One of the bigger faux pas you can commit in world is walking around asking folks for money (Linden dollars). Even if it is for something worthwhile, it just is a big turn-off.

Not to say that you can't explore this avenue creatively - there are a hundred ways to get and make money in SL. If you are for some reason psychologically inclined to the begging avenue, at least do it creatively: maybe you could create a "homeless begger" avatar and hang out in the alleys of the huge metro sims. Make a cardboard sign and ask for money as people pass by. One of the more famous avatars in SL has been doing this for a long while, but with a mission: he wanted to bring awareness of the plights of the homeless to people playing SL. He did it creatively and got respect.

And NEVER ask for money in the group IM's. Holy cow, talk about bringing the wrath of the group down on you.... Group IM's can go out to hundreds of people that are online. I was minding my own business when a message from one of my larger groups popped up, "Would someone give me $100 Linden please?"

WTF? First off, wrong method - group IM is for group communications. Second, no mention of why. No ask for help making it. Big turn off. The lessor evil would have been to ask something like, "Is there someone in our kind group that would help me figure out how to make $100L for a project I'm working on? I'm new and looking to learn!" You'll still get bashed for this, but at least you won't get the torrent of hate IM's and smart-ass remarks the other beg got.

Remember, since Lindens can be exchanged for US dollars, Lindens are like real money. It doesn't matter than 1L is worth something like 4/10ths of a cent, it is still thought of as real money. It isn't freebie game money. It wasn't free to the players that have it, and it isn't free to you. So keep your attitude real respectful.