The Affari Blog

After hearing so much about this new virtual world called Second Life in the news and conversations, I have finally decided to bite the bullet and try it out. Until I had conducted some research, I expected that it was just a better version of The Sims. I didn’t realize that people from around the world were spending real US dollars to buy fake clothes, cars, and sex. In fact, from what I have gathered so far, most people spend their time either in strip clubs or having (virtual) sex. I don’t even know what that means.

So why join a place where people are arguably wasting money on fake things in a fake world? Because more and more companies and advertisers are jumping on board everyday. Real estate companies, news and fashion companies are all a part of this second world. Not only are their brands being worn and displayed - they are being paid for by the program’s users.

I guess you can call this my own personal journey. From the moment I log in to the time I leave, I am going to be observing all of the advertising that is running in this virtual world. I have read that some companies insert special campaigns while others just have simple, one-time ads. With our agency focused on new media, this is definitely something I want to look into - if only to better understand how others are trying to cope with new technology. The idea of producing results from advertising in a world that doesn’t exist is extremely fascinating to me.

Wish me luck in my adventure as I search for a piercing insight into the world of Second Life advertising.

Tampa Bay Blogger Meetup

Who: Bloggers and Podcasters, fans of them or even those who want to become one…
When: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 — 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Hawks Neighborhood Grill — 3114 Bay to Bay Boulevard, South Tampa
Why: Putting names and faces to the local blogging community, to share a beverage, and say hello.

Everyone is invited to come out and participate. This is an Un-Meeting, with no agenda or specific purpose other than meeting and getting to know one-another “offline.” If you have any questions, or if you plan to attend, send me an email: jim [at] stateofsunshine [dot] com, and let me know — so we can get an estimated headcount for the restaurant.

We hope you can make it!!

This one is co-hosted by State of Sunshine, Sticks of Fire, Seminole Heights, Out in Left Field, and In Theory…

Disclosure: Hawks Neighborhood Grill is a client of Affari Edge. State of Sunshine is a personal blog by an Affari Edge employee.