One of my favorite shows growing up was Three's Company. It was a TV sitcom starring John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt (http://www.joycedewitt.com/index2.htm), and Suzanne Somers (http://www.suzannesomers.com/), about 70's apartment living. If you haven't guessed already, this is a lead-in. ;)This past weekend I took the plunge and got an apartment on Second Life. I know, I know "Why?", "Are you off your trolley?! (Thanks TJ) ", "Get a cat scan!", etc.
I did this for a number of reasons. First, it was a little place to get away from noobies and griefers and hang out with friends. It's kinda like creating a private chat room, but you can decorate it to a point. And there's no random unwanted bite requests.
Second, it gives me a chance to be creative and work out some themeing and arrangements for my RL apartment. You get to try out different decorations and combos until you find a style that works, then save up for the real deal. The Animal Crossing and Sims fans will back me up here. Heh, eat your heart out Nookington's. ;)
Third, after you crunch the numbers, it works out to about $4 a month, which is lower than most MMO monthly subscriptions. Part of that is due to a good landlord and a great deal. For the record, you can own property in SL, however you have to upgrade to a Premium Membership. That's one cost. Then you buy land. That's another cost. Then you pay a Land Usage Fee. Another cost. Depending on lot size and other factors, it's not unheard of to pay $20 or more per month on SL property. (Very slick business model Linden Labs has, by the way.) Suffice to say, I found a MUCH better alternative to test the waters. Besides, I'm only one man and don't need a ton of space anyway.
Fourth, this is something new to learn and sets the stage for RL house hunting and decision making. I already have a better feel for that topic, which I know VERY little about anyway. It's also a good lesson for me in bargain hunting and managing finances. Life, even Second Life, is abalance after all.
Ok, so I ended up with an "L" shaped, open plan, apartment with two patios, and bay windows on each end. I'm on the bottom floor, in a low traffic area, yet close enough to my favorite club, Paradox. Walls are taupe and the floor is a white hardwood. So far I have a couple Aarnio Ball Chairs, Bubble Chairs, Parabel Table, tiger skin rug, two bean bags, and new mod fireplace. Over in the bedroom is a queen bed, rosewood and brushed steel ladder shelf/desk combo, laptop, rosewood and brushed steel dresser, and tasteful blue vase I won recently. Out on the patio are three freebie egg chairs with really awful 70's patterns. We're talking "shot the couch" bad, but I love them.
The verdict? Having my own contempo/beach condo type place in SL is great. Best of all, the great folks in the Beltain Clan brought the hookup. Thank you all for helping me get started, be it furniture, LMs (Land Marks) to places, or just advice. Most appreciated!
Now if you'll excuse me, Larry just ran in here, saying something about Swedish twins, hot tub, upstairs, 10 minutes. Or Maybe that was Sinful, my upstairs neighbor...;)
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