From May 2007
 

http://secondlife.com

It’s a virtual world – not a game!
Second Life is not played; it’s experienced. The digital, 3-D world is a place where anything a computer programmer can imagine can exist.

It was created by Linden Labs.
The brainchild of CEO Philip Rosendale, Second Life launched in June 2003. San Francisco-based Linden Labs acts as a sort of laissez-faire government; it makes money by selling property.

The currency is the Linden dollar.
Users can swap U.S. greenbacks at a dynamic exchange rate; $1 U.S. is roughly equivalent to 270 Linden dollars.

You are your avatar.
Users create 3-D images of themselves using multiple templates. Avatars can take on whatever shape and identity their creators fancy. They can walk, dance, swim – even fly.

Become a cyber land baron.
A private 16-acre “island” will cost $1,675, with monthly maintenance charges of $295. Less impressive plots of land can be bought and developed for as little as $5.

It’s possible to earn a living.
In December, Linden Labs estimated that 17,000 residents had positive cash flow (in U.S. dollars), with about 450 generating monthly incomes in excess of $1,000.

No kids allowed.
The sign says 18 and older, but Teen Second Life is an exclusive world for 13- to 17-year-olds.

It often mirrors the real world.
Government and political organizations have jumped in and established sites. John Edwards, Barack Obama and other political candidates have campaign outposts. Beware: terrorists also are lurking in Second Life.

It’s (mostly) a man’s world
Linden Labs says 60 percent of users are men, with ages ranging from 18 to 85. Others claim the mix of users is closer to half men, half women.

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