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Virtual world overview and FAQ

Here is a list of frequently asked questions we receive through mail and phone calls. Simply click on any question to see the answer:

 

 

 

Sound's like a dream state, is it? Back to top

That may be one way of characterizing it. In actually, the entire concept is based on virtual world technology. We build virtual worlds on the SecondLife grid. Now nearing a population of 14 million residents, 3500 regions, and 4,000 simulators to power it, SL has become the 'parallel universe of choice' for the international community.

 

Yeah, but isn't this one of those silly online games? Back to top

No.. The enabling the technology is similar, however the SL virtual world grid is considerably more sophisticated, in that it's driven by a composite social structure, where everything from business, leisure, socializing, romance, and numerous other facets of society play out, just as they do in real life.

There are no points, scorecards, or prizes to be won, thus not a game… The 14-million people populating this virtual world are here because they've fallen in love with the fantasy, excitement, and social interaction, which is comparable or in some cases exceeds a real life experience.

 

Ok great, but what exactly do people do in my own universe? Back to top

Anything you want… The 'examples' in this document demonstrate a resort theme, where in this particular world, you're immersed in the warmth, activities, social interaction, and romance of an exotic resort island. Where wind sailing, boating, extraordinary sunsets, and dancing the night away under the stars is so real, you feel as if you've entered a dream state. Maybe you're there just to meet new friends, or maybe… You'll get lost in a romantic encounter with someone special. Yes.. It can be that real!

 

All sounds great, but how do in-world residents actually interact? Do we simply climb into our computers? Back to top

In a manner speaking, yes. You simply download the SL client. Upon entering the virtual world, you'll be assigned a 'default' Avatar, which is easily controlled by the arrow buttons on your keyboard. You can walk, jump, fly, socialize, or go for a nice walk on the beach with someone.

You may modify the default Avatar's height, eye color, hair, muscles, arm size, and everything else you can imagine to create your own unique appearance. Appearance is limited only by your imagination. The Avatar (and remarkably so) mimics the movements, facial expressions, and even body language of a real human being. As you become comfortable with the system, there are an infinite number of enhancements you may add to your Avatar to further establish your unique appearance, and there are some fairly interesting ones!

 

 

How do people communicate inside the virtual world? Back to top

The virtual world provides a robust communications system, which feature basic text messaging, to high quality voice over IP real-time chat.

There are six communication options:

  • Public text chat: This will broadcast your message (on the screens) of all people within 30-feet of you. This option is best when communicating with one or more people in a group conversation, or simply saying hello to someone nearby.
  • Private text chat: Also known as 'instant messaging' or im's, private chat is the most widely used communication system in the virtual world. In this case, you're on a private channel where communication is limited between you and the recipient.
  • Private Conference text chat: If three or more users wish to talk over a private channel, they may initiate a private conference and invite selected people to join that conference.
  • Public voice chat: Using a standard microphone and headset, or the newer integrated VOIP headset/ mic, you may talk to others within 20-feet of you. Public voice is best for chatting with a group of people close to you, or simply saying hello to someone nearby.
  • Private voice chat: You may initiate a private a call to another voice-enabled user on a secure channel.
  • Voice conference chat: You may create your own private voice conference and invite others users to join.

 

 

 

A marketing medium or promotional tool that will harness the undivided, fulltime attention of our audience? But how!! Back to top

Harness and undivided are the key terms here. Static mediums, such as billboards, magazines, and web pages 'plead' for attention. Please look at me!!

A well-developed virtual world theme integrates the components of inviting, enchanting, and alluring. Think of it like a special promotional event, except this one takes on a life of its own and runs 24X7. The highly 'dynamic' nature of the virtual world allows you to create a leisure experience that your audience absolutely falls in love with, where activities, entertainment, and socializing captivate every waking moment of their time.

In this enjoyable and highly receptive state, your audience actually becomes interested in your product, but more importantly, the brand responsible for the highly stimulating environment it's associated with, which would be you.

 

 

How exactly is a virtual world merged with a brand /product offering? Back to top

There are two types of common deployments:

  • The proverbial storefront, which merely gives you a presence in the virtual world
  • An integrated theme, which is carefully tied to your product

The storefront is basically gives you a presence, however does little to harness the power of the virtual world universe -it just basically sits there and similar to a number of websites.

The integrated approach consists of building an exotic island for 'example', which includes a host of social activities and a primary entertainment component. In this case, we develop a theme and lifestyle, which attracts your target demographic. Through an extensive background in developing high impact social leisure concepts, we're able to achieve the primary objective of driving 'quality' traffic into your world, as well as maintaining the long-term interest of that traffic. Next, we integrate your product and brand into the broader level theme. The end result is your branded world, which maintains a busy 27 X 7 flow of traffic.




Who provides the staffing and management structure? Back to top

We look after all management, staffing, and maintenance of the virtual world simulator, unless you care to do otherwise. While you could opt to assume this responsibility yourself, we've accumulated extensive experience in managing virtual worlds. We use only best and the brightest talent for assembling a team of professional staff. Managing your virtual world in a professional manner is essential to maintaining the satisfaction level necessary to sustain high quality traffic, which translates into optimal exposure for your product.

 


Staffing? Why would we need that for? Back to top

As you'll discover, operating a virtual world encompasses many of the operational facets of a real life entity. For example, our entertainment venues are staffed with hostesses to greet customers as they approach the main entrance. Depending on the nature of the theme, hostesses, managers, DJ's, MC's, live entertainment, and a concierge may be present as well. This ensures the venue maintains its focus and objective in maintaining an environment, which is desirable to the target demographic.

 

How exactly is our product promoted, marketed, or gained exposure through a virtual world? Back to top

There are a few ways to accomplish this and we've invested considerable time into the approaches that yield the most favorable results. To begin with, it's important to understand the social structure and mindset of the virtual world at this point. While aggressively evolving, there are certain types of business, social, and leisure activities that are popular with the masses at present.

Building the marketing concept on top of a theme, which evolves around a 'popular activity' will obviously yield the best odds of high traffic exposure and overall success. We work with you in determining a suitable fit, as well the integration of your brand into it. Carefully structured, the result is a powerful marketing medium your audience can actually interact with.


A whole new way to attract the interest of sponsors to your product Back to top

There are numerous ways to use your virtual world for a host of promotional events, or simply attracting new sponsors. Let's have a look at the following example, which is based on a radio station that has launched a virtual world presence for their listeners:

In this example, a liquor sponsor has coupled with the radio station for high traffic exposure to their product. The radio station has acquired an island and has launched a high traffic virtual presence. If product visibility of the sponsor is required, this is integrated into your cosmetic theme for a single weekend, or permanently if required.

Additions and modifications to your virtual world can be implemented with just a couple of day's notice, where we'll create the logos, signs, or other promotional items. Because we're skilled developers, we're able to bring your sponsors items into the 3D universe. The creations are not cheap looking animation's… Every nuance is preserved, but in most cases further enhanced, and or interactive if required.


Is there special software required to gain access to our virtual world? Back to top

Yes, you download the SL client. It installs in under 30-seconds. You then enter the Username and Password you assigned yourself when you registered. At this point, You'll be instantly transported into the virtual world. The software is easier to use than a web browser, so there's no steep learning curve -just have fun!

 

How long does it take to complete the build? Back to top

On average four to six weeks. This provides the time necessary to create a magnificent looking build, rich in detail and vibrancy. It also provides the minimal amount of time necessary for the client to construct a leader campaign for the launch of the virtual world. For more complex builds, where you'll be recreating an entire city, island, or corporate center of some sort, additional time may be required in replicating the target, right down to the smallest detail. If however, you have some urgent reason to bring your virtual world online immediately, some builds can be completed within a week, but not recommended.

 

May we be present during the build process? Back to top

Yes… At this point, the island is not open to the public. Your staff however, may be placed on the access list, which means you may join us at any time during the build process. And again, you're welcome to suggest changes or additions that have suddenly come to mind.

 

 

This sounds like a recreation activity reserved for weekends, is that pretty much it? Back to top

This depends highly on your theme /concept. With 14 million residents now in-world and a flood of new arrivals everyday, there is never a shortage of volume souls. Couple this with multiple time zones and that's a lot of different people engaging in various activities across the 24-hour spectrum. Several entertainment related venues, currently in operation maintain maximum capacity 24X7.

So in short, no.. Participation in the virtual world is by no means limited to weekends, and because it's easily accessible from the comfort of home, office, or on the road.

 

Can we add to, or change anything on our island post launch? Back to top

Yes! As skilled builders we can accomplish anything from a complete makeover, to adding new facets to your virtual wolrd on demand. Working in a true physics environment, you eliminate the complications and high costs of additions or makeovers typically encountered in the real world. Add a sign, stage, homes, buildings, roads, or recreate Niagara falls! Make it temporary (special occasion), or permanent, but rest assured.. All of it's possible with nothing more than a phone call to us.

 

How do in-world guests hear music, announcements, advertising plugs, or see video? Back to top

You control the content… To begin with, all music, be it a radio station, live MC, live DJ, or live performance is broadcasted throughout your virtual world. When the desired station / feed is entered into the islands broadcast system, it's automatically tuned in by all guests the moment they arrive.

Most all broadcasts are sent to the virtual world through the standard Internet broadcast system, which is a Shoutcast server. The virtual world 'end user client' automatically tunes into whatever it is you're broadcasting. We look after the setting up and configuration of all broadcast systems.

 

 

Does the same broadcast have to be playing throughout the entire island? Back to top

No. If for example, you're offering a different /more relaxing atmosphere on another part of the land, you may parcel that area off, which allows you create its own independent audio feed. When people cross over the seamless boundary into that area, they pick up the alternate station /feed.

 

Is a video broadcast possible in the virtual world? Back to top

Yes, many types of large screen plasmas, video walls, and larger than life front projection video displays are available. In this case, you broadcast your video in high quality MPEG-4, which is viewed on your in-world video displays. Broadcast music videos, TV programming, or a live presentation. Broadcast vibrant video displays of your product, or your sponsors. The possibilities are infinite.

 

Is a virtual world concept addictive in any way? Back to top

Enchanting may be a more accurate term. One common misunderstanding 'prior' to entering a virtual world is that it's an online game of sorts. Upon arrival, it doesn't take most people long realize that in fact, this is no game at all. Everything from sites, sounds, friendships, and relationships that may result, appear to be very real. As a result, people can quickly fall in love with this new universe and to amazing ends.

 

How about security? How do we enforce the code of social conduct? Back to top

Although a rare occurrence, your virtual world is fully equipped with several security tools. The Eject, and or (Eject and Ban) feature are the tools most likely used in situations that cannot be resolved through standard diplomatic channels. For example, someone that no matter how nicely asked, refuses to comply with dress code policy, or is just being a nuisance. In this case, management may issue a simple left mouse click to the offending Avatar, which provides several removal /eject from premises options.

Does it actually damage them in any way? No… The Avatar is returned to his/her default location. If at some later time they wish to comply with the establishments' policies, you may unban them. Again, unless otherwise instructed, we manage and enforce the policies you set forth for your visiting guests.

 


Explain more about general apparel Back to top

During the membership signup, a guest will be given the choice of several (virtual world appearances /identities). Commonly referred to as 'Avatars', there are several 'default' Avatar appearances one may choose from in the signup process. Upon logging into the virtual world for the first time, they'll appear as the Avatar they selected.

A simple right mouse click on the Avatar will display an (Edit Appearance) option, which opens the clothing folder. Insider this folder you'll find a few default apparel options, such as shirts, pants, etc. Select the shirt you want for example, and you'll wear it.

While default Avatars and clothing are worn upon entrance to the virtual world, most people will eventually want to create an identity 'unique' to them. The options available to accomplish this are in the thousands. First, there is a broad assortment of additional 'free' clothing available for your default Avatar in various locations throughout the broader level virtual world. Some people are content with the identity they can create with the default /free options.

The majority however, will eventually want to obtain an Avatar 'indigenous' to them and dress it accordingly. There are many hundreds of both Avatar and apparel stores in the virtual world. In this case, you shop for the Avatar that best conveys your desired image. You may then go shopping for clothing and there is plenty of it!

From formal Tux's, suites, gowns, dresses, to beach and casual ware, to the finest in jewelry and cosmetics, how one wishes to look is only limited by their imagination. Naturally, many want to appear as vibrant, stunningly attractive, and desirable, while others assume the appearance of anything from a rabbit, chipmunk, and even some forms of popular animated characters. The costs for custom apparel items are nominal and run anywhere from $1.00 to $10.00 on average.

Overall, this allows people to exercise creativity in how they wish to exist /be perceived in the virtual world environment. Some maintain their default appearance, while others may create as many as several theme/ looks. Their Avatar name however, (the nick name they selected in the original signup process) cannot be altered, so this nametag appears above their head no matter the theme /apparel they've chosen.

 


Explain more about dress code -why and how is this enforced? Back to top

Many of the more 'formal' venues on the grid enforce dress codes that are comparable to real life operations. Some for example, refuse admittance to those not dressed in formal attire when entering an upscale social entertainment venue. Other venues refuse admittance to animal like, or animated character based Avatars. And some other types of venues employ a "management discretion policy", and or post the dress code policies at the door.

Similar to real life venues, dress code polices are structured to reflect the social stature of the venue. In the virtual world however, management must also consider the fact that some people truly enjoy a fantasist identity, and that to a degree, this is part of the very essence of participating in a virtual world. As a result, it's important to carefully balance dress code policies to reflect the stature of the venue, while not undermining the enjoyment of those who want to be imaginative in creating their fictional existence.

 

 



What happens if the island nears or exceeds capacity? Can we add more capacity? Back to top

As a quick reminder… The virtual world grid is made up of thousands of islands, each encompassing 14 acres. Mainland islands are joined together, while the newer private estate islands stand alone in a warm tropical sea. Estate islands are sometimes joined together in order to increase overall capacity and accommodate high traffic demands for private enterprises /owners. In-world, you may walk, fly, or quickly Teleport /Transport to any location /island within the broader virtual world grid.

So to answer the question: Yes we could couple another island to your existing one. There's no limit to the number of islands you can add, and each one adding an additional 14 acres of physical space, and upping your capacity by another 120 people.

Some of the most prominent real-estate developers in SL own up to 100 sims /islands. The possibilities in this case, once again, take another quantum leap. You could create an entire world, encompassing a host of various themes and venues, or expand your current virtual world to no end. You could dedicate an entire island to a theme for one of your largest sponsors, which would function 'in tandem' with your original venue and so forth… Again, your imagination is the only limit.

 

 

Can you explain more on single venue deployment, versus an actual lifestyle development? Back to top

The single venue approach generally focuses on a single component or theme. For example, an entertainment venue, island, city, corporate theme or combo.

The lifestyle approach is substantially broader in theme, scope, and objective. In this case, not only is a promotional medium developed, but also a host of other attributes, such as homes, condominiums, malls, and facilities, which all represent a premium standard of lifestyle. Not only do your guests visit your world, but they reside there as residents too.

Essentially it becomes an enriched social lifestyle, which also encompasses its own social order. As this lifestyle grows in popularity, so does the dedicated exposure to your underlying product and brand. As it develops in size, more simulators are added to accommodate the demand for access to your branded lifestyle.


 

This sounds very interesting! We'd like to speak with you in person Back to top

By all means, we welcome additional questions regarding our services, and or we can arrange a phone call if you desire. Please contact us here with questions, or leave your number and a time you'd like to speak.


-- Want to see inside our world? Have a look at the video here --