I feel confined in it, having no "outside". To the person that mentioned about "losing touch" (if I check your name, it'll delete my draft, I'm on mobile. Sorry.). I can see that. Even after a few months, let alone 5 years. Or 7, as Treasure mentioned. I too am starting to get bored of shopping and messing around. It's not an issue about money or "wasting" it. But still, it's getting very boring now. I learned early on that the marketplace is wayyyyyyyy faster and easy to use, than going inworld and looking at walls, or trying to. So it basically consists of... My avi hanging out with a friend or alone at my house, with a minor conversation, and me in RL, on my cell phone, looking through the marketplace. And I just buy what I want, then open it inworld. Not too exciting. Plus, I have expensive taste (purely mesh), so $7,000 doesn't last too long. Considering I just paid $2,200 for an AO. So I am trying to find things to do BEFORE I start losing my connection. Yes, running, walking, flying, etc. Is great. As the other person said, for a disabled person, that avi connection is almost real. And it's nice. Even tho I do agree with the person that said it CAN become an issue... That's dependent on your personality. And if I'm asking these questions THIS far in advance, I highly doubt I'm going to allow myself to make SL my RL, so to speak. I like keeping the barrier between SL and RL very prominent. Just for that reason there. But... I would like to get into some RP. Maybe an urban setting, fantasy setting with elves, etc. Something like that, to give me something to do. I'm no good at it, but it would be interesting to try out. I visited a few RP places, 2 were combat oriented, 3 were sex oriented (be careful, LM names can be false advertising lol), and 2 were basically a free for all. Combat, urban RP, etc. But they were all dead. Literally, not a soul. Virtual soul lol. The only thing close to RP that I've found active, are sex sims and Bloodlines. I tried BL, it's not for me. I wanted the RP aspect of it, and I didn't get it. So I stopped. I also agree with Treasure? I think that's who said it, or Jasmyn... Anyway. I also see SL as basically a 3D chat, Virtual Facebook. Is it the same? By all means, no. But that's how I treat it and enjoy it. I enjoy chatting, meeting folks, etc. I also agree to how I also see my avi. Customizing my avi is basically what I do all the time. I express myself, how I'd like to be, through my visual representation. Not the actions I do. Fitting a hat right or making those jeans fit perfectly is much more satisfying to me than doing something like BL, or any other thing of that sort, besides some RP. Just because... I want my avi to represent me as best as possible, aesthetically. I'll rephrase that... Represent HOW I FEEL I AM, aesthetically. P.S. Add me inworld or send me a message whenever all of you are ever on. We can send LM's and exchange info. It's just easier. I run this on my phone... My computer can't handle running SL AND the internet at the same time lol. I know , I'm sure, i missed one or two people. And I apologize if I did! I'll do my best to reply to everyone as soon as possible. Thank you all for the input!!! Any more to give, just give me a holler.

Quick couple questions, and info and help is greatly appreciated. How can/do I make my avi look like the ones modeling on clothing advertisements and displays? For technical info, I'm wearing the [BIG] Screamo Shape with a few tweaks of my own (usually the hands and feet are way off on shapes), and a Fruk Lennon Blonde Skin. It's all fine. I love it. But I'm wondering, how do I get my avi to be all smooth and such? I know there is a "smoother corners" slider bar in the graphics preferences menu. I do have it turned down so that SL can run smoother. But is that it? If I remember correctly, the slider really didn't change anything... But increased the lag. Or, is it something totally different? Like, is it just camera tricks and or filters? If it's the first one, then I'm not going to worry about it. SL lags enough as it is. But if there's something else I can do to get that smooth, realistic look... Please fill me in. P.S. Just real quick, can someone explain to me the concept of deleting scripts? I seem to be running like 50 or something? But nothing's moving or animated. So... I don't know lol. But I read that people just delete the scripts after editing the object. And I'm just not sure how that works. Thank you for reading! All input is appreciated! Ciao!

Great point. And I do agree, content creators definitely spend more time in-world. Creating seems to be where I'm headed, mainly because I don't really enjoy most other things related to SL. Like the sex part, certain RP's, combat, etc. It's just not my thing. So I would love to attend a class or even just get some basic info on creating, building, texturing and scripting. But I'm not sure where to start, besides YouTube. But I want to learn about SL FROM SL. Just part of the minor "RP" I like. Treating SL as it's own entity. Even tho I'm sure I can learn off of YouTube in a quick second.

I'd love to learn all about creating. It is damn fun. I'm interested in creating clothes as well.

I can see how my words can be taken as prejudice, and you very well be correct that I am being that way. But that's not my intentions. I have the same sob story as a lot of people: been hurt a lot and let down by a lot of people in the past, so now I'm a guarded and jaded **bleep**. That's pretty much right on the nose right there. So, I may be prejudging, but if I am, then it's only a misinterpretation of my guard being up. And friendships in RL, you're correct, I have no interest in socializing and getting friends. But in SL, friends are fine. Even close ones. But nothing more than that. I'm definitely not interested in all the SL girlfriend business. But as I said, I'm always open to the idea, if the right person comes along. But thank you for the input. And you made a great point on if I'm so concerned, then **bleep** it in the butt now, before it even starts. So thank you for that.

Well said, and it's very much appreciated. I can smell the stagnant air of SL slowly creeping... So I kind of figured all this fascination is a phase, and will slowly die out over time. I do admit, I am, in general, an antisocial person these days in RL. And I forgot to mention, I'm NOT like that in SL. So let me clarify that. I don't like being around people in public. But in SL, I thrive in sociality. I was a host at a club for awhile, and they loved how energetic and talkative I was. That ship has sailed, but I'm still pretty talkative still, in SL. I do my best to stay clear of drama, so I do watch what I say and how I say it. But nonetheless, SL let's me be talkative, even tho I'm not in RL. Which is another reason why I enjoy SL. But as you said, there's still a lot I haven't experienced yet. And I would love to try those things. But... I think I'm going to wait until I'm bored of SL. Then I'll move on to building more, making clothes, mesh, animations, what have you. I just don't want to run through it and hit that stagnant point too fast. I already have bored nights, due to friends being busy with drama and me not wanting to get involved, and also because none of my current friends seem to do... Anything. They just... Sit around. So finding some good conversations to get into or spots to hang out at is slim to none. I find myself just traveling through the map and exploring whatever sim I randomly click on and tp to.

Again, as in every post I've written, not sure if this is the right area for this. If not, just let me know and I'll move it. Before I get into my debate/question, I think it's best if we get some details and info out. Not everybody's situation is the same and I understand that some people DO have a problem/addiction to SL. For those people, I wish you the best and hope you find the right balance for yourselves. I'm not here to point fingers, put blame, talk down to, or exploite anyone's real issues. This is MY question for MYself. I don't expect anyone who's NOT in my situation to understand. But I appreciate all opinions and input. First: I'm 27 years old and was born with Muscular Distraphy. I've been in a wheelchair and on a ventilator (breathing machine) since I was 19 months. My parents taught me to "be normal", simply meaning, don't let myself think I'm different. So, I had a pretty emotionally rich childhood and life. I started learning guitar at 13, still play everyday. I always have loved art and became a professional artist in my own right. Painting, selling up to $900 a piece. Designing tattoos, animation, drawing, and teaching all the little baby cousins how to draw too. Which I love doing. Love kids. Midway through that adventure, I began schooling, aiming for my BA in psychology with a minor in business and advertising. I was in my last year when I had suddenly had a severe accident happen in my life which landed me in the hospital for 2 weeks, just so happened to be finals week. And to my dismay, the professor wouldn't allow me to retake the test. Therefore I would have to redo the whole year, all over again. Which I wasn't going to do, given my anger at the situation. So I left. But I left with a lot of knowledge, which I'm still grateful for. A year or two down the line, I kept on with the music and art... I had a handful of "serious" relationships through those years, "serious" in quotations due to the realization that the others weren't so serious obviously. Those all ended pretty much the same. I was the guiding light in their lives after a heartache for them. I guess a handicap man with a lot of energy makes a bipedal walking person have hope or feel better? Not sure. So they gave it a shot, for awhile it's great... Loving, loyal, passionate, accepting... Then somehow they all seem to get... Bored? That's the only thing I can come up with, boredom. I paid for everything, housed them, fed them, loved them... And their kids, for those ones that had kids. I don't cheat, lie, steal, or disrespect. Even when I'm at my angriest, I will still NOT call a woman out of her name or cuss at her in a demeaning manner. It's just not how I was raised. So I'm not doing it. I've been engaged twice, obviously the same story as the others I just mentioned. They wind up starting to talk to "normal" guys that just so happen to be exactly like me, just not in a chair. For the curious minds out there, my body works. I can walk, stand, move, etc. Every limb works, let's leave it at that. So sex was definitely not an issue. I say all this just to show how I've been through a fairly "normal" life. I used to go out a lot. Go to concerts and local band shows with friends, hang out at friend's houses, etc. I DO have a job, 32 hours a week at $10 an hour. I do NOT necessarily need a job, I do get government aid, as little as that is. But the extra pocket money is nice and it does give me something to do and get out of the house. That's that. Now, my character/personality... I'm a nerd. I collect comics and collectibles, I still play Super Nintendo and old school games, I love talking about that stuff. I have friends that I love to death and that I care about, family that I love, and other things I like to take time to do, like watching movies. I'm a huge movie fan. Also another topic I love discussing. I don't really enjoy being out anymore, probably because of all the heartache, I just don't care to even get involved in other people's lives. Sometimes I care too much, to the point where I'm giving advice or suggestions to people that really have no desire to change. Which puts me in the middle, looking not so good. And since my intentions were pure, I usually just quickly separate myself from a situation like that, not letting myself care too much. After all of that, I decided to be... For lack if a better term, selfish. Being selfish is NOT always a bad thing, nor negative. If no one has ever given you the courtesy or kindness in your life, it's only expected that one would in turn focus on giving themselves that attention and kindness. Which, most people prejudge as selfishness. I tend to ask "why" first, rather than judge. Because I know that there are some reasons behind those decisions. Whether those reasons be valid or not, is dependent on the situation and person. So, in turn, I became selfish. I don't go out anymore, only to WalMart and Best Buy on occasion. Oh, and also Rite Aid, to put cash on my debit card for SL lol. But that's it. 99% of the time, I'm in my room, watching movies, playing games, or on my computer. I do have my "brother" (best friend that I get along with and hang out with more/better than my actual blood brothers) come over about once a week, and we spend hours discussing movies, comics, music, play games, etc. But that's pretty much my extent of social interaction. It sounds very synical and unhealthy I'm sure, but to be honest, I don't like the general population. For one, I don't like prejudgement. I really don't. People say, "everyone does it, it's human nature". No, I'm sorry, I don't. If you have an interracial child and are a single mom, I'm not going to automatically assume that your ethnic husband beat you and is for some reason in prison now, and that must be your story. I don't do that. Secondly, I just don't like large groups of people. Even spread out inside a store like WalMart, I just run in (roll in lol), get what I need or want, then leave. Quick, simple, easy. No need for conversations or even words to be spoken. I feel this way and do things this way because I have found very little people that share the same passions I do. Even if I do find them, I seem to be more knowledgeable in the area of topic and find the conversation to be more like a seminar, teaching, rather than a conversation, sharing. The ones that do share the same passion as me, like my best friend, are neatly placed in my life. I use Facebook to communicate with everyone as a whole, so I don't see a problem with "I'm losing my friends because of SL" happening. My job is very secure also, and so is my living situation. So no worries there either. Now that that's said and understood, onto... The point: I'm about 2 months and some change old, and already can see the addictive-ness that goes along with SL. I do play everyday, but not hours on end. Most I've spent at one time, I'd say around 6 hours. But that was on a day off and I just learned how to build and texture a simple block, which I thinned out and stretched into a poster frame, then went ape **bleep** putting posters on the walls of my house. Spent about $L500 that night JUST on uploading movie poster pics to put on the blocks. That's my excuse for the 6 hours spent, and I'm sticking to it lol. But building is pretty damn fun, so I'm sure I'll be doing more of that in the future. Aside from that one time, I may spend 2-4 hours on SL a day, always with the sound off and music, or a movie, playing. I like keeping the SL/RL barrier very pronounced, I just feel it's "safer" that way, for me. When I'm on SL, I usually just travel, try to meet people, etc. Not very many comic-related sims, but the ones I've found are pretty impressive, if not still in progress. I'm not interested in dating or sex or anything. I'm up for the idea, if the right person comes along. But I'm not quick to give out my feelings these days, and I'm keeping it that way. Friends are always accepted tho, and I've met some pretty kool ones. Ones that I actually talk to, or text, in RL. BUT STILL, I keep my distance. I know at any moment any one of them could possibly flip their lid, turn out to be completely different than how they portrayed themselves, could be fake, whatever, etc. A number of things could happen. So, by keeping my distance, I can detach whenever necessary and not go through a bunch of unnecessary emotions. Life is full of that already, why cause more drama to yourself? I don't know, but that's me. And I support people for whatever it is they choose. My question: Would you consider MY situation as being addicted, or heading there, to SL? I know the hours I spend on SL are nowhere near the hours that the typical "addicts" spend on it (6 hours at most compared to staying up 48 hours). But I find myself too, thinking about SL at work, wanting to be on SL whenever I can. Even if just to tweak my AO a bit. Is it just that I'm new and it's an exciting and new experience to me? Or, am I headed into an addictive situation? I looked up this topic and found no real opinions on it, given my specific scenario. Which is why I'm asking here. Given my situation... I feel that SL is positive therapy. Not taking over my life, but enhancing the little life I was dealt. I understand the idea people have, that SL is so addictive because you can make it how you want/wish your RL was. Whether that means being a superhero, or just a DJ in a club. But for me, in my situation, walking, jumping, sitting on the ground... These are dreams to me. Let alone flying and walking underwater lol. So I don't think I can compare what I get out of SL to what others get out of it. Which I'm not trying to do anyhow. But... What do you think? Give as much detail and insight as you'd like, share your experience if you will too. Thanks for taking the time to read this, sorry... I know I ramble and give too much detail sometimes lol. Ciao! :)

Oh sweet. Great info, thank you. I had no idea that Linden Land, or land received from a premium membership, has different privileges than privately owned land that you purchase and or rent. Definitely changes things. So essentially, even with a small plot of Linden Land, my house can be as extravagant as I'd like?

That helps very much I'm not really interested in going through the hassle of building and the works. Although it seems fun, I know myself and I wouldn't spend much time their anyway. I'm usually traveling around with my R2-D2 sidekick and exploring the map. I'm sure it's a good time, but I honestly just don't feel like going through that entire process. Not yet anyway. And as far as my comment about a sim being "non-populated"; I need to take that back. That was contradicting what I said also. I DO want a populated area. But that's as long as I can rez there and obviously set "home" to their. My comment was more intended towards the "somewhere to teleport to when SL glitches..." statement. But if it's populated, that's perfect. The idea of an actual community living in a neighborhood (sim suburbia) like an actual city or town is great. Because all I've found are empty sims with places to rent.

Awesome, thank you for that. And that's what I was thinking after doing the math and thinking about available prims per cost versus prims per home (to Rez or build). And from what I came up with... It would be cheaper to rent a place. But, if I want land and want to build and or expand, then a premium membership would be more beneficiary. From what I know, from friends, most (if not all) of all of their available prims are used up by one simple house, without furniture. So I think it would just be crappy if I go premium and NOT be able to build and furnish a house to my likings, without paying for more available prims. But... Also, I've noticed that NOT ALL rental areas allow rezzing. Which is a part of why I'm looking for a home anyway. If I'm going to spend $L200-300 a week but can't rez... Then I just rather float around in virtual air space lol.

Thank you for that break down. I'm a numbers guy, so that's exactly what I needed. If possible, could you tell me some if the benefits or "support" you were speaking of, that comes with the premium subscription?

Awesome, thank you for your opinion. Do you happen to know of any good sims to rent on? Or any suggestions on where I should start my search for a rental?