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.