Join the Forum Cartel, use 'All Search' to find it. It's open to everyone, not just does who post on the
SL Forums. I can send you an invite if you like. It's a big group, but still small enough to enjoy the random chatter that goes on in IM. There are people at the Hangout (in my picks) everyday, more at night though +/- 4pm PST to 10pm. If no one's there, stick around, someone will show up eventually.
Check people's profiles to see which groups they've joined, and join the ones that seem interesting. If after a week or two, you don't get any announcements or info, replace it with a more active one. When you are a member of 3 or 4 active groups (that you enjoy), you'll have a hard time keeping up.
