Glossary

These are terms used in this blog that you may not know

Words in italics have entries in this glossary

Avatar A visual, three dimensional representation of yourself, that can move, walk, and talk with other avatars, all of which have real people behind them.

Grid The software–or platform–which you use to access Second Life

Griefer A person who shows up in (sends their avatar to) an area for the purpose of making mischief, usually damaging the peace and effectiveness of the sim.

in game A phrase meaning not only online, but signed into Second Life. This is the more generic term, and is used for many MMORPG‘s; however, many SL residents use in world.

in world A phrase meaning not only online, but signed into Second Life. Some residents will use in game.

Linden Labs The company that developed and maintains Second Life on the Internet.

Lindens, the A term (sometimes perjorative) used by residents of Second Life to refer to the staff at Linden Labs.

Metaverse  A place on the Internet where massive numbers of people can use avatars to move, socialize, complete tasks, etc.  See also MMORPG and virtual world.

MMORPG Massively multi-player online role playing game. Second Life is technically, at least according to the software involved, an MMORPG, although there’s not much about it that is a game.  See also metaverse and virtual world.

RL A common abbreviation for Real Life. If you’re not near a computer, Real Life is what you’re doing.

Second Life A place on the Internet where you can enter into a 3d world, using an avatar, and interact with others, conduct commerce, attend live music concerts, and do many other things that you can do in real life, just as if it really were real life.

Sim Short for simulator. The name for a particular region in Second Life, or the computer server that powers it.

SL A commonly used abbreviation for Second Life

Slurl A URL, which can be accessed from the World Wide Web, for a location in Second Life. Requires the Second Life client software to use.

Virtual world  A place on the Internet where massive numbers of people can use avatars to travel about, communicate with others through their avatars, engage in commerce, etc.  See also metaverse and MMORPG.