Is It a Game?

An interesting conversation has been going around here and there - nothing major - on Ripple and DarkStar about people's view of SL. Is it a game, or is it an extension of reality? It's pretty clear that no two people have the same experiences in SL or even came to SL for the same reasons (or are staying in SL for the same reasons).

So for me, when I first got here I wasn't sure what the hell was going on - so I couldn't really tell if I was in a game or an alternate reality. I met people who played the game and were very clear that they kept RL and SL separate. Other people shared their stories: where in the RL world they lived (general area), what they did, etc.

I don't know how to be anyone other than me, and I've been called a really bad liar more than once (and my alt was outed by my friends within minutes). So I am going for the open approach. Ask me about me, and I'll tell you (within reason). I want people to know me. SL has become an extension of my life - new friends, new experiences, but all for me. And yes, my nickname in RL is Yamis (pronounced Yaymis - thanks Grateful for being so clear about that always - lol).

For those of you on the "its a game" side of the spectrum, you might be the lucky ones who haven't been consumed and addicted to SL (see the link on the right for more about SL addictions "We only dream in wireframe") and I respect your view of the game. For those on the "reality" end of the spectrum - will we ever be able to leave? Do we even want to?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this...