Mercury Barnes

Social, is the most important aspect of this game. I've looked through the list of User Groups and see a distinct focus on the Technical (Viewer 2, Markeplace, scripting, etc.). What I don't see is a discussion of the Social and it's importance. The closest might be the Adult (Zindra) and Teen issues, but again, these will likely be focussed on the technical (content and access). People come to SL to socialize. How people are gated into the game and initially socialized is critical for retention. They come to the game to meet others and while they can do any number of activities (building, music, commerce, romance, etc.), the reason(s) they stick is usually the social groups they bond with. The loss rate of new residents is appalling for any number of reasons, reasons that can and should be discussed. Trying to get new resident that speaks Spanish to a place with helpful peers is far too hard. Same is true for helping them find the social groups that they might care about (be it via Search or discussion with an appropriate person). SL could grow massively at any time if the rentention rate of new residents was increased. I don't really care what folks do once they get into SL (be it Gor or Education), but getting them to have an initial experience that they enjoy so they come back seems very important. The first hour of SL is very important...I'm sure the stats show a huge loss rate at this time. I know how easy it is for a new resident to have a good experience, and stick with it, but also when they have a bad experience, and bail. I can easily trivialize the complexities of the Viewer and put new residents at ease on the technical if I get the chance to talk with them. I can even suggest social groups they might be interested in after talking with them for a while. Many others can too, but the issue is ensuring that new residents get to appropriate places where their initial experience will have them logging back in. Much of SL depends on that "first hour" -- it is important and should be discussed.

New Resident walk, though...I can tell. Hit a Welcome Area and get recommendations and help on a "real AO."

Wow, There's lots missing like Inventory and Lindens and being able to customize your avatar, but, this is flat-out impressive. I was able to fly around, use camera controls, and really did feel like I was in SL on a decent portable, watching myself on an LCD projector. Needs voice, but for getting folks in for business or conferences, or for attending live SL events, this is slick and easy. I'm deeply impressed. Thanks.