Virtual Online Worlds

SF CHRONICLE -- Nov 9 -- For some users, losing ties to real life is the whole point of Second Life. But for others, the site is "a huge social network," with possibilities for offline business deals or potential face-to-face meetings. Catherine Smith, director of marketing at Linden Lab, said that Second Life's members wholly determine the workings of their virtual world, which leads to great socializing opportunities. There.com (500k subscribers) is a similar site. FULL ARTICLE @ SFGATE