How to Be “New” in There 
Archie Explores

by Archie

 

Have you checked out the “Buddies List”? If you ask someone who your having a cool chat with to join, here’s the easiest, quickest way to offer to join the buddy list; it is on the drop-down menu from their name tag (once you’re on each other’s buddy-list, then that option is no longer showing). Join the buddy-lists of friends you meet in There, and in the future you can find each other a lot more easily. You can check in your menu for your buddies who are currently online in There.  

Sometimes you’ll find your buddies with the “away” symbol, or the red-hand, meaning, “do not disturb”. Although many times, that also really means away as well. This goes both ways. Perhaps you’re carefully building a paz (porta-zone), or designing something and are pressed for time. Sometimes you just need a little “me” time (or whatever?). Simply choose your “status” in the lower far right hand menu options. 

Here’s my rule about contacting- I keep my “do not disturb” sign on at first, so I can finish getting booted-up. Have you ever been bombarded by IM’s (Instant Messages) when you’re still loading? This next one is a ‘Never-do” - never-ever summon someone you haven’t gotten permission, or a request to summon first.  (The summon function can be found in the IM window drop down from a name tag.)  I have had un-announced summons (“You are being summoned”) happen to me several times, and even had the “summoner” get rude with me. LOL! First, I don’t even know who the person is, and second, maybe I’m having some quality time, engaged in something I deem as important, maybe I’m almost making landfall after a long journey, or putting the final touches on that paz I was working on. So always, always, communicate with each other, hopefully everyone will treat each other like the real people we are, so we don’t feel like a robot, or a hunk of property.  

Then come groups and clubs. 

Join a group or a few groups. But, take it easy; be sure that the club is a good one for you. It is ok to peruse the group’s listings. You may see plenty of interesting groups. What seems to be better however is to join with a buddy that may already be in a certain group. Knowing someone in the group is always helpful. Some groups are large and have a policy of being friendly and helpful to new members. People within the group may be willing to show you things in There. This can make a quality Thereian out of most any “newbie”- by connecting with a little “sense of belonging”, you can get a nice big buddy list going in very little time.  

Next option, dream up a club or group and become a leader when you are able to. This can mean lots of fun too. Most groups have a loose network and just do it for fun. Keep in mind everyone has different times they can be in There, so being too demanding of people’s time can work against you. You may wish to (join or) form a network style club that has a purpose to work outside of time restrictions, but perhaps have communication through the clubs very own forums, or member email. 

However you connect to your new friends in There, you will meet lots of very bright and cool people. The percentage of griefers in There is very low compared to many other online forums or platforms, so be a little fearless, - don’t hesitate to walk up to some avies you see standing around and say “Hi!” 

Exploring friendship is totally the coolest thing to do in There!

Happy Travels-

Archie