It's Time to Change....

When SL Voice became an active feature I was reluctant to try it because it seemed like I’d be bringing too much RL into the game. And frankly, my RL boyfriend has forbidden it…oops. But I caved in. Mostly to prove to doubting SL men that a girl named Tym didn’t possess an Adam's apple, a twig and a couple of berries.

Even before hearing them speak, I had an idea in my mind of how each of my SL boyfriends would sound. The voice I have in my imagination is perfectly crafted to match each avatar and the personality I have gleaned from our instant messaging. (And happily, most of my SL boyfriends have delighted me with their RL voices.)

I was so excited for my first voice connection. It was with a suave, very masculine avatar….who had broad shoulders, a perpetual five-o’clock shadow and a macho swagger. He had the big, calloused hands of someone who works hard in the Sand Box all day. He had spoken of sexual conquest after sexual conquest and stood 9 feet tall. I set my voice controls to active and closed my eyes, waiting for a deep, husky voice to greet me….

And like the scratch of a needle on a record….

I was instantly jolted out of my pre-cyber fog. Damn, damn, damn.

I cannot begin to describe my disappointment as my first SL Voice chat continued. There was no sex in the voice I heard. Hell, there was barely any testosterone.

I will admit to being a bit of a voice snob. I have a smooth feminine one with no regional accent. People respond well to it. But I know it is only because of luck, genes, and growing up in Colorado.

So, I’ll try to be patient. It isn’t his fault. He is nice enough and even invites me over for tiny prim dinners that he has “cooked.” Sigh. Perhaps his voice will grow on me --in the same way an average looking man in RL becomes incredibly handsome to you when you fall in love with them.

Until then, I will have to insist that any less than macho-voiced SLovers only whisper to me. And take up smoking.

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