Virtual Museums in Second Life: A Tour of the Best Destinations - Moonite1687 Reporting...

Second Life is renowned for a number of key features that signify it as more than a social platform; it's a dynamic tool for education and professional development, particularly through its virtual museums. These museums offer immersive, interactive learning experiences that go beyond traditional methods. Visitors can engage with exhibits in a hands-on manner, participate in educational programs, and attend workshops and lectures on a wide range of topics.

Virtual museums also collaborate with educational institutions and organizations to bring users professional development courses, making them invaluable resources for students and professionals alike. The accessibility of these virtual museums allows people from around the world to benefit from consuming high-quality educational content, fostering inclusivity and global learning.

Moreover, these virtual spaces serve as platforms for collaborative projects, enabling educators, students, and professionals to work together on creating new exhibits and conducting virtual research. The skills and knowledge gained from these experiences, as is common with Second Life, can be applied in real-world settings, offering practical benefits for future endeavors.

By leveraging the educational and professional features of Second Life, the list of virtual museums below are the best at creating rich environments for learning and growth, making them essential destinations for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills in a unique virtual setting.

The Virtual Black History Museum

Starting off the list is a place that I personally found the most valuable as an admittedly African-American user of Second Life—The Virtual Black History Museum. This museum offers a deeply reflective environment with exhibits on notable figures and moments in the timeline of Black history in America. The detailed timeline covers significant events and milestones in African-American history, including everything from the sobering events of the transatlantic slave trade to the empowering civil rights movement and beyond.

The timeline is designed to be both informative and engaging, helping visitors understand the historical context and impact of these events. As aforementioned, the museum also does a phenomenal job of placing focus on prolific figures in Black history. This includes well-known individuals like Harriet Tubman, conductor of the Underground Railroad, and Rosa Parks, a courageous African-American woman who refused to give up her seat on segregated buses.

The institution underscores the contributions of lesser-known but equally important figures such as Amelia Boynton Robinson, Daisy Bates, and Marsha P. Johnson, an African-American gay liberation activist and self-professed drag queen, responsible for a profound role in the Stonewall Inn Riots in Greenwich Village of 1969. The museum aims to amplify awareness of these events and the mentioned individuals for their contributions to African-American lives in America.

The museum hosts educational programs and events in a park-like environment that further explore the poignant themes and topics, enhancing the overall experience for visitors to placidly contemplate and appreciate the significance of African-American history.

**It is great remorse that I share the news that this museum is no longer available for visitors. However, I decided to share its distinction with you posthumously. **

The Vordun Museum and Gallery

As you approach the Vordun Museum and Gallery in Second Life, a wave of anticipation and curiosity washes over you. From the moment you step through the portal, you can begin to comprehend why. The Vordun Museum and Gallery stands out with its rotating exhibits that showcase a wide range of art styles and historical artifacts that transition visitors in time, such as “Danse Macabre.”

Danse Macabre, or "Dance of Death," is an exhibit that explores the omnipresence of death in art and culture from the 15th through 17th centuries. This exhibition includes a powerful collection of woodcuts, murals, and paintings that confront mortality head-on.

Visitors are then welcomed to stop in and enjoy the Common Grounds Cafe, an inviting and charming cafe at the Vordun Museum, designed to complement the museum's aesthetic.  where visitors can take a break from exploring the affecting exhibits and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere. Located within the museum, the cafe offers a cozy environment where you can sip on coffee or tea while reflecting on the art and history consumed.

The cafe is designed to complement the museum's aesthetic, providing a tranquil space with convenient seating and a hospitable ambiance. It's a great place to meet up with friends, have a casual conversation, or simply unwind after touring the galleries. The

Common Grounds Cafe enhances the overall experience of the Vordun Museum by offering a place to slacken and recharge, making your visit even more enjoyable.

Web: https://thevordunsl.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevordunsl/
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/thevordunsl/
Email: thevordunsl@gmail.com

inworld group: secondlife:///app/group/005649e9-e0e2-e914-082b-47559966e879/about

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vordun/155/227/32



Museum of Computing History

Located in Pippen, next to the Sea of Fables, the Museum of Computing History offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of computing technology. Not only do we get a close-up of the early mechanical devices all the way up to modern personal computers, artificial intelligence, and gaming, we also are made acquainted with the influential people who have contributed to the field, such as Charles Babbage, the "father of computers" who designed the Analytical Engine.

One of the other key attractions of the museum is its human-computer interaction, a field of research situated at the intersection of computer science, behavioral sciences, design, media studies, and several other fields of study.

Visitors can interact with various exhibits, participate in educational programs, and attend special events that delve deeper into specific aspects of computing history. This makes the museum a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how computing technology has evolved and shaped the world we live in today.

This museum offers a comprehensive and immersive experience that mirrors the educational value of real-world computing museums, highlighting the milestones and innovations of the digital age.

Inworld group: secondlife:///app/group/8e940b44-e2c1-1d94-bcec-dffd0dbba4b9/about

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pippen/66/54/47

Museum of Telecommunications

Also in Pippen, the Museum of Telecommunications explores the history of communication technology.

The Second Life version of the Museum of Telecommunications features several exhibits that closely mirror those found in real-world telecommunications museums. For instance, the exhibit on early optical communications showcases the use of light and visual signals for communication, such as signal fires and semaphore towers, similar to what you might see in a physical museum. The telegraphy displays cover the development and use of the telegraph, including Morse code and early telegraph machines, present in both virtual and real-world settings.

The evolution of the telephone, from Alexander Graham Bell's first invention to modern smartphones, is a staple exhibit in both the virtual museum and its real-world counterparts. Additionally, exhibits on the history and development of mobile phones and wireless communication technologies are featured in both types of museums. Finally, the modern data networks exhibit covers the development of packet networks and Internet communications, reflecting the advancements in telecommunications technology. These exhibits aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the history and advancements in telecommunications and how communication has evolved over the centuries and its impact on society.

Inworld group: secondlife:///app/group/1774f55b-0042-3e05-8df6-aeb75d5ad10d/about

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pippen/61/120/46

These four museums are among many equally educational and important institutions in Second Life that offer a diverse range of experiences, from art and history to technology and marine life. Each museum provides a unique opportunity to learn and explore in a virtual environment, making them some of the best destinations in Second Life. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or tech enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in these virtual museums.

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BDSM in SL: An Update- Triskelion Academy and Social Center- Ely Catronis Reporting…

 

 

Triskelion Academy and Social Center are created to offer advice and education to people in the Secondlife BDSM community. Classes and discussions are available for both Dominants and submissives; regardless if you are entirely new to BDSM or if you have been practicing for many years in real life or SL. We hope to give you the tools to develop your knowledge and understanding of the lifestyle in Second Life, allowing you and the people you play with to enjoy more meaningful scenes and relationships. In addition to education, the sim also aims to create a social community and hangout space for people to meet other like-minded individuals.

Over the past 19 years in SL, the lifestyle of BDSM has developed through a variety of styles and kinks to the current lifestyle and community we have today.  In a nutshell, BDSM is about the Dominant and submission lifestyle. People believe that it is safer in SL than in RL and will go through a range of courses, talks, and negotiations to understand exactly what it is and what to do. 

Search around and one can find a variety of centers and communities that represent different educational aspects and fetishes in this lifestyle. It has become common and many people think they know what it is. One place is Triskelion Academy and Social Center.

This is a community that began back in 2020 with the goal to educate and assist in the development and safety of those seeking to explore a BDSM lifestyle in Second-life through continuing educational classes, discussion groups, and mentoring.  The academy has graduated 5 classes since it began and is moving and expanding the academy and social center to the Black Moon Acres BDSM Community beginning in the Later Summer/Fall Session which begins August 8.  They are currently accepting registrations and tailor their academy to accept both sides of the slash (D/s), which offers a unique learning experience for participants. 

The features of this Academy over the others is that although it does have classes and discussions, similar to other locations, Triskelion Academy offers courses that are continually researched and enhanced each session; including assignments for the students to reflect on with non-judgemental, reflective feedback offered, two textbooks for learning at their own pace within the semester, and mentors, and study help available in a non-role play setting. 

When you arrive, you come to the landing zone filled with information to guide your journey. Taking the teleporter on the floor in front of you to the classroom as well as any of the other places for education or mentoring time, discussion, and meetings.  Through the perspective of Adola, a graduate:

“I found the Triskelion Academy shortly after they opened up the sim and found so many lovely people there.  But also it took me a long time to finally sign up, so I signed up for the 5th term at Triskelion Academy.  12 weeks of classes took the students on a journey through almost every aspect of the D/s and BDSM world.  The classes are led by very experienced instructors that are totally open-minded and encourage students to find their own way of BDSM. Still, they are giving great advice but they emphasize finding your own style. “ 

Taking another walk-through (or teleporter) journey through the calming, nature-filled land will bring you to a variety of spaces for entertainment and activities in the community as well.  They offer munches, game time, sub club at the pool, Dominant meetings, and dances so that people can get to know one another and share time with one another socially in a relaxed time outside the academy to get to know one another. “Something important is the relationships and friendships made while here” noted another graduate who became staff.  The staff aims to make each experience an enjoyable experience and something that everyone will remember.  

The sim is open to come through and explore,  relax with their Dominant or submissive in the other areas as long as they are respectful of the community who reside there.  There is a cave of various tunnels which includes a Lagoon and Hall of Wonders with equipment and other surprises to find, an underwater area, library, meditation area, and beautiful picturesque places to enjoy.  

Additional Information:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Black%20Moon%20Acres/137/231/1534

Discord: https://discord.gg/5bypSG7UQf 

Preferred Contact: Faxi (Faxi2016)

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The Autism Resource Center plans to change how neurodivergence is viewed. Moonite1687 Reporting...

Throughout April, the Autism Society invited Autistic individuals, their families, and friends to honor their wide range of experiences by taking time to share stories on social media through the #CelebrateDifferences hashtag. No family or individual's story is the same as any other, and the Autism Society believes the world should recognize the infinite ways the Autism community experiences life.

However, Existential Conundrum feels that Autism deserves more than a month to recognize and share the experiences of "individuals living with Autism" (Autistic people). So, she started the Autist(ic) Resource Center (ARC), formerly known as the Autis(tic) Information Center, in 2019 to minimize the lack of information and support in Second Life for the Autism Spectrum Disorder or Condition. To date, there are only one or two other sources of information in SL, and they are parent-created groups that do not support Autistic adults or listen when [they] speak. To bridge this gap, the ARC has partnered with the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST), an organization that started off helping those with brain injuries and is now moving forward to help build up services centered on neurodivergent adults, a community that is very often overlooked.

For those unaware, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, as a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. ASD includes a range of linked conditions that sometimes include singular symptoms and traits. People with ASD often have social communication and interaction problems with non-Autistic people and restricted or repetitive behaviors often caused by overwhelming emotion or sensitivity. The behaviors often exhibited are repetitive movements such as wringing hands, tapping or flapping, and many others. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or focusing.

Albeit different in managing self, many people on the Spectrum could function more easily if the world would change to accommodate Autistic individuals rather than the other way around. Therefore, the ARC has made its mission one that shifts the treatment of individuals who are disabled--a term accepted by the Autistic community--by ASD and other neurodivergent disorders from pity and juvenile treatment to one of acceptance and understanding.

One of the several action plans that Exi is using to begin this shift is to work on producing a peer support group in collaboration with BEST to specifically provide a coaching service to help all neurodivergent adults make and pursue life goals that are entirely individual driven. "It's working with people where they are and making it possible to live their BEST lives," declares Exi. This program is geared toward adults and young adults aging out of programming that panders to children on the Spectrum. 

Another action plan is to sponsor more events that close the gap. In April, Exi stated that she hosted the Common Ground collaboration party to answer pending questions and educate individuals on the double empathy problem and the communication issues to be aware of when interacting with Autistic people. Next year, Exi plans to hold an event that discusses cultural expressions and the intersectionality with neurodivergence. 

ARC also works with other groups to enhance their services and reach. Currently, Exi is working on creating a hub featuring a series of blogs and websites from the black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities living with Autism to create a space for intersectional voices to be heard when traditionally they are overlooked. 

The ARC inworld is open to all Autistic SecondLife residents or SecondLife residents supporting an Autistic individual to drop in and connect with Exi and her spouse for support and resources. The ARC does have an online presence on Facebook and Twitter for soft engagement and digital interaction. The ARC is also open to suggestions and assistance with bringing more content to the grid to make sure the effort to keep Autistic individuals and their struggles in the light. 

Consider using the helpful links provided below for more information on managing Autism or interacting with someone with Autism and other neurodivergent disorders. And remember that being different is a beautiful and positive thing. 

https://www.brainenergysupportteam.org/

https://www.facebook.com/SLAutisticResourceCenter

https://twitter.com/slautistics

https://autismsociety.org/autism-acceptance-month-2022-launch

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ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDIES: TRIBAL PEOPLES IN PANAMA – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Looking for something different in your SecondLife?  Are the same old clubs you visit night after night becoming a bit “stale”? Does riding a fire-belching dragon, or fighting for your life as you watch your health meter drop in a combat sim just not hold your attention like it once did? Then have I got a word for you...and that word is “Ethnographic Studies” (OK, so technically it’s two words…so hyphenate it). And what better way to scratch that itch…to pursue that passion…to boldly go when no one has gone before? (cue music) but to check out one of the FINEST Ethnography Exhibits In all of SecondLife?  

I recently had the very real pleasure of meeting Nexus Dot, researcher extraordinaire and curator of the SL display: Ethnographic Exhibits of Two Cultures from the Republic of Panama.

Josh Bellic (JB):  So tell me, Nexus.  Just what is “Ethnography” anyway?  And why should people study it?

Nexus Dot (ND):  Ethnography refers to the process anthropologists use to document and interpret other cultures.  This concept of culture is the primary focus of the ethnographer.  With respect to culture and how ethnography differs from certain other sciences, my intellectual mentor Clifford Geertz says,  “Believing …that man (sic) is an animal suspended in webs of significance (s)he himself has spun, I take culture to be those webs, and the analysis of it to be therefore not an experimental science in search of law but an interpretive one in search of meaning."   

This exhibit is then an attempt at the interpretation of these many different webs of meaning. Webs that you will discover when you take the intellectual effort to peek beneath the surface of these two incredible tropical lowland rain forest indigenous tribes located in eastern Panama.  These webs of meaning have evolved over hundred of thousands of years of the cultural evolution of our species.  Webs of meaning that reflect the heritage of our tribal past, now often forgotten but whose influence is indelibly written in the DNA of our own cultures.

JB:  Share with our readers what this exhibit is all about.

ND:  There are many themes in the exhibit. The one that I would like most to bring to your attention is that traditional people represent a unique aspect of human consciousness. For hundreds of thousands of years our species believed in the spirit world. This was before the invention of agriculture and the major world religions. This influence creeped into our understanding of the environment, and tribal people of the world represent this way of thinking. The two cultures in the exhibit represent the remnants of that long standing tradition. We try to present aspects of the complexity and comprehensive nature of their understanding of their environment and its ecological implications. Here is a YouTube that introduces the exhibit ... 2 minutes only ...Copy/Paste the following address into your Web browser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn3yUPF0kO4

JB:  How did you first come to be interested in the Emberá Culture of Eastern Panama.

ND:  I grew up in Panama. We lived in a community located at the edge of the rainforest. From an early age, I admired indigenous culture and became interested in the nature of human consciousness. So. It is a reasonable extension of my interests to work with indigenous cultures in Panama.

JB:  Whatever convinced you to publish your research using the Virtual World of SecondLife?

ND:  I found that when you gave a talk in SL, it was helpful to send people to an exhibit. My initial goal was to give a few thoughts about indigenous culture and a small exhibit. Then the concept of an exhibit took on a life of its own. We decided to do a stand-alone self-guided exhibit. Shiloh Emmons, my colleague in the exhibit, convinced me to expand and do a more comprehensive project. The tools of SL provide an excellent immersive virtual geography for presenting complex ideas and multimedia information.

JB:  Tell us about the different exhibit areas please?

ND:  There are eight different exhibit areas.

• Emberá Cosmology and Ecology which includes shamanic rituals.
• The story of Henupoto , the supernatural antihero of the mythical past, an important Emberá narrative.
• Art and Aesthetics of Guna Mola Textile Art.
• The mola gallery where we display 38 antique molas.
• Ethnobotany, how people of the lowland tropics use plants, including psychoactive plants.
• A large map gallery of the geography of Panama.
• Photo essays of Emberá Drúa, a heritage tourism program run by an Emberá indigenous community
• Hall of the Giant Molas

There are also multiple slide shows and many interactive multimedia signs.

JB:  I saw a display that mentioned Henupoto?  Who is he and why is he important to the people of Emberá? 

ND:  Henupoto is a well-known narrative among the Emberá. It is the story of a Herculean-like antihero who is the son of a union between a powerful spirit and an indigenous woman. He is considered a nuisance by his people, so they are constantly sending him out on impossible tasks that he expertly executes. In the end, he provides the community with many gifts and a curse. The story serves as a means of discussing the many complex ecological concepts and the Emberá's profound understanding of the supernatural world. Unlike most modern superheroes, Henupoto is more of an antihero. The message is that life is not simple, not just good or bad.

JB:  Do you have any upcoming events?

ND:  At noon on September 5th at the Science Circle, I will present a talk on Art and Aesthetics of Guna Mola Textile Art. We are planning several events for the near future including a panel on the mythical antihero and Emberá cosmology. The dates and times will be posted at the exhibit. Numerous organizations have booked guided tours, and individuals are invited to drop by anytime as it is open to the public. Groups can IM me to book a tour—at Nexus Dot. 

JB:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

ND:  I think there is a striking renaissance of art, science and other intellectual activities in SL, maybe due to the Covid19 crisis. I think these are worthy goals and am pleased to be a small part of a community that is working so hard to ensure that SL offers more than just fun and recreation. I would like to thank Valibrarian and the team of the Community Virtual Library (CVL) for their gracious support of the exhibit.  We used up a lot of their Prims and they never once complained. We encourage all visitors to explore the ethnographic exhibits, and the Community Virtual Library (CVL) Research Library located on Cookie Island. 

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cookie/191/210/21

So there you have it, folks.  For a completely different way of viewing SL and the world around you, come check out the “Ethnographic Exhibits of Two Cultures from the Republic of Panama.” Tell your Limo driver to take you to the following location: 

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cookie/123/135/2003

You’ll be glad you did.

Aloha!

JB

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Spotlight on Geek Speak - Discussions on everything from Quantum Theory to Artificial Intelligence- Pen Dragon Reporting...

The quest for knowledge and understanding is one of the most noble endeavors we can embark upon. Many find their passion for learning in history, mathematics or the study of society and some delve into science. But what if your curiosity is more far reaching? What if you prefer to discuss theoretical possibilities, everything from Quantum theory to  Artificial Intelligence or even the future of money? If your desire is to learn and discuss a wide variety of interesting and intellectual topics with others who share your thirst, then Geek Speak is for you.

Geek Speak is a weekly discussion with a wide and varying range of topics. The discussion is held every Saturday at noon SLT and is sure to have a lively and in depth conversation on topics that range from surviving climate change, alien life, avoiding a collision with asteroids and understanding the future. The discussion is led by Erik Goff and organized by his close friends and team of Kathen Ohtobide and Vulcan Viper. For the last eight years these three have worked on various education programs, starting with their project Edutopia, teaching classes like Astronomy, Chinese and Portuguese.

The SL Enquirer had the opportunity to sit down with all three of the minds behind Geek Speak recently, what follows is that interview.

SLE: What drew you all to educational classes?

Erik Goff: Because I did everything else already in sl lol.  I,with the team, had casinos, building companies, a job agency, a bank....Edutopia basically started because |I had some free land and I wanted to give something back to the community.

SLE: What is each of your roles in producing Geek Speak?

Vulcan Viper: Erik is the one to craft the introductory text after we have decided on a topic.

Erik Goff: We do not have any defined roles.  Well, I am the chairman, but that is about it.  We just brainstorm a new subject each week and then discuss if it is suitable for the event.

Vulcan Viper: I do think we have roles, if not officially agreed upon. Just things we sort of ended up doing.

Erik Goff: For example, we will not do quantum physics, however interesting that may seem..  it is just that nobody in the public will have anything useful to say about the subject... at least, we thought so... because we tried it once and i was overwhelmed by the vast knowledge of the public.

Kathen Ohtobide: we try not to do things that are too technical and we try to stick to subjects that can be discussed. Some topics are very interesting but there is not much to discuss.

Erik Goff: Yes, and subjects that are in the actuality.  So for example; last week we did the 'rapid disappearing of insects worldwide.”

SLE: For the topics you discuss, do you spend a lot of time researching?

Erik Goff: I usually watch youtube a few hours about the subject before a geekspeak session.

SLE: What drives you to choose the topics that you choose?

Erik Goff: Well, I like to nudge the world into a better direction.  so fairly often I also will propose subjects that do just that. We try to stay out pure politics but we do a lot of economics discussions for example, or green energy.

Kathen Ohtobide: I tend to suggest simply the subjects I am interested in.

Erik Goff: Most geeks want, and ask for, more space subjects though. There will be no shortage of that the coming years.

Kathen Ohtobide: I suppose some subjects tend to keep coming back, we often do space and robots and AI. Although we do go off topic quite a bit when talking about it

Erik Goff: We have regulars of course, but basically someone can jump in and be entertained,  depending on this persons' geek level.

SLE: If you could tell the general public something about your discussion that they may not know, what would it be?

Erik Goff: I always notice that we have real geeks in our place.  People that usually would be very silent at parties. I am happy they get the chance to say something in our place.

Kathen Ohtobide: It helps if you like Star Trek? Just a joke!

Vulcan Viper: I'm known for referring to a Star Trek episode every so often.

Kathen Ohtobide: I think of GS as a place where we are all equal. Some people there have lots of qualifications and some have none, but we all have a voice.

Erik Goff: I would like them to talk along  so it would help if they read about the subject before the event  They never do , of course.People just want to be entertained and many are very knowledgeable about a lot of subjects. As I said before, I was very amazed at our one 'quantum physics'  events. About half of the people who attended know a whole lot about quantum physics.

Geek Speak offers a text led discussion where everyone is welcome and has a voice, making it a unique learning and sharing experience. If you would like to join the experience, watch for notices posted here in the SL Enquirer every Saturday morning with the subject of that day’s discussion and a landmark to attend. The event is sure to be informative and fun.

Additional Information:

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Danmu/176/113/51

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Second Life Do's and Don'ts - Seersha Heart reporting

I was having a conversation with someone new to SL recently.  She asked me why most of the material she pulled up via google was so dated.  I looked at some of her inquires and found out that much of the “how to get started” and basic etiquette of SL isn’t very recent.  In this article I have combined resources and asked my Facebook friends to help.  Thank you to those who offered suggestions of dos and don’ts.

Number one rule in SL; do not call SL a game.  It feels like a MMO, but it is like other social media.  There are no goals, no leaderboards it is a place to meet people or to create.  Go ahead and ask people in local sometime if SL is a game.  I guarantee a flurry of answers and opinions.  Every person in SL has an opinion on the topic of describing SL as a game.

Another basic rule to remember that immersion into the virtual grid is still a virtual experience.  You control your experience whether it is good, or it is not good.  If you don’t like a situation, you can always teleport out, turn off your computer; you are never ever someone’s prisoner unless you choose to be.   Even RLV* residents may power off, the ultimate control.  You may log into any location you wish.  If you left a bad area, relog at home or at a region of your choice.  I continue to hear stories from longtime residents who complain about their experiences in SL.  I complain about situations in sl to my friends and sometimes a stranger or two.  However, after some good old fashion whining it is time to take control of your sl life.

Here are some of the definite dos and don’ts I have written down to share.  We were all sl newbies at one time.  Reading these may remind you of your own experiences and make you cringe.

General
Let people know who your SL self is by customizing your profile and keep it current.  “Perving” profiles are a good way to make sure your profile is as you like it best.  Also Perving profiles is fun.
Try to glance at profiles before or while you are talking to someone.  This will give you their clues on what they enjoy in SL.
Learn some basic building skills such as how to rez a prim and to move an object.
Don’t beg for Lindens; there are ways to get some L inworld such as fishing.  There are also jobs inworld such as hosting for a DJ.
Don’t RLV if you don’t know what RLV means to your avatar.  Several CARP SIMs [Capture And Role Play] exist and you would be wise to avoid them unless you understand what may happen to you when you visit one of those SIMs.
There is a lot of free stuff.  The locations change but you can always ask around or use the SL search.

“Never play people! Sure, they're avatars... they're behind a computer screen halfway around the world... etc etc.
But, they're real people, real feelings, real reactions. Treat them as such”   - Harper

Interpersonal
Don’t be offended if someone you IM doesn’t respond.  They may already be in a conversation, or AFK or perhaps they don’t want to talk to new people.  It isn’t you so don’t dwell on it and move on to someone who wants to talk to you.
Don’t immediately send a friend request.  It is much politer to ask before friending someone.  It is also general practice to say thank you whether you sent the request, or the other person did.
Don’t be offended if someone you don’t really know unfriends you the next day.  This happens because if you ask someone “may I friend you” it is easier to say yes than to say no to a direct request.
Don’t be surprised if the female avatar you really fancy turns out to be played by a man (or the male avatar you fancy turns out to be played by a woman).
Don’t Demand Anything; voice, RL information.  You reveal what you wish on your profile or in interactions.  Just because you are comfortable discussing your RL or using voice don’t use that as a reason to demand those of other people.
Don’t forget that people can see where your cam unless you change your preferences.  Yes, men look up women’s skirts so wear underwear or a smile. 
Always walk around other avatars not through them.  Much as you would in RL.  You wouldn’t walk “through” someone at the mall.
Always move off a landing point...even if you haven’t rezzed.  Move to the side, get out of the way of the next person.

Some Notes on Nudity & Sex
Don’t go to G or M SIMs naked.  If you have trouble dressing, stay on Adult SIMs.  I know one attention seeking avi who never wears clothing but insists on visiting G and M SIMs.  This is just uncool and a form of griefing.
Don’t wear a Frenis; no none of them look good.  [ Free + Penis = Frenis] It doesn’t matter if the description says it is a good penis.  In sexual attachments you get what you pay for.  Frenis is a big running gag in world but you can find them any day.  Stop by OrGaSms, usually someone wearing one at that SIM.
Don’t send dick pics.  No one ever wants a texture of your RL penis or your SL penis.  Period.
Don’t use the pose balls you find in someone else’s home.  This is a big deal infringement for many people.  There are plenty of places with a lot of pose balls.  Go use those.
Don’t bug every female [or male] you meet for sex.  No doesn’t mean she wants to be persuaded it means NO.  And to the woman harassed this is a good time to TP away.
DO use CTRL ATL T to see if anyone is wearing a penis or other object and hiding it.  You will be surprised the first few times.

“There is no real privacy in SL, remember that”…. Inch Sideways

Land is a sacred place for most residents.  They choose who and when they interact with others while on their own land so:
Don’t be offended if you are ejected from someone’s land.
Don’t expect someone to engage in a conversation with you while they are on their land

Inventory
Emptying your trash will take something out of your inventory F O R E V E R.
Name your inventory pictures something meaningful to you so you know what they are later.
Ask around for hints on how to best organize your inventory, no one has an easy time with this task.  There is no one perfect answer.

Know your resources
Learn the preferences on your viewer or ask a friend for help.  Control your experience.
Don’t forget you can show pictures for free on your feed at secondlife.com
SL doesn’t end on the grid, we have bloggers, photographers, Facebook accounts and so on
Clothing and getting dressed; Never use “wear” always use “add”
Don’t let your groups get out of control; turn off notifications you don’t want to see.

A big don’t is age play.  While most understand this to be no sexual situations with child avis; many don’t understand what constitutes a child avi.  Some SIMs specific height, others may have a no child avi sign.  Generally speaking if your human avi is under 1.8m it will be considered a child by most.  If you want a short avi, be prepared to be reported a child avi in sexual situations.  Disclaimers in profiles are not a shield for this highly inappropriate behavior.  Don’t bother putting that you are “18 years old” if your avi is a child.  Readers if you witness age play please report it immediately.  If you click on the offending avi, you can report your suspicions to LL.  LL receives a picture, the location and all the details.  If you wonder if you should report it, the answer is yes.  LL is the one to investigate and make proper determinations.

Let’s talk about griefing.  Griefer activities take many varied forms.  The simplest definition is a resident who is in sl to disrupt or disturb others for their enjoyment.  There are groups that some residents belong to, so they make discuss griefing.  Most are familiar with “Classic Griefers” whose characteristics are:
Disturb others without physical contact:
abusing the message system, spamming advertisements, and similar
sexual messages or inappropriate dress on G or M SIMs
Pushing
The offending avi will push against you, bump you
Attacking land parcels or abusing protected areas with
Particles, sound or unwanted object

DO avoid “flatterbots”, “copybots”, ignore and block any avatar you suspect to not have a real person behind it.
Some residents take griefing to a higher and disturbing level.  They call themselves terrorists.  This group targets resources such as increasing lags, blocking traffic or use of replicants.  This group of individuals spend all their time griefing while developing new ways to disrupt the peace.  For more information on thefting scripts read this great article “Theft and Fraud in Second Life – Scripts that Steal – Dean Lawson reporting”

“A very common technique used by many griefers is to offer free products (inworld or on marketplace). When a resident purchases this and decides to rezz or wear it, the attack takes place. Rezzed object can be a replicant or can harass others (and the new owner) with messages. There have been reported cases when residents had to auto-return all objects on their land because they rezzed one small, invisible, self-replicative object that kept on sending chat messages and consumed all their land resources.” -Second Life Wiki

If you are concerned, reach out for some fantastic resources on how to best handle griefers.  Free on SL Marketplace you can find GreenZone HYPERLINK "https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/GreenZone-HUD/1849012" HUD for $0L.  This is designed to aid you and protect your privacy in SL from griefers.

The dos and don’ts in SL are ever changing like the landscape of all SL.  Remember at the end of the day it is always, your SL.

“Just don’t be a d**k”  - ChipaquamanGriefers are a small group of SL residents.  Most residents are thoughtful wonderful human beings pursuing their interests peacefully.  Griefers frequent particularly vulnerable areas and vulnerable people [such as newbies].

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