Stephen Downes

Article describing Second Life, with an emphasis on the developing economy of the virtual world. Nice spin on the whole free-market aspect of the game. As usual, the best reading is in the comments. For example, Rex Bligh writes: "SL gives people the opportunity to build self esteem and to accomplish things that bring accomplishment and satisfaction that can transfer to their real life. Most of those on SL are extremely supportive and encouraging and willing to help others." This, and not pseudo-market capitalism, is also my own experience of online worlds.