Second Life? It's a game isn't it? No not really, more of a 3D chat environment.
Describing Second Life
Describing Second Life (SL) is not the easiest thing to do. In a nutshell it's a 3D chat environment, a bit like 'The Sims' on sterioids. You are represented by a computer generated character called an avatar. Your avatar can interact, walk and fly around a 3D world that is constantly changing as it's users build and modify the land and it's objects.
So it is a game then? No, it no longer becomes a game when you realise that Second Life has it's own currency called Linden dollars (L$). SL also has a currency exchange system enabling you to sell your L$ for US$. It's possible to create 3d digital objects in Second Life and then sell them on, or you can earn L$ by offering a service or getting your avatar a job.
Spending Money
Avatars can spend their Linden dollars on just about anything, from virtual land, houses and cars, to clothes, services and gambling at the local casino. There is a thriving real estate industry, with people buying and selling land. Each day about L$1,500,000 is spent in-world. SL economy stats. Reuters SL website for exchange rate and latest Second Life business news.
Business in Second Life
Big brand names are moving into the Second Life world to market their products and services. In 2006 the BBC purchased some land for their Big Weekend show. Whilst the bands were performing live on stage in real life, a digital representation of the event was recreated in Second Life. Other brands that have a Second Life presence include BMW, Toyata, Dell, Vodafone, Visa, Adidas, Channel 4, MTV and Microsoft.
Smaller businesses are also finding that Second Life gives them a new method of engaging with new customers, suppliers, partners and employees.
Should you think Second Life marketing is an area you'd like to investigate further, then we offer demonstrations and also in-world tours. So, if you're looking for new innovative methods of marketing your business give us a call or visit our offices in Second Life.
We look forward to helping you enter this exciting new world and showing you around.
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