Tutorial overview

Use this guidance to find out about Second Life etiquette.

Although some modes of behaviour are not specifically mentioned in the Community Standards, here are some guidelines that are simply polite to follow.

Don't walk into other avatars

Bumping into others or, in general, clumsy navigation and communication are to be expected from new avatars. A simple 'Sorry, I'm new' will soften the response of others. Don't be mistaken for a troublemaker, i.e. 'griefer', who has no intention of respecting residents or you may find yourself barred from some regions.

Practise navigating your avatar around with the keyboard controls and you will soon be able to avoid clumsy collisions.

Don't ask for a resident's real life details, e.g. gender or name

This is generally considered rude and won't make you any friends!

When you're on the university's Web Campus you are welcome to ask whether a person is associated with the university, and information may be volunteered at this point, however, you are not entitled to know. To find out if anyone from the IS Learning Team is on the island, click on the telephone box in the sandbox area and you will be given a list of avatar names.

Don't make too much noise!

Avoid shouting or speaking in CAPITAL LETTERS in local chat. If someone asks you to go away or seems to be ignoring you, don't keep on pestering them. If you are using Voice, remember to turn off your microphone when you are listening. No one else wants to hear feedback or the sound of your breathing and sneezing.

Don't leave litter

Don't leave objects on other people's land. If you do rez anything make sure you take it back into your Inventory or delete it when you have finished. Sandboxes are where you should be practising building and scripting and you can find one of these on the university's Web Campus. Even here, where objects you build will be deleted after two hours, try to tidy up after yourself so there is room for the next visitor.