2nd life

I could not have been more surprised by this experience. Initially, it was pretty much what I expected: a waste of time, annoying and frustrating...yet another variation on the emperor's new clothes theme; it left me (or actually, I left it) wondering what exactly all the fuss is about, but then, once I'd worked out some of the perspective issues (with the help of a librarian of all people), got better at navigating and felt less awkward, the conversations began. I chatted with a number of people about why they were in world (lots of students exploring 2nd life for a class), and wandered through areas filled with people there to share. In the image, I am at China Cafe, enjoying the beautiful setting and discussing chinese icons/artwork.
I think this is one of those things that has to actually be experienced to get any substantive sense of what it's about and how it works, and fortunately or not, the awkwardness makes it a more authentic.
I don't know for certain if I'll go back after this week, but I think I will.