A virtual holiday in the virtual sun

More than 10 million people worldwide travel to imaginary destinations regularly, using online games like "Second Life."
The New York Times

The story "A virtual holiday in the virtual sun" published October 28, 2005 at 6:23 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[AgeOfPenguins_com]

90% of transactions are porn-related

This article at least mentioned the porn industry -- though to be more accurate, they would have discussed it first, and made that 90% of the article.

I checked out Second Life to see what it was like (heck, it's free!) and my first impression was that there wasn't much to do. Most areas are rated "mature". I learned that Linden Labs is pushing this as an "alternate Internet" with Linden Labs providing the browser, so to speak. Complete with e-payments, e-commerce, etc.

When the Internet started, it was mostly porn. Well, SL is not every well developed, just like the Net in 1995. So most of the cash that trades hands every day is porn-related.

The problem is, there's no reason to spend money there. You can fly for free -- why buy an airplane, hot air balloon, etc? You don't need shelter, or food -- so all you really can buy is clothing, or perverted stuff.

[AgeOfPenguins_com]

90% of transactions are porn-related

This article at least mentioned the porn industry -- though to be more accurate, they would have discussed it first, and made that 90% of the article.

I checked out Second Life to see what it was like (heck, it's free!) and my first impression was that there wasn't much to do. Most areas are rated "mature". I learned that Linden Labs is pushing this as an "alternate Internet" with Linden Labs providing the browser, so to speak. Complete with e-payments, e-commerce, etc.

When the Internet started, it was mostly porn. Well, SL is not every well developed, just like the Net in 1995. So most of the cash that trades hands every day is porn-related.

The problem is, there's no reason to spend money there. You can fly for free -- why buy an airplane, hot air balloon, etc? You don't need shelter, or food -- so all you really can buy is clothing, or perverted stuff.