I’ve been getting caught up a bit with the goings on in and around the Second Life virtual world and community. Here’s a rundown of some what might be worth reading.
On Terra Nova:
Lindenomics and liability – some worthwhile discussion in the comments section.
The Taxman Cometh? – some semi-interesting discussion but much of it seemed like a rehash of earlier discussions I’ve come across. One thing I don’t recall reading was whether or not people would pay their taxes in virtual world dollars (and it goes without saying that the uneven international playing field isn’t really mentioned either).
On Clickable Culture:
‘Second Life’ Population Goal: 1 Million Users in 2006 – I’m with Tony; I don’t see that many users this time next year. Maybe 250k. Even then will the system be able to handle it?
Hidden Virtual-World Prison Revealed – I recall this being revealed on the SL forum after the resident-in-punishment confessed to his role in a virtual hack of a virtual computer system (see my earlier entry here). But why this subject has gotten so much press is beyond me. Maybe this has something in common with all those b-movie titles featuring women behind bars.
Live Techno Music Performance in ‘Second Life’ – not really a big deal, but something I expect we’ll see more of especially if Project Entropia’s Club NEVERDIE does relatively well (read my earlier posts on that project here).
On the SL Future Salon blog:
MTV’S SECOND LIFE AVATAR FASHION SHOW – an interesting announcement I need to check out further.
Democracy Island Opening Tomorrow! (Saturday, January 7th) – okay, it was yesterday, but it’s still worth seeing what was supposed to have happened (I’m not sure what happened as I was too burned out to check out the opening). I’m sure Jerry will be posting an update.
Elsewhere on the net
Virtual Worlds and Avatars – an audio interview I’m listening to as I write this. Hopefully it’ll be worth mentioning.
Virtual Economics over on the MIT Tech Review site – just a short interview piece.
Do avatars dream of electric racoons? – a BBC story worth checking out; haven’t watched the video yet.