Since I can’t plagiarize from myself, here is the reedited, updated and revised version of what have I learned in 5 years of Second Life.
1. The three rules of Bliss:
a. Bliss is what you make of it
b. Bliss is where you find it
c. Your bliss is your responsibility.
Despite the flaws and shortcomings of our fellow humans, it is still a wondrous grid full of amazing things. You are in charge of your own happiness.
2. There are no NPCs in SL.
Always remember that everyone you meet has a real human behind the screen, full of all of those things that humans bring to the table. There are no AIs guiding their actions, so even when you get frustrated try to think that they may be saying the same things about you.
3. Pay it forward.
Just remember that the newbie with the bad hair and lots of questions may become your best friend one day. Or you may never see them again. I believe in SL karma.
4. If you begin to believe your own press, there may be a problem.
Be humble, because it may be your turn in the barrel next.
5. Do not attribute actions to malice when it may be due to sheer ignorance.
The grid is chock full to the gills with people who have no social skills and don’t understand that you don’t share their enthusiasm for whatever fandom rules their waking moments. There is also a like number who have the tact of a 2nd grader with Tourette’s. The rest may be raving egomaniacal sociopaths who are in SL for validation, or have alts who chat with each other. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are mean people.
Like! ++
Spiderjunk
*runs and hides*
Would it be inadvisable to ask what ‘spiderjunk’ means?
And many returns of the Day, Commodore!
smiles at Jed .. and side bar …. when do we get the story on *How* you became a blond ??
Ponders did I miss that one ???
* Pay It Forward loved the book .. and try to apply it often .. like paying for a ramdom cup of coffee through a drive through just the other day :) .. yep i am one of” those people”
used to do an occasional toll as well but Yikes, the tolls have gone up !! :)
** Being humble can even be chalenged by some in the world of sl .. trust me :)
*** But trying to”do the best we can” is all one can ever ask :)
Working on it…the next installment of the vacation story will explain it
Your discussion of bliss couldn’t be more timely, Jed.
The entire post is well-said.