virtual world

In the Linden Lab case study, I learned a lot about the employment opportunities behind working in a virtual world. I thought it was pretty cool how the meetings were actually held in the virtual world where there were conferences and training sessions. I did not know there were 330 people who are given the title of leaders and more than 200,000 technical staff world wide who help run the IBM's Academy of Technology. Back on holding meetings in the virtual world, it is actually a brilliant idea considering how much money the company saved on the costs. In the case study, it lists that IBM saved over thousands of dollars on different areas of costs. Based on this case study, I find it crazy how dedicated people are on working in the Linden Lab that focuses on a virtual world. I know I would not be able to dedicate many hours in the day on Second Life because I personally am not interested in virtual worlds. I thought it was kind of funny how in the case study, Joanne Martin mentions how after using a meeting space, a few days later someone called her to see if they can use the space. People think of Second Life somewhat realistic because of "presence" and actually believed they physically attended a meeting.

In Castronova's article, what I found interesting that he said was "synthetic worlds are both a powerful new communications technology and a powerful new cultural medium: a multiuser videophone that connects everyone, in costume, on a special-effects stage that's complete with robotic actors." He elaborates on that idea by describing how those that take part in synthetic worlds actually care about it and think of it more than just a game. They think of synthetic worlds as a lifestyle and really realistic.