# FunkyBar ## WELCOME This is an invite only virtual bar space which was created to try to simulate a 'normal' social space. This space allows us to interact as we choose, drop in and out of conversations and wander around, just like in a real bar! You can move around the space using your computers arrow keys and click on different things using 'x' to interact (building still in progress here!). Other people will pop up on video when you are in close proximity to them, so you can wander around, joining and exiting conversations as you like. Please read below for information on all the sections, navigation and tips on how to use the space, and read through the code of conduct so we are all on the same page. ## CODE OF CONDUCT All participants are expected to contribute to creating a positive environment. This includes: * Asking to join conversations as you approach - if uncertain use the private chat function. * Reading the information in this guide to understand each space. * Behaving in a respectful, consensual and kind way to all participants. * Please ask the host before sharing the password for the space (if too many non-invited people have access the password will be changed). ## SPACES TO EXPLORE! ### Want to meet new people? Head to the BAR! If your feeling shy and unsure on how to approach people just head to the bar, anyone in this space is looking to connect with another human. So your chances are really good for a conversation! ### General Socialising If you are joining a conversation outside the bar area please quickly check its okay to join; you know say "Hi, I'm .... may I join you?", just like in real life!. You can go to an un-allocated table or just pick a spot in the space to hang out! And remember we are all here because we want to have a chat or be around humans, so if your shy be a bit brave and give it a go! ### Private Chat Tables If you are after privacy there are a few tables with 'Private Chat" written on them, you just need to stand on the chairs to join those spaces. Please only join these areas if you have already communicated clearly with the participants that you are invited. The platform gives you a warning as well if you are too close. ### Q&A Table - Structured Socialising Q&A is questions and answers, which can be a fun way to break the ice if you don't know people. There is a clickable link on the table with instructions on how it works and some starter questions if you're stuck. ### Performance Table This is an open performance/show'n'tell/exhibition type of space. The space can be used for anything you like, ie show your current creations of art, plants, sing a song, perform a routine, recite a poem. This space is only limited by your imagination. Please be conscious of consent if you are thinking of sharing/showing anything explicit, (if you are unsure it would suit with the current group then maybe one of the private spaces might suit better?). If you want to announce anything to share/perform feel free to do so in the Global Chat. ### The Lounge This space is designed for those who may need some 'down time' or if you just want a more chilled time. If at any stage you are not up for interacting feel free to sit your avatar in here (or in the garden space) while you have quiet time, just like going outside to get air in real life. There may also be some things you can interact with alone in here. ## ETIQUETTE & SOCIAL TIPS Basically think of this space as a 'normal bar/social setting'. How would you enter or leave a conversation in real life? Introduce yourself and feel free to pop in and out of conversations with respect to both your own needs and to others around you. Be conscious that its harder in this space for some people to be in larger groups, especially if everyone is trying to get one persons attention, or multiple people are talking. Maybe quickly asking if someone wants to go on an adventure is a good way to get someone into a 1:1 conversation, or break up a group that is a tad too big to navigate (you can also use the private chat function here as well). Try to give people a bit of space to get their bearings when they first enter, and be gracious if people need to wander away from groups at any point. If you want to completely exit the space its better if you can walk your avatar away from people first, then close your browser window. Otherwise you just blink out of existence, and lets face it, no-one likes that feeling of being ghosted! ## NAVIGATION You can move your avatar around the space using your keyboards arrow functions, and interact with other avatars when you are in a certain proximity. To connect with interactive spaces press ‘x’ when prompted. All people currently in the space will appear on the ‘Participants’ list to the right of the screen. You can click on a participant in this list and select 'find' or 'chat'. This will enable you to locate someone or start a private chat. If you move within range of another avatar then video chat will automatically start (this will stop if you move out of range). You can change your interaction distance on the tool bar on the left hand side, this will limit how many people you can interact with at once. If there are multiple people in a conversation within your range look for the circle with two downward arrows under the middle persons video (this is in the main part of your screen, above the large map). Click this arrow function to open the view to see videos for all of the people in the conversation. There is a chat-function that can be used to interact with people outside video-range (these chats are not moderated). At the bottom left side of the screen is your tool-bar (where you can change your avatar, see the full map, change your interaction distance etc.,)