For me Second Life is social networking - plus.
But I had my doubts at first. Let's face it, I was far from a computer geek and my idea of video games is Ms. PacMan. Could I learn about a new world?
First step was orientation where I learned to walk and talk and dress myself, though I still walk into walls sometimes. A big step was buying hair - and shoes that didn't make my feet look like clubs. I went to famous landmarks by myself, took fun photos and listened to great music. Next came meeting other people.
And it was the interactions with other people - far and away above everything else - that have been the key. Sitting in a virtual room interacting with a group of people I know from twitter, Second Life, or elsewhere in the real world is an amazing thing.
To be quite honest it's not about geek abilities, To thrive in Second Life I call on my corporate wife skills and need good taste and good judgment more than I need skills with a joystick or programming. I use the same arsenal of information and instinct I honed as a mom or an advertising manager or a program evaluator.
So to those of you in doubt. If you're able to navigate real life, read a map, look up information in a directory and ask questions you'll do fine in Second Life.
And if you need more help I'll be glad to point you in the direction of some great realistic looking skin!