A small change that could boost everyday socializing
Anne Forbes
SL has changed over the years. Casual interaction used to be the default, but now it’s the exception, and most people hesitate to reach out unless they’re sure it’s welcome. Established residents usually have their friend groups, but newer people often struggle to fit in or know who’s open to chat.
Many residents are looking for simple, low‑key interaction, but SL mainly gives us tools to signal that we’re busy, like autorespond, unavailable, mute, and away. There’s no equivalent way to show that we’re open to interact.
It would be helpful if SL had a simple visual indicator to show when someone is open to chat. Maybe something in the profile, preferences, or even a small marker above the avatar that residents can turn on when they’re in the mood to interact.
A clear, universal signal like this could make everyday socializing feel less awkward and a lot more natural.
Thanks!
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Nya Jules
I remember this existed also in the ICQ client. But when I think about if it was actually used, I believe to remember only one person on my list ever setting that status, but I may be wrong, it may have been none. Most people defaulted to "away" so they could selectively answer to messages.
I'm thinking why Discord doesn't have that status option, and an answer could be because they have the away status. I know many people who use the away status as default, just like in the ICQ days, and therefore "Online" turns into "I'm open to chat."
It may seem like if you introduce an away status, the Online status gets the "Open for chat" meaning, and since SL doesn't have an away status, it's definitely missing this way of distinguishing.
The only thing you could argue about is weather it's better to have an "away" status that people abuse or to introduce the "free for chat" status. I would probably be tending towards the latter but I don't believe the Discord creators are stupid, they must have a reason for doing it the way they are
Linn Darkwatch
Maybe a separate line that people could toggle to view or not view. Using color would be sub-optimal as it would conflict with color preferences that a lot of people set for Friends, etc. It might also not be visible to those with color-blindness or other visual impairments.
Beatrice Voxel
Here's an idea ported over from another game with almost (!) the same longevity as Second Life: City of Heroes.
Change the color of the avatar's name/group tag.
Seriously. In that game, if you flag yourself as Roleplaying, your nametag changes to purple. If you're flagged as a Helper, it's green (and you're automatically added to the Help channel), and if you're marked as away/busy, it goes dim.
I'm thinking that this simple change (once people figure out what the different colors mean) could really help signal someone's 'social status' at a glance. Obviously we'd need to send the state (busy/available/away/DnD) to the viewers, and let them sort out which colors to use, that would allow preference tweaking for those with colorblindness or other visual issues. One could also use formatting (italics, boldface, NOT flashing text!) to further enhance this.
Anne Forbes
Beatrice Voxel Yes! Love that! Good idea. ty
Ilsa Hesse
This is a good idea.
Another idea which may merit looking in to (again) is some sort of paid upvote...
The free one obviously sets itself to gaming the system, but if you have to pay to upvote someone, that may cut back the gaming it.
Cuddles Supply
There are titlers on MP and Open Collars that would do what you want. You can put in any message you want.
Anne Forbes
Cuddles Supply Titlers and profile lines are great for individuals, but they aren’t universal or visible enough to solve the broader issue. What I’m suggesting is a built‑in, opt‑in indicator that works the same way for everyone. Something lightweight and consistent that doesn’t require wearing extra attachments.
Cuddles Supply
Anne Forbes Ah, got it. Updooted. :-)
Anne Forbes
Cuddles Supply ty! <3
Vi Paravane
A lot of people (myself included) have something in their profile like "I'm always glad to meet new people. If you're reading this, send me an IM!")
So I think what you want has already been done, one person at a time
Anne Forbes
Vi Paravane Not everyone reads profiles, and not everyone uses them the same way.
The point I’m making is that SL has changed. Casual interaction used to be the default, but it isn’t anymore, and that shift affects how people approach each other.
Individual profile lines help on a personal level, but they don’t address the broader cultural change or the ambiguity it creates. That’s why I’m suggesting a simple, built‑in, opt‑in indicator; something consistent and universally understood that doesn’t rely on everyone customizing their profile.