Discussion: Shapeshifting, soul changing?

This week's topic was "Shapeshifting, soul changing? - the in's and out's of change in SL (Second Life)!". Second Life allows for a lot of diversity and change. We talked about how big an impact this possibility has on all of us. Changing our avatar's shape tends to stir the most interesting reactions in others and in ourselves! The discussion was kick-started with the question "Why do we feel the need to "change" in SL? Simply because "we can" or is there something deeper?". It was interesting to see that most felt "change" in SL as fun and experimenting and not exactly as a "need". For some, change was also a test to others. The group talked a lot about how changing into an appearance that strides outside the norm triggers the most unexpected attitudes in others. Someone in a wheelchair or who has an avatar that goes outside the "norm" is often invisible. This generated a bit of debate as some didn't fully agree with it! The group also discussed how much one changes during the course of his/her SL experience. For some it was a matter of changing until they found their "look" that, in a way, is their identity, finding it now difficult and awkward to have a different look by changing something as simple as a skin. For others, change was an integral part of existing in SL, something that made things far more interesting. Does change transfer from SL to RL, not only physically but psychological/emotionally too? Everyone agreed that it does. It may be in small things, such as a new found clothing style, or in extremely important issues like feeling more confident for instance. As a conclusion, the ability to change is a very important part of being alive, both in RL (Real Life) and in SL. It should also be reason for enjoyment in SL and not finger-pointing. Wouldn't it be great if SL could give a big push towards understanding and tolerance in what our outer (and inner too!) shape is? Join us next time at LnL for a new topic anda lively and interesting group of people! Looking forward to seeing you! :)

One year anniversary at LnL!

April 22 2009. London and I had just changed our SL life completely for reasons that went beyond our choices. Scattered all over the grid were our friends. With no place to meet, we felt that a good way to stay in touch would be to create a group. And that was how L&L Square was born, a square where we could "meet"! After many unexpected turns, LnL became a brand as well. A very small clothing store was opened at first with TShirts only. Then we felt the need to expand considering the good feedback and results we got. The collection started offering complete outfits as well. April 22 2010, LnL continues to gather people, its starting objective, through events, for instance a weekly discussion group open to the whole grid, the participation in hunts, the creation of special environments for the hunters to enjoy a more immersive experience, a few parties, and there are plans to grow even more! There will be an extension to the store (check out the composit London prepared for the blog!!) with a new, totally different, line of clothes that will be absolutely amazing! It was a great year and London and I wish to thank you all for making it possible and for taking part in this wonderful project!

Discussion "The Love Word - relationships in SL"!!

The topic for Tuesday of last week was "The Love word! - relationships in SL". A relationship is in itself a very complex issue. Add to that the SL-factor and it might become something unpredictable! The group started by talking about what drives the beginning of an Second Life (SL) relationship. Some defended that it is the same as in Real Life (RL) while others believed that factors like anonimity or geographical distance are crucial for people to feel bolder. Having the possibility of total privacy in SL makes it possible to not waste time on trivialities and people tend to be more direct, talking about their feelings and emotions. Sex seems to be possible more easily as well, some defended. The group talked a lot about fantasy in SL. Is an SL relationship a fantasy? All agreed that it is what one intends it to be, fantasy or reality, despite the fact that when expectations are different from one partner to the other that might be the cause for serious problems both in SL and in RL. Regarding intimacy in SL, all agreed there is indeed intimacy, although this was not an easy concept to define. To the question, what makes SL relationships work, things like open communication, honesty and respect were mentioned. For some the relationship stays in SL, for other RL is inevitably a part of SL, changing it and influencing it. To the fact that SL relationships seem to be fast-paced, starting and ending quickly, some suggested spending too much time together was a stress factor while others pointed out that there are close to no consequences if a relationship collapses. This was a very interesting and lively discussion! Many new faces attended and a lot of familiar ones as well! It was great fun! Join us next time for a new topic at LnL's Lounge! :)

Discussion April 6 at 2pm SLT - postponed!

UPDATED: Due to RL taking over, this discussion will be postponed one week. It will take place on April 20 at 2pm SLT.

Topic "The Love word! - relationships in SL"
Time: Tuesday, April 6 at 2pm SLT
Discussion: A relationship is in itself a very complex issue. Add to that the SL-factor and it might become something unimaginable! What drives them? What kills them? Are they irrealistic? Why the drama in many of them?
Drop by LnL's Lounge to discuss the rocky paths and the sweet sides of relationships in SL. We are looking forward to seeing you! :)

Enileda Hunt on till April 15!

The Enileda Hunt is on till April 15 and it is so much fun! This photo is of the set up LnL has for the hunt! It's hidden! ;) We dare you to find it! Do click the red "I" at Landing Point to get info about the ongoing hunts, for example the object you are looking for and hints! Come on over to LnL!

The hunting continues! Enjoy!

Here is an update on the ongoing and future hunts!

Ongoing:
*The Enileda Hunt - until April 15
*Irontail Hunt - until April 30
*MHOH - until April 30

Future:
* DarkKatz Hunt - starts May 1o
* Myths and Legends Hunt 2 - starts May 15
* Go4Goal Hunt - starts June 11

As you get to LnL, make sure to click the red "I" to get a notecard with plenty of info about the ongoing hunts, namely the object you are looking for and hints! Have fun with the cool prizes we have prepared for you!

Discussion on Communication in Second Life!

Tuesday we met at LnL's Lounge to talk about the topic "What?! I'll mute you... - Communication in SL!" (great picture London prepared for the blog! Thank you, thank you!!). Communication in general and especially in SL, with its constraints and limitations, is one of the most fascinating issues! This was a very interesting and lively discussion! Again a great group and a lot of interesting opinions. Everyone thought that communication in SL is complex, not to say difficult! Anonimity seems to open the door to a more informal speech which for many reasons create misunderstandings. For non-native speakers of the language that is being spoken in a particular moment/location, have an added difficulty when verbal language is the main means of communication. On non-verbal communication, the group agreed that gestures and emoting help make things clearer. There is a lot of "noise" in the communication flow in SL. For example, IMing, notices, the use of voice by people we are not talking to, group chats. The group thought all this information was positive but that it demanded an extra effort from all of us. To end the discussion, the group suggested ways of improving communication in Second Life: listening before speaking, being respectful, using full sentences (for example for those who are not native-speakers or those less used to all the abbreviations that are common in SL/online), being empathic, kind and understanding. As a conclusion, communication is absolutely vital for all social interaction. Giving a bit of thought to the way we say things in SL might be the difference between a stressful catastrophe and making sure all sides are being heard and understood. :) Drop by LnL next Tuesday at 2pm SLT to discuss a new topic!

10 000 plus visitors!!!

More than TEN THOUSAND visitors at LnL!! WOOOHOOO!! The counter was set up in January of this year! Isn't it amazing? Thank you to all who have given LnL support and friendship! :)