In meatspace they say, "You never have a second chance to make a first impression." In the hyper-short attention span environment of Second Life I think the bar is set even higher. Many SLers give you about two lines after receiving an introductory "hi" before they make the decision whether to blow you off or engage.
In my brief experience, it seems that wit is one of the key measures of worthiness. This extends beyond introductions into general social conversation. We sit back poised to pounce on the opportunity to throw out a killer one-liner. It can be fun, fun, fun.
Unfortunately, this cult of wit doesn't make much space for those without lightning-fast snarky reflexes. It tends to keep conversations on the shallow end of the pool. And it doesn't value slow and thoughtful thinking.
Hmmm. Is there any other dimension that pervades SL????
