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As We See It

SL Voice: Another Valuable Choice

Aggregating Resident feedback on the blog and in the forums, we've noticed that many feel strongly that the soon-to-be released voice feature has the potential to marginalize certain Second Life communities and individuals, primarily the disabled, roleplayers and non-English speaking residents. While we certainly take all thoughtful concerns into consideration, it bears noting that voice may just as well benefit elements of these communities. In the interest of broadening the debate, as we do encourage your feedback, let's take a look at these two communities specifically.

First, disabilities are varied and include but are not limited to: physical, sensory, cognitive, psychiatric and health-related disabilities. While a deaf Resident may find him or herself excluded in some social contexts, their ability to communicate in SL, has not been diminished from a technical viewpoint. Whereas, a Resident with arthritis or other debilitating condition/injuries that effect the hands and arms may have felt that chat was a limiting medium compared to voice. In cases such as these, Voice capability can be a welcome addition to the communication options currently available to residents.

Second, certain groups in Second Life will find that their role-play communities are enhanced by the voice feature introduction. For example, role-play combat communities can draw on voice to enhance concepts of honor, respect, and loyalty. Likewise, voice modification technology, while still in its developmental infancy, is particularly adept at conveying animal-like or robotic speech tones. Look like Megatron in Second Life but sound like Winnie The Pooh in real life? Look like Winnie the Pooh in Second Life but sound like Megatron in real life? Well, thanks to voice modification technology, your look and your sound need not conflict.

Many non-roleplay communities will also benefit from the addition of voice to Second Life. Non-native English speakers who have trouble communicating in text will be able to identify more quickly and integrate more fully into their respective communities through voice. When a non-native English speaker encounters a difficulty with the interface or begins interacting with the Linden Scripting Language, asking questions is often a best resource. Listening is likewise an excellent way of integrating for non-native English speakers as many nuances of language are conveyed through tone and practice as opposed to text, which can mask cultural frameworks and in the most general sense, be far more time consuming. Most educators would agree that learning is better facilitated between individuals with voice.

While we recognize that voice will in many ways change the landscape of Second Life we have ensured that these changes are fully opt-in and serve to provide another option for participation. Rather than disenfranchise, Voice in SL stands to engage a greater range of individuals who will contribute their own uniquely valuable perspectives to the tapestry of the Grid. Second Life Residents define passion in the modern age. Linden Lab does not believe that with such Resident ardor, anyone will be left behind. You will determine the efficacy and value of voice. Linden Lab will just provide you with the tool.