Today I watched a Discovery Science documentary about Second Life. It looks like more and more people are joining this game and even making a living out of it. It was a general presentation of the platform with a fine interview from the Linden Labs founder, Philip Rosedale.

Why people make real money out of Second Life? Because of the other people. This is the way that economy works. Suppose that you wake up in the game with the default clothing, skin and shape. If you entered the game it means that you want to interact with other people and socialize. This socialization leads to awareness. Being aware of your looks, clothing and other stuff brings up needs that you have also in the real life. And this means that you are willing to pay for clothes and other stuff.

That’s the main reason people buy stuff in Second Life. So the people make the big thing rolling. Without those social needs Second Life would present no interest whatsoever.

First Opinions Panel comes with another two contests for the second life residents. The prizes are L$1.000 for the first one and L$100.000 per month for the second one. Yes you read it right that’s 100k linden dollars per month, around $350 and this is real american dollars.

The first contest it’s about TOP TEN PLACES IN SECOND LIFE
- Get the link of the contest by signing up with FOP
- Give suggestions for the top 10 places in SL
- Awards = L$1000 to ten panelists!

The second one it’s a bit more complex. The initiator is USC Network Culture Project and it’s about new ways that can be used to make a contribution to the public good in SL. How Second Life can enhance, develop, or sustain the public good. The best submissions will be selected based on how well they demonstrate the significance of virtual worlds for making an impact on society or culture.

The finalists will be provided with a $L100,000 per month building stipend (and land, if required) for three months to execute their proposal.

First Opinions Panel comes with this kind of contests on a regular basis, so there is no loss in joining them.