Comments on: Second Life – how is it for you?

By: VeFFWrubjmpg

VeFFWrubjmpg — Sun, 18 May 2008 07:33:44 +0000

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By: iheni » Blog Archive » In search of Wilde

iheni » Blog Archive » In search of Wilde — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:03:38 +0000

[...] by a comment left by Tina on an earlier post about Second Life I decided to go in search of Wilde, a resident of SL who is made up of a number of individuals who [...]

By: iheni

iheni — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 08:24:34 +0000

Hi Tina, thanks so much for your book recommendation. I’m getting it today and plan to get stuck in straight away!

I am constantly amazed by all the innovative ways people use SL and “Wilde”, for me, has to be the most impressive yet. I love the idea of combining forces and achieving what you set out to achieve and possibly even better. It’s great that there is something out there like SL that allows people to do that. But while it’s a great framework I really do hope we can keep pushing it towards being more accessible both technically and by raising awareness within the community itself.

I’m looking forward to exploring the islands that the Lindens have donated to help such causes and meeting people. I would also love to hook up with you and anyone else reading my blog so if you are around drop me an email at accesssecondlife@gmail.com and let’s take it from there.

Once I’ve earned enough Linden Dollars (which I’m currently doing by dancing on the beach somewhere!) I’ll also be setting up a group in SL called Stuff4Sam. This is a group where I’ll be looking to continue fund raising for Sam but also promote awareness around issues of access and possible campaign so come and join me!

Stay in touch.

By: iheni

iheni — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 08:11:09 +0000

Hi Caroline, thanks for your comments. I’ve had a couple of people say the same about writing slowly and others getting impatient.

I think communicating in a second language when chatting is also tough especially in a group situation. I speak very bad Mandarin and have often felt like I came across slow when I speak and unable to keep up in conversation in a way that I could if I was speaking my native tongue.

But then, as you say, SL can be a level playing field and you can be what you want to be. Something that is great but can also lead to it’s dangers. Something that I’ve come across a couple of times is wheelchair users in RL opting to have a wheelchair in SL which really interested me.

Thanks for your thoughts!

By: Tina Fisher

Tina Fisher — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:59:14 +0000

I stumbled accross your blog and was moved to make a comment. I too am a resident in SL and am also fascinated by a place that can offer so many oppertunities to people who may be unable to experience things in RL for various reasons. I would highly reccomend that you read Second Lives A Journey Through Virtual Worlds by Tim Guest. (I got mine from Amazon) The author talks about certain groups that have set up islands in SL for exactly the reasons you have touched upon. One group is made up of individuals who suffer from such things as cerebal palsy to ‘learning diffculties’ some have verbal communication skills, some not. This group all join together to become ‘Wilde’ in one av.they have a wonderful lady called Mary who is able to communicate with them and then through her they live a full Second Life. They are suddenly freed from the constraints they are used to in RL. They can freely move… even fly, they are not ostracised by the community. They are able to communicate effectively and perhaps the most beautifull thing of all, they can express themselves in a way that they have never been able to before. The book had me in tears at times and made me appreciate what a wonderful forum SL and other virtual worlds are.
The lindens have even donated whole islands to help such causes.
If you cannot buy the book, email me I will send you a copy as I really think you should read it.
Good luck and email me any time should you need to.
Love to Sam