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Our finial project is about the romantic relationship in SL. As we are in love in real life, we also can develop affection in SL through the activities and ceremonies, such as dating, flirting, having candlelight dinner, holding a splendid wedding and so on. But do people have the responsibility to treat their relationship in SL honestly and loyally just like in real life? It's a problem about morality to all of us now. Internet has become a very important part in our lives that we use it to interact with others, escape from daily struggles and experience things we don't dare to do in real life. However, if people already have had a relationship in actual world, are their affections in virtual world adulteries? Do people make their avatars more charming than they really are and fabricate the glorious events about them to increase the opportunities to have intimate relationships immoral? In my opinion, having an affair or tell something unreal in SL still count as cheating. Participation in virtual world doesn't excuse us from living in reality, and all the rules for a successful relationship apply whether we are online or not.
So this time we want to conduct a survey that do people treat their relationship in SL as serious as in real life and is there any ethical dilemma in it. We have already searched for some romantic spots, such as Japan Tempura Island, The Lost Gardens of Apollo, Midnight Reflections and so forth. That couples can dance, walk around and enjoy their private moments in these beautiful places. Therefore, we decide to go to these locations respectively and have interviews with the potential couples there. But at first we have to work out our questionnaire and start the survey as soon as possible. Later, we would discuss our progress report and revise the questions every week.
Fortunately we have made friendship with some foreign couples from different countries already, so that we can analyze whether their background, education, status, nation and gender would affect the result of our survey. At last, we would not only try to explain the possible reasons for the similarities and differences attained from this study, but also create a chart to make the consequence more clearly.
BY Judy Ting
Sunshine and relaxation wait for you there.
Does an extravagant vacation always cost you lots of money? Everyday we live a busy and stressful life, hoping one day we can get rid of the pressure, take a trip to a beautiful island and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. Now we don't have to worry about money and distance. We are able to spend our holidays in a five-star resort whenever we want. Don't think it is impossible; just try our new choice -- Galveston Island in Second Life!
In fact, since 2007 the Tourism Bureau of Galveston have bought a virtual isle in Second Life and constructed the city according to the real one. Instead of taking a flight, we can arrive there in a second and relax ourselves with only a bit of money, like the charge for facilities. There are so many in/outdoor activities and cultural heritages that we can take part in.
When we reach the island, the first sight we would see is Galveston Historical Center. Many old pictures and information about the town are available there. The documents show that although hurricanes "visit" Galveston frequently, this island still tries to preserve its historic monuments such as Bishop's Palace in Victorian style, and develop modern entertainment to stir world's desire. Actually it is a place full of vigor, with the smell of culture pervading the whole city. Later three giant pyramids would attract our attention. They are called "Moody Gardens," which respectively are Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery Pyramid. We can enjoy the pleasure of being surrounded by marine life and wild animals. Besides, you can watch IMAX 3D films about the life of fishes and tropical creatures.
After visiting these places, we would have known more about the history and environment of Galveston. Now we can go to the amusement park to play pirate ship, water slide and Ferris wheel, or just go surfing and take a sun bath on the beach. At night, it is a good choice to go to a live concert at the Seawolf Park, relaxing ourselves completely through the wonderful music. Perhaps we can also choose to enjoy our nightlives in clubs. Actually there are so many possibilities and options in Galveston, which worth us spending a long time to explore. But at last, just don't forget to check in at the Hilton hotel, have a good sleep and welcome the next day to come.
Galveston Island in Second Life provides us with a way to escape from our annoying daily lives. Although we are not able to have a vacation on a beautiful tropical island now, we still can find our comfort there. Remember, besides to use our sensory organs to enjoy the trip, we still have to use our minds to "feel" this place. With sunshine and relaxation, you spend limited money, but earn unlimited joy.
Galveston Island in Real Life
Galveston Island in Second Life
Writer: Meredith Lee (Meredith Rhosar)
Reader & Organizer: Judy Ting (Judy Meiler)
Editor: Monica Bei (Aleli Damiano)
This comment is also posted on Meredith's blog as feedback.
The dialogue
[19:42] Judy Meiler: I have finished already.
[19:42] Aleli Damiano: I have read it...cool....
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: haha I think so
[19:43] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I think so too.
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: last night
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: it's a coincidence
[19:43] Aleli Damiano: I mean is great that u got the chance to interact with these people...
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: yes!!!
[19:43] Meredith Rhosar: or I would just introduce New York XD
[19:44] Aleli Damiano: and as u mentioned in the story they were willing to help, I have hard time finding help in SL
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: but I chatted with them till 3 a.m...
[19:44] Judy Meiler: I also met a friend who lives in Peru in real life this morning. Ha! Ha!
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: have you?
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: why?
[19:44] Meredith Rhosar: people didn';t help you?
[19:44] Aleli Damiano: I do not know...perhaps I am not as lucky as u r XD
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: hahaha
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: don't say that
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: so do I need to summerize it?...
[19:45] Meredith Rhosar: I think you can easily understand XD
[19:45] Aleli Damiano: I am just joking...I have got some help but most people do not like newbies, they do not like teaching u know...
[19:46] Meredith Rhosar: no time to use difficult words haha
[19:46] Meredith Rhosar: yeah I was quite nervous last night, too
[19:46] Meredith Rhosar: but they taught me even how to "click"!
[19:46] Aleli Damiano: yes, it is very well organized, I mean ur story...
[19:47] Judy Meiler: But I can't precisely get the point that you want to talk about. Is it about the warmhearted friendship?
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: well organized?!
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: yes
[19:47] Aleli Damiano: yeah, I mean it has an introduction a body and a conclusion
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: the experience of an friendship
[19:47] Meredith Rhosar: what happened
[19:48] Meredith Rhosar: and I want to keep the friendship
[19:48] Judy Meiler: Ok, I get it now!
[19:48] Aleli Damiano: and yes, I got it from that point of view, a chance to build up friendship and also as second point that there are people willing to help...
[19:48] Judy Meiler: Yes!
[19:49] Meredith Rhosar: yes I was really surprised
[19:49] Meredith Rhosar: they were not impatient at all!
[19:49] Aleli Damiano: I think that's very important because as I have told u some people we had not very sweet experiences...
[19:50] Judy Meiler: Oh! Poor Monica, don't be sad!
[19:51] Aleli Damiano: no no...I am not sad at all, just telling my part of the story on this matter...
[19:51] Judy Meiler: Maybe in the future we can help people in SL too. Ha! Ha!
[19:51] Aleli Damiano: that will be nice...
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: I'm still an idiot in SL...
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: hahaha
[19:52] Aleli Damiano: though ur story has all the parts, I kind of feel that it was written in a rush...u know what I mean?
[19:52] Judy Meiler: Me too. Ha! Ha!
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: me too. haha
[19:52] Meredith Rhosar: so how can I revise it?...
[19:53] Aleli Damiano: yes, I think so...
[19:53] Meredith Rhosar: how?
[19:53] Judy Meiler: I want to know what makes them like to help beginners in SL.
[19:53] Meredith Rhosar: it's the words' problem?
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: I don't know either!!!
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: and I think if I go back to ask them it
[19:54] Aleli Damiano: just polish it a little bit, maybe add some more details about the island they took u to...
[19:54] Judy Meiler: So you didn't ask them?
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: they'll think i'M STRANGE
[19:54] Meredith Rhosar: I just kept thanking them
[19:55] Meredith Rhosar: If some tells he likes to help people, would you ask why?
[19:55] Judy Meiler: You can tell them that you are writing about their kindness and friendship.
[19:55] Meredith Rhosar: uh...ok i'll try...
[19:56] Meredith Rhosar: so Monica
[19:56] Aleli Damiano: yes...
[19:56] Judy Meiler: Because many people treat strangers coldly, I want to know what makes them different.
[19:56] Meredith Rhosar: I think I have problem with my preposition...
[19:56] Aleli Damiano: what do u mean?
[19:56] Meredith Rhosar: warmhearted haha
[19:57] Meredith Rhosar: I kept using "and"
[19:57] Judy Meiler: I think it's a common problem.
[19:57] Meredith Rhosar: ?
[19:58] Aleli Damiano: that's what I mean when I said u can polish it...delete some words that u think are unnecessary...
[19:58] Meredith Rhosar: oh ok
[19:58] Aleli Damiano: or replace them...I think just very little change, without touching the structure as a whole...
[19:59] Meredith Rhosar: haha thank you Monica!!!
[19:59] Aleli Damiano: no problem...
[19:59] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I think so too.
[19:59] Meredith Rhosar: so any further comment?
[20:00] Aleli Damiano: that's it from my side...
[20:01] Meredith Rhosar: Judy?
[20:01] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I still want to know more why they are so friendly, not like the most of people.
[20:02] Judy Meiler: So that's my opinion.
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: ok I'll try to ask them
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: thank you
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: is that all?
[20:02] Aleli Damiano: thanks to u for sharing ur story :)
[20:02] Meredith Rhosar: :)
[20:02] Judy Meiler: You're welcome!
Summary of the reader's and the editor's suggested revisions
Meredith shares a very special experience with us. She met two foreigners in New York City, where they invited her to their own island and treated her very friendly. At their home, they not only taught her how to use the functions in SL, but also encouraged her to learn more skill and knowledge as possible. In fact, she appreciates the sincere friendship very much that she would keep in touch with them often and try to become skilled in SL one day.
We both think it is a really wonderful experience for Meredith. She is so lucky that she can have the opportunity to interact with the foreigners; especially they are so kind and willing to help her. We consider she did a very good job and the structure is organized, but still has to polish the words and grammar, because we can feel she wrote it in a rush. Besides, most of people treat strangers coldly and don't like to teach, so we want to know what makes them different and glad to help beginners in SL. Actually it would be a great subject worth exploring for our group project later too.
Brief comment on the entire article with respect to organization, length, logic, and style
It is an interesting and touching story to me. I'm so happy to know there are still many warm-hearted people taking pleasure in helping strangers. The article is well-organized, including introduction, body and conclusion clearly. Now if she can polish her words and add more pictures or description to portray their private island, it can satisfy our curiosity, because we have never had the chance to visit others' house in SL before. It's a really special experience for us and we hope we can offer this kind of friendship to the beginners in SL in the future. Handing down the generosity from person to person!
[7:54] Aleli Damiano: great then...I have to say I really like ur article, is the kind I had in mind to write but it didnot came out that good :)
[7:54] Judy Meiler: Really? Thanks, Monica!
[7:55] Aleli Damiano: yeah, really...u add a lot of information about things u can do at the place...
[7:55] Judy Meiler: But I still need some of your advice. Ha! Ha!
[7:55] Aleli Damiano: there are suggestions for every kind of people, that's interesting...
[7:56] Aleli Damiano: my suggestion would be to add some pictures...
[7:56] Judy Meiler: Yeah! Of course I would do it later.
[7:57] Aleli Damiano: u get into the place and have a tour, take some pictures and perhaps discribe what do u like the most about it...
[7:57] Judy Meiler: Yeah! I would try.
[7:57] Aleli Damiano: I did that but a very quick one cuz I did not get much time...
[7:58] Judy Meiler: Yeah, I know, but that's ok.
[7:58] Meredith Rhosar: and I think your first paragraph is too long
[8:11] Meredith Rhosar: and udy
[8:11] Meredith Rhosar: I think you can cut some places
[8:12] Meredith Rhosar: choose your favorite places to talk more
[8:12] Meredith Rhosar: haha just my opinion
[8:12] Meredith Rhosar: maybe you have your own consideration
[8:12] Judy Meiler: Ok, I see. Thanks!
BY Judy Ting
Full of sunshine and relaxation wait for you.
Does an extravagant vacation always cost you lots of money? Everyday we live a busy and stressful life, hoping one day we can get rid of the pressure, take a trip to a beautiful island and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. But now we don't have to worry about money and distance that we are able to spend our holidays in a five-star resort whenever we want. Don't think it is impossible; just try our new choice -- Galveston Island in Second Life -- to make your dream come true immediately.
In fact, Galveston is a real island and resort in Texas, but since 2007 they have bought a virtual isle and constructed the city according to the real one in Second Life. Now instead of taking a flight, we can arrive there in a second and relax ourselves with only a bit of money. There are so many in/outdoor activities and cultural heritages that we must take part in.
When we reach the island, the first sight we would see is Galveston Historical Center. Many old pictures and information about the town are available there. From the documents we can know that although hurricanes "visit" Galveston frequently, this island still tries to preserve its historic monuments and develop modern entertainment to stir world's desire. Actually it is a place full of vigor, with the smell of culture pervading the whole city. Later three giant pyramids would attract our attention. They are called "Moody Gardens", which respectively are Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery Pyramid. We can enjoy the pleasure of being surrounded by marine and wild animals. Besides, there are also IMAX 3D theaters to watch the films about the life of fishes and tropical creatures.
After visiting the former places, we would have known more about the history and environment of Galveston. Now we can go to the amusement park to play pirate ship, water slide and Ferris wheel, or just go surfing and take a sun bath on the beach. At night, it is a good choice to go to a live concert at the Seawolf Park, relaxing ourselves completely through the wonderful music. Perhaps we can also choose to enjoy our nightlife in club. Actually there are so many possibilities and options in Galveston, which worth us spending a long time to explore. But at last, just don't forget to check in at the Hilton hotel, have a good sleep and welcome the next day to come.
Galveston Island in Second Life provides us a way to escape from our annoying real life. Although we are not able to have a vacation on a beautiful tropical island now, we still can find our comfort there. Remember, except to use our sensory organs to enjoy the trip, we still have to use our mind to "feel" this place. Full of sunshine and relaxation, spend limited money, but earn unlimited joy.
Galveston Island in Real Life
Galveston Island in Second Life
