Thanks very much for writing this out. I am a first-week newbie, just about finished with the initial Agent Missions, still looking around and utterly overwhelmed by the overall scope of Eve. Probably doesn’t help that I’m new to MMOs in general (I just had to Google what ‘AFK’ means, for chrissakes).
But I followed your entries pretty well, which gave me some satisfaction in actually recognizing what you were talking about, as well as good perspective on potential directions I may take in writing ‘my next chapter’ in this universe.
So thanks again. I’m a step closer to wrapping my head around this place.
The real challenge in Eve is, that as with real world, you need to work out what you enjoy and what you want to do with your life. It is easy to fall into the “ISK is a measure of success” trap. You will work out how you can make whatever you do self supporting: enjoyment is the critical thing.
You do not need high skills or expensive ships to be effective or successful: enthusiasm, a bit of wit and a willingness to try (and lose) new things. Carve yourself your own place in the world.
Use these first few months in Eve to try different things - trade, mission run, combat, industry, reach out to people you meet or see - they may become your new best friend. Most people in Eve are friendly.