Unit 5 Alternatives to Second Life

Are there dark clouds on the horizon for Second Life?

 The Exodus

Second Life has been receding since the closure of the Teen Grid on December 31, 2010.  Linden Labs have also stopped supporting their enterprise version of SL that could operate from behind a corporate firewall.  This has led many educators, corporations, military entities, and NPOs to start looking for new virtual worlds.  I am not sure what SL is thinking.  These entities were bringing new users into Second Life.  They may argue that they would come to SL for their intended purpose and leave.  In my mind I would be asking myself, "Why are they leaving?  As a SL noob, I felt lost.  The welcome center concept was an interesting concept but I think it left a bit to be desired.  I think the first thing would be a quick start guide in pdf form where noobs could learn some things to feel more comfortable with their new avatar.  I think it is this disconnect with their avatar that leads them not returning.  Second would be a destination guide, easily accessible on the the tool bar that would give them some things to see and do.  Obviously you can do this with a search today but, it is too meticulous for the new user.  You could even have beginner and advanced tool bars to have additional tools for their differing needs.  But, I digress.

Entities have been intrigued by virtual environments, even with the lack of control and adult content that SL offers.  It has left them wanting more and with SL not willing to provide, they have begun to look for new virtual environments to plant their flag.  The US Army has created their own grid that will allow them to work behind protected military firewalls.  They are working to make it to were sensitive data can be collaborated on and transferred.  Doctors, nurses and universities are using virtual world to simulate doctors exams.  It is much better than speaking to a plastic dummy.  Schools are moving to Open Simulator technology so that their creations can be housed on their own servers. 

3rd Rock Grid

My generic avatar in 3rd Rock

 I decided spend my obligatory 2 hours on 3rd Rock Grid. I was not really impressed.  I was similar to Second Life in most respects.  I never saw another soul while on the grid.  There were a total of 17 people on the grid when I was on it according to the website.  3rd Rock did get voice as of January 2012.  I looked up prices and found them to be a little pricey.  For a 3x3 Meg Region which is the equivalent of 9 standard regions, with 45,000 prim which $200 a month.  Textures are free and I was able to find a couple sandboxes to build things.  I just felt like it was just another Open Sim grid and I felt that I would not want to pay that much for server space if I could get it and my school district or on a usb drive.  I know my school would prefer to be behind a firewall.  I think I will stick with SL or SOAS.

I made a tshirt so I didn't feel so generic.

Clemson's College of Computer Science Region