Virtual Publishing Myths

People who work in certain fields or pursue a particular career are subject to stereotypes in real life. For instance, and I'll use my profession as an example, librarians are still pictured to some degree as eye-glass wearing, prudish, elderly women who spend their lives reading books. No matter how wrong this may be in light of younger and male library students, the stereotype persists. But in a virtual world, stereotypes are less typical because avatars can be so different in appearance and characteristics than their real life counterparts. But are they different in nature? I personally believe that most virtual world residents, while probably using younger and thinner avatars, are not much different personality-wise than the character they create to represent themselves. Further, these people often hang out with members of their real life professions or those who have similar interests. Like "birds of a feather," avatars of a group mingle together. That's why, when I first joined Second Life, I navigated toward librarians and found Info Island.


So what about publishers, journalists, writers, and reporters? If I made a survey of the staffs of virtual publications, I'm sure that a good percentage are either employed in similar fields or have pursued these occupations in some manner in real life. I worked on my student newspaper and graduate school newsletter. While I was never employed professionally as a journalist, I have published articles and a short story in real life.


Determining that virtual journalists tend to have experience from their real lives and that they like to be among other people with writing/communication interests, it is easy to see why the Virtual World Press Club that Holman Tibbett created, and other such press clubs in other virtual worlds, is a good idea.


Taking it one step farther, here are a few vitual publishing myths that should be debunked:


1. Publishing and writing in a virtual world can be fun but isn't very useful. After all, who cares what happens in a game?


This is totally untrue. Most virtual world residents take their Second Lives or Active Lives or whatever very seriously and do not think of the time they take part in these "worlds" as participating in a game. And while avatars like to have fun, they also want to keep informed of news, events, and other happenings.


2. Publishing a virtual newspaper or magazine is easy. All you do is sit down at your computer and write.


This couldn't be farther from the truth. Just like in real life, articles and stories for virtual publications involve interviews, editing, layout, photography, etc. if you want to put together a decent product. Although, just like in real life, there are publications that aren't worth reading, tabloids and such, most virtual world journalists work to create professional publications, and this takes time and effort.


3. Virtual publications come and go, so they never really develop a readership.


This is also untrue. While things do change quicker in virtual worlds than in real life, some publications expand and grow developing readers and adding staff as time goes on. This is a tribute to the dedication of the founders and the hard work of the staff.

So just as in real life, certain stereotypes and myths abound in virtual worlds and, also like real life, it's often up to the virtual press to enlighten the public and inform them of truths. We do not need to roleplay professionalism if we are professionals, and that goes for all worlds.

Editing for a Virtual World

Any writer can tell you that editing is much more difficult and time consuming than writing. But, often, under deadlines, a journalist ignores a few commas or relies on spellcheck more than he or she should. What's interesting is that editing an article for a virtual publication has some additional challenges. Here are some that I have found in my veteran experience (over one year in a virtual world is a long time) writing for the Metaverse Messenger newspaper:

Never assume the sex of the person/avatar you interview by chat or email. Names are quite often unisex, and even profile photos can be misleading.

Speaking of names, don't rely on traditional spellings or phonic guessing for virtual world residents. Due to restrictions on personal names, many people choose unusual spellings to be able to use a certain first name, and others like to express their creativity and freedom with long monikers that are spelled nothing like they sound. John Smith's are not common at all in virtual worlds.

As with names, always check titles. In virtual worlds, these tend to change fast. So if you've written a story about someone previously, don't take it for granted they are still in the same position.

As quick as titles change in a virtual world, so do locations. If you list a Slurl for a Second Life place, for instance, it is always a good idea to teleport there first to make sure the place is still there.

Another tricky aspect of virtual world editing is using real life information. If you are covering an event that crosses over into real life, some of the people involved may actually want their real identities known. However, you should always ask permission when revealing any real life information.

Lastly, and this one is really very tacky, never try to print a private chat log. This will definitely get you the virtual pink slip. When in doubt, always ask permission. It's common sense in any world.

I hope you find some of my tips helpful. Editing isn't easy in any world, but it does have its unique challenges in virtual worlds.

Is Virtual Writing Real?

I've been writing a long time. I've also been published both in real life and in a virtual world known as Second Life. In real life, I have not earned much money for my work. In Second Life I've earned even less, but since the game currency, the almighty Linden, can buy more virtual items than U.S. dollars can buy real merchandise, I am actually making out better. I can buy a designer gown for 1,000 Lindens or less (about $4 cash) and some really nice stuff is actually given away for free. But that's not why I write in a virtual world.

When I joined Second Life in March 2007, I had no idea what to expect. I didn't expect to enjoy it. I just wanted to try it. I found it tough at the beginning and was extremely thankful that I received lots of help from the Alliance Group of librarians, now collectively called the Alliance Virtual Library, who have created a wonderful resource that started with one virtual island known as Info Island and now includes a large and ever expanding group of virtual islands that are known as the Information Archipelago.

As a librarian and writer, I had researched Second Life before I became a resident there. I discovered that in addition to many real life businesses as well as virtual businesses, there are publications including newspapers and magazines that serve the audience of this worldwide community that boasts millions of occupants. I applied to a paper called the Metaverse Messenger and was hired as a staff writer. I began writing two columns, one geared toward new players, or newbies in SL lingo, and one that profiled people who ran businesses in Second Life. From writing both these columns, I learned much about the people and culture of Second Life. I went on to write feature articles and cover events, particularly those hosted by the librarians on Info Island. I was offered my own virtual home to cover Info Island news, and I gladly accepted.

As time went on, I checked out some of the many writer's groups that meet in Second Life and met some of the real life authors who are guests or hosts of these groups. I also met many other librarians and writers. Several months ago, I found out about a new Second Life publication for librarians that Clark Abismo, a librarian from Portugal, was starting. I applied for a position with this new magazine and became Associate Publisher of RezLibris. We currently have a staff of six board members and are still growing. Most of the editors are librarians, although any SL resident with writing, editing, or photography experience is welcome to apply. Our first issue, due out this Fall, will feature contributions from a diverse mix of people and cover many aspects of libraries, education, and immersive learning.

So to answer my question, is virtual writing real? I am amazed at how real it can be and how unique a venue a virtual world can be for a writer. All communication is, after all, virtual. It exists in our minds to be verbalized or written. Once we create it, it is real no matter where it is read or spoken.