Ask Eddi: Are Alts a Good or Bad Thing?

Dear Eddi:   

What is your position on alts?
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Dear Inquisitive Reader:

Usually beneath.

Levity aside, Eddi approves of alts (other avatars which you own, the average Second Life resident has several) under the right circumstances. Eddi has an alt, Ryce Skytower, who has his own unique personality and blog, Confessions of an Airhead..  Most people do not know why Eddi has an alt. Ryce Skytower was created at one point when Eddi contemplated leaving Second Life, and wanted an alternative identity; luckily for Eddi, his partner Jago Constantine stopped this from happening.

Eddi continued Ryce to give himself "breathing room" and privacy when he logs on.  Eddi, as is typical with other avatars with multiple interests,  can be confronted with as many as 20 people trying to contact him about one issue or another when he logs on. In addition, Eddi thinks that it is fun to be a cute blond surfer at times, and enjoys dancing professionally as Ryce at clubs on special occasions.  The fact that Ryce is Eddi's alt is noted in both their profiles.  In addition, since Eddi does not enjoy playing "alt games" by concealing his identity to friends, Ryce wears a tag that says "Eddi Haskell's Alt" over his head at times, which can cause massive confusion to many due to the audacity of the honesty.

Now, Eddi must admit that one reason he does not want to play "alt games" with multiple accounts is the sheer confusion that would result for him.  For one thing, he would constantly have to look at who he was at the time, since he is so forgetful.  Secondly, if one has been or is a bit promiscuous, it can be very embarrassing to congratulate someone on a hot night of sex even though you had it with your other avatar. ("oh sorry...    You must have hooked up with my alt Ryce Skytower then" is a line Eddi has had to use in the past to the embarrassment of all concerned).

Eddi's alt Ryce Skytower

Now, these are fine reasons to create an alt.  The need for privacy at times, or wanting to be "someone else", even it is a member of the opposite sex.  You and your partner may both decide to make alts to give yourself a getaway on Second Life.  Eddi estimates that over 75% of all avatars who have been active and resident in Second Life for over one year have a fully functioning alt that they use on occasion --- and in a healthy manner.  It is not necessary to "come out" as an alt, just do not play "alt games" and try to gain the upper hand on people through them.

Eddi also has observed that although one thinks that they  annot hide your personality as an alt, this is easy to do so. Unless you have a glaringly obvious trait like Eddi has - the ability to type at unheard at speeds inworld ( Eddi himself can type over 200 words a minute - this drives people nuts and is easily recognizable),  most people are too wrapped up with themselves to notice alts.

There are also bad reasons to create an alt.   One is spying on friends or partners, and shame on you if you  use an alt to test your partner's fidelity.  For what point?  To ruin Second Life for the both of you?  To have the jollies of seeing your partner cheat on you only for the both of you to ultimately unpartner in a Soap-Opera-ish camp vindictive scene?  Of course it is easy to seduce your partner as an alt!  Your partner is having sex with you just like he or she should be!  You know all of your partner's  trigger points for seduction; why play such games?   If you want to screw someone as an alt, go log in at the same time as your main account and have sex with your alt; this way you can really "screw yourself over" without screwing over your partner at the same time!

For help with your Second Life problems please leave Eddi a question in comments, or leave him a note card inworld.