Media Consumers to Media Creators

I strongly agree that a shift has occurred in people of all ages from media consumers to media creators. Especially since people are spending so much time on the Internet - it only seems logical that the next step would be contributing/creating to online communities.  

So, I took that next step and downloaded the software for Second Life and created an avatar (My SL name is Ava Mertel). My first experience was somewhat strange. It was similar to a tutorial where you have to complete tasks in order to advance. I couldn’t wait to get to the next stage where I could alter my appearance. I was hideous and my hair …. Oh how should I put it, well I looked like a NKOTB groupie (not that anything was wrong with that 20 years ago!) After I played around with my appearance and tried to look halfway decent I moved on to the next phase. Actually, I had one mission – To find the Second Life Library. Well, first I have to say I am a SIMS lover and I initially went into SL thinking it would be similar. If you are new to MMOGs you might want to take more time in the orientation phase. I may have moved to fast from here due to my excitement of getting to the library and somehow teleported myself to what I imagine Hell must be like. Tons and tons of avatars crammed into one space – pure insanity! I conducted a search to get myself out of there but every time I tried to get out of Dante’s Inferno I was prompted with a message that the server was full. After awhile I was finally able to teleport to the Library and it was such a breath of fresh air. However, not much was going at the time I arrived. Info Island is made up of 10 different islands (Second Life Library, Consumer health Island, EduIsland, etc.). When you arrive calendars are available to check events. Some cool events that were going on the following day were – “Game Design” and “Teens, publishing and technology”. You can easily pick up free education news for the week. 

Entering the Library: Upon entering I was greeted by Yoda. First I thought – “Oh no, where did I teleport myself,” but I guess a librarian wasn’t on duty at the time I arrived. It was cool that you could get a list of the NYT Bestsellers and it said check back for a librarian created reader’s advisory lists. Nice Touch! I thought the computer lab was cool – you could get news online, wiki resources, etc. But I kept thinking why do I need to click on these tiny computers to link to a URL instead of just typing in the URL in my real life?? Each floor was really intriguing (Floor 2 Gov Docs). 

Here I am hanging out! I wish more people were here when I came. I will have to test coming at a different time or for a scheduled event.   

Here’s me getting a Free T-Shirt. I couldn’t pass that up!  

 I tried teleporting around to try to find some book discussions. I found one in a Victorian City and took a train ride. Very Cool! Obviously I have much more exploring to do in SL. I’m really captivated by 3D virtual worlds and the idea of combining library programs/events. If the concept is to go where our users are, well then I think or first step should be experimenting with a tools like SL. Libraries could use SL for reader’s advisory, book discussions, visiting authors (just think the $$ the library would save – no plane or hotel accommodations), concerts, reference questions, or the privacy of asking consumer health questions. There are lots of great ideas to open the library up to this fascinating arena and who cares how your hair looks!