Tale of Two Peoples

In my time in Second Life I have discovered something that has been quite beneficial to me. Whether hunting as I play Bloodlines or just getting to know people two very standard categories of personalities seem to exist. In this article I will describe them a bit. Before I do though please enjoy this YouTube that just seemed to fit here.

In my experience, there are two kinds of people in Second Life - Bleeders and Players. Bleeders tend to skew the line between Second Life (SL) and Real Life (RL). Conversely, Players are there to completely separate themselves from the two realms.


Bleeders

I have to say that I relate most to this category, and I have found that it helps and hinders me

in several ways. See, a Bleeder is willing to cross the line between SL and RL, and often

Vampire (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

you will find I make reference to this concept as "crossover". People in this category take on a more relational approach to the game. In fact sometimes they get offended when you consider it a game. The Bleeder sees Second Life as more of an extension to their life as a whole, and  not as a separate entity.

A Bleeder will put themselves in the game completely feeling much of what happens good or bad. You will find that the feelings of the Bleeder will be singed when there is a relational rupture or controversy.

To try and win a Bleeder over you will want to get to know them for the person behind the keyboard, and make a friend. Again it's an extension of their life for them so they are connected to their character.

Players

The person that falls into this category is in SL for the escape and has no real desire to attach emotionally to the game. For the Player this is a game, and it is, in essence, something to be conquered. Often if you look at the profile of a player they will say on many occasions, "I keep SL and RL separate."

Chess set-lions vs dogs-004 (Photo credit: thefranksterk)

Often the way this person plays the game is set according to the objective he or she sets for themselves. For some the amassing of relationships is a thing where others play certain games within the game to accomplish their general goal. Often they may move from one thing to another because there are a variety of things they could accomplish or master.


If you encounter this person and you want to involve them in your cause you simply have to show them an objective they could overcome. Don't try throwing emotional ties to the Player because that will just turn them away.


Understanding the two personalities in SL can be very beneficial to you. First, you will find that it helps you to understand your own reason for being in Second Life. How does the way others play in the game affect you? Neither of the types of people are wrong to behave the way they do, but if you understand the balance it will help you tremendously.

Secondly, this understanding of the two types of people will make you a more effective user within the realm of Second Life. If it's a game objective you are trying to accomplish, then you will see this helping you as you are convincing others to join your cause. Also, if you find certain people rub you the wrong way you will find this opens up answers as to why as you grow to understand this personality concept.

I will refer to this concept often because I think in many ways it is essential to understanding why people do what they do in SL.

I welcome comments and feedback regarding this concept because it is an ongoing theory and an inexact science. Please feel free to contact me or leave comments. More importantly, I want to thank you for taking a look here, because I know you have lots of things to do with your time.

Cheers!

- Stone