Learning Curve in SL

Second Life has a learning curve that is so steep, most residents master just a few aspects of the game that interest them personally. I have been a SL avatar for almost 2 years logging in at around 3000 hours. I’ve read 11 books on the subjects of audio streaming, digital content creation and business inside virtual worlds. Some of them twice. I’ve studied the Linden Lab website and every blog I could find. Yet still, I can only call myself intermediate in some topics and a complete novice at others.

It is not necessary for a musician to know the entire logistics of SL to perform a show. Just understanding how to walk, fly and use your camera angles are enough. Creating your custom avatar generally evolves as you become more immersed. My organization, the Second Life Music Association, (SLMA), can set you up with a male or female avatar to remove the “noob” look you begin your SL with. We also provide any instruments you may need.

Before you run away, know this. You do not even have to log into SL to perform there. I will explain it more in future blogs. For now, do this.

Download the free winamp to your computer. http://www.winamp.com/player
Download the free shoutcast plugin from winamp to your computer. Here’s the quickest link I’ve found for the plugin. http://www.brothersoft.com/shoutcast-dsp-plug-in-for-winamp-123793.html

Read the basic help files on both. Be sure when you open your winamp the shoutcast plugin is set to auto open as well. It will be hidden behind your winamp in some cases, so just move the player over to see it.

The shoutcast plugin is how you stream into Second Life.


Assuming you have loaded winamp and the shoutcast plugin, you are now ready to download Second Life. Got to http://www.secondlife.com/ and register for a free account. The only reason for paying the $9.95 monthly premium fee is if you plan to own land. You can always upgrade later so for now, get the free account. Tip: You should create a new email address to hold SL email messages. While you won’t get spam from SL and you can make settings to not send you anything, it’s a good idea to allow messages from SL to reach you in RL. (Real Life). Messages are capped/locked after a certain amount “in world”. If a venue is trying to reach you, you may not get the message when you log in. Setting your account to send you email notices avoids communication breakdowns.

The most important thing you’ll be asked to do at registration is to pick your avatar name. Take your time with this, try several variations before choosing. You can not change your name once your account is activated. You may not think it important at the time, but in the long run you have to live with the name, promote the name, and accept it for the lifespan of your avatar. SL doesn’t make it very easy as you MUST use a last name from their list. Many of the offers are barely pronounceable so choose your name with the same care as you would when naming your pets or children.