At the time this was announced, and if I remember correctly there was not only announcements of the band having their own avatars to roam Second Life, but there was also an announcement of an online concert IN Second Life. (presumably in the Duran Duran universe) To a lot of fans, this was excellent news! Not only could we go to shows in our real life, but our alter egos could attend them in our other life, too! Double the fun! So, off to Second Life we went! The program was downloaded, avatars and names picked, and customization began. Then the fun started, as one must learn how to “move” on Second Life.
My recollection of moving on Second Life was mainly that no matter which direction I wanted to go in – my avatar would simply ignore me and either “fly”, or get stuck in some sort of odd dance routine. At the time, I was an avid video game player (although truth be told this was well before the XBox or even the Wii took up residence in our home), and I still couldn’t figure out the basics. I took the requisite tutoring sessions, tried to ask a lot of questions and eventually I could walk a semi-straight line as long as I didn’t try anything fancy – like run or anything.
At this point, I would say I was less than two weeks into Second Life. Actually, it could have been longer – I’m not really sure. All I know is that Duranies were EVERYWHERE. I really believe that once the band announced their intentions, fans flocked to the game – many gave up almost immediately because the learning curve is fairly steep, but many were able to figure it out, and I have friends who became very successful pole dancers in Second Life! In my case, I knew that I wouldn’t pay for a membership – money was scarce in this house at the time – but I wanted to see what I could do with the game otherwise. Most of my time was spent trying to find money in trees, wandering the different lands looking for free stuff to put…well…nowhere because I didn’t have a home, and watching all of the other crazy first-timers learning how to move. It became obvious rather quickly that I did not have what it takes to navigate through my real life here at home AND maintain a successful Second Life, so I bid the game adieu.
The joke here, as most fans know, is that it’s been years…and I mean YEARS…since the band announced their intentions to join Second Life. I can’t even remember the name of their special “land” within Second Life, but it’s been under construction for what seems to be an eternity. I thought for sure that this brainiac idea of theirs had gone way of the countless other ideas that have obviously been locked away in the Duran-vaults in Nick’s house. Why Nick’s house? I don’t know, I guess I chose his house because we’ve talked enough about Simon lately, and quite honestly – who here doesn’t think Nick have closets and vaults of ideas!?!?
I’d completely forgotten about Second Life until this past week – Nick’s birthday to be precise – when it was announced that their Second Life land will open on June 22nd, and I’m assuming that’s in REAL LIFE time as opposed to Durantime, or Second Life time! Now the question becomes, do I dare download Second Life again, start over and learn how to move, or do I skip it, full well knowing that my real life is still more than enough to handle?
-R
I never bothered with Second Life when they first announced the whole thing, because my computer technology at the time was probably not up to handling it without major frustrations. A few friends of mine really got into it, but I'm not sure how much time they spend there anymore. And now, even with better technology available to me, I don't think I'd try it. Like you said, I have enough trouble dealing with my first life, I can't let myself get sucked into a virtual thing that will eat up whatever remaining time I do have. (Which knowing how I am, could very easily happen.)
When they were first planning the Second Life concert, Second Life was new and one of those “new technology things to get in on.” Now, though? It really isn't even all that popular. I keep up with these things and I only know one person who actually uses it.
I'm skiddish about downloading it again as well. When I tried it the first time the game was really, really buggy. I'd get stuck between walls and so forth. Plus, there wasn't much to do since I wasn't going to spend any real-life money.
However, now that I have a better computer, and *hopefully* some of the issues with SL have been fixed since then. I might give it another go. But I'll wait for someone else to try it first and report back to the rest of us!
I thought that part of the appeal of Second Life was that the guys might be there and we might be able to interact with them. I wonder now if the appeal would be the same since interactions happen via twitter and facebook. I also remember John not being into it but Nick was very excited. What does that say about them since the opposite is true when it comes to twitter?
-A
I didn't know much of this game, or virtual world we may say, until I saw the announcement in the page.
I downloaded the game, made my avatar and walked, as a matter of speaking, in that universe.
I didn't found anything specially attractive in it, but i'll wait until the 22 to see.
I have doubts about it, I think as Amanda that twitter is already our link with the guys, and we really love it.
We will wait and see, meanwhile i'll keep trying to learn more about Second Life… But i agree that our real lifes are plenty enough with activities… (bah, I say that now, if the guys get into it, I will follow them without a doubt)
See you =)
I will say this much. The Durama and strife are running high in SL and honestly has for years within the Duran community.
Im one of the few that caught the virtual world appeal. I invested for me a small fortune into SL. Ive been back stabbed and accused of one of the most horrid things a Duranie can ever be accused of. Ive been to the islands cos of some personal reasons that I wont get into here.
Im still in SL, Lady is now an integrated part of me. My virtual representation of the physical me. I moved from SL (read my blog for more indebth info) to another virtual world called InWorldz. Im happy there, I build I create, I socialise.
Contrary to the rumours said about me I was never in it for the money. Whether people choose to belive me or not is non of my concern. They will belive what they want to belive.
My close friends in and out of Second Life knows me and knows what Im about and that is what counts.
Enjoy SL for what it is if you go there. Its not a game its a “second” life. Treat it as such and have fun with the endless possibilities that a virtual life can give you
Peace out 🙂
Lady S
I will NOT do it again. I went to SL on the first round and waited. They may have their act together now, but I will not go back to SL again.
Wow. I actually wrote a blog that got some discussion going, and I wasn't even around to join in!! 🙂
I really didn't understand or get the appeal of Second Life, to be honest. To me – it IS a game. I know of quite a few people that felt like you, LadyS and treated it as a virtual life – but this is where it obviously just didn't click with me because I couldn't quite get that way. I'd have to liken it to being a Duranie. Either you get it and can hang with it, or you just don't – and you laugh at those of us who will travel to see the band at shows. Either way is fine, it just is what it is. I honestly have no idea what you're meaning with regard to the durama and or the idea that you are in it only for the money – sometimes (for me) ignorance really is bliss. 😀 I enjoy hearing the stories of others without a bias! – Thanks for sharing your experiences. @Mac – I hear you on that one. I have to admit I'm curious, but not curious enough to download. There's a small part of me that's worried I'm missing out on something, but you know – I only have so much time in the day and already I'm over the limit!
I will say though, if you're on Second Life and have the chance to see this new land and everything that's going on – let us know what you think. Send us an email at dailyduranie@gmail.com! 🙂 -R