Second Life

Second Life is virtual world where you sign up, get an Avatar (computer image) and wander around a user created 3-D world interacting with your surroundings and other Residents (participants). Unlike many online games, the world has been created almost entirely by the users. There is a rich scripting language called Linden Scripting Language which allows Residents to create everything from clothing and houses to motorcycles and wings.

There is no scoring system and you can't "win" so Second Life isn't a game but it's much more than a social interaction tool as well. It has its own economy based on Linden Dollars which can be used to buy things other people have created, invest in real estate, play the stock market or exchange for real U.S. dollars. There are people who make their real life living making items for Second Life. Universities have been offering online degrees through Second Life and some companies even do first round interviews in Second Life.

The Resident's Avatar navigates the 3-D world by walking, flying, riding in vehicles or teleporting. There is a complete physics to the word so things that should fall do and your can't just walk through walls or people. You can interact with other people by chatting with them, trading with them or even shooting them.

Really the world is to huge even to describe in a single blog entry, go check out Second Life. When you are finished being amazed and appalled, check out a spoof site called Get a First Life.