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Strains of The Beatle’s “Nowhere Man” play through my head as I read Kyle McFarlin’s post and then 
followed his links to understand the phenomenon of “Second Life” — an artificial reality computer game/sim/whatever.
For those of you who’ve never heard of the song, here is a link to the lyrics, but hurry back — I’m far from over . . .
And no, I’m not saying Kyle is a “nowhere man,” but more a wondering about just where this whole obsession on an artificial reality simulation gets you.
As a wordsmith, my first thought upon hearing Second Life was the name of the sim, was to wonder “What’s wrong with their First Life?”
My second thought was that the whole phenomenon baffles me.
Here’s why: I don’t understand how, with the diversity that this our foundational reality (Let’s call it “First Life”) offers (i.e., the reality that pays for the Second Life artificial reality to exist) — how can it be enticing to spend all this time on what amounts to a diversion?
I’m seeking to understand why is something like Second Life so enticing that it needs its own economy? And now advertisers are seriously considering advertising in this artificial reality in order to (somehow) make money back in the foundational reality?
Btw, to craft Second Life persona and character to the left, how much of their First Life did he (or she) give up?
And yet I’m most troubled by the question no one seems to be asking about the energy expenditure and ROI of spending hours in these literally un-real environments.
The Big Un-Answered Question: with the amount of energy and time it takes to create, exist, and function in there — couldn’t these 7M+ Second Lifers be making their foundational realities so rich and vibrant, that they wouldn’t need to escape to an idealized, functionally unreal(istic) one?
Doesn’t that seem bass-ackwards to anyone else?
I’m just sayin’ . . .
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By Walter |
Topics: Here's Your Sign, Pro Analysis |
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Comments
followed his links to understand the phenomenon of “Second Life” — an artificial reality computer game/sim/whatever.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Walter, I think you’re right to raise such points.
At its best, I’ve seen Second Life to be a place where people can collaborate richly in a fashion that is similar to a GoToMeeting and MindManager map. At this level, I can’t see why a 3D environment wouldn’t be a good thing. Scientists from throughout the world can watch eachother modify genetic strands. A GM team could have Second Life users virtually test the new Camaro concept to see get early impressions. And virtual planes could fly overhead with banner ads…literally.
On the other hand, Second Life is quite filled with hedonism and diversion… much the same way the Internet was at its origins. It can make you think of the World of Warcraft South Park episode pretty quickly.
In regards to the economy and currency within Second Life, I have to think it’s to protect the security of user-based transactions. I haven’t investigated this aspect, but I have to think it’s a good guess.
Great points Walter… I too am looking forward to seeing how SecondLife evolves.