Money on Second Life

Activate account. Download software. Create avatar. Learn basics.

Check, check, check and check.

Having completed the above, it would follow that I’m finally ready to start living my virtual reality. Sounds simple, right? WRONG… at least to cyberspace newbies like myself. Second Life is literally this whole other world – a parallel universe, so to speak. It’s enormous, complex, and although it operates on a fairly navigable system, it’s a bit overwhelming.

My solution: baby steps. Today’s goal: learn the Second Life money system.

While it costs nothing to create your account and download the appropriate software, I quickly learned that if you wish to participate as an active member you have to put your money where your avatar is. To do so, users need to upload credit card information onto their Dashboard and electronically purchase the Second Life unit of trade, Linden dollars (L$). One US dollar equals approximately 261 L$. Not a bad exchange rate.

Yes, spending money on fake money stings a bit, but I want to get a well-rounded view of how Second Life works – which includes shopping and buying access to various locations, events, etc. And though I won’t be paying for land or supplies to build my avatar a house anytime soon, I do want to learn how to make smaller purchases (i.e. outfits, hairstyles, accessories).

I put down $10 for 2610 L$ today... should be more than enough to get Sal Arlington spending frivolously at the mall.