Anyway, anonymity has always been, as far as the Internet is concerned, a primary factor in adoption of use by the majority; at least in a Social Network framework. Trust factors, or truth, are always going to be a judgment call that is completely a individual thing and still is in RL. LL’s motivations are pretty clear, if we link all these then there is a WAY to keep in touch with all the Internets facets and RL ones where desired. Furthermore, it enables Data Mining in a huge way, e.g.; tracking. But, they could track your IP, to some degree. Now, I utilized the “age verification” thing, and am still not sure what it accomplished in the end? I probably would have used my RL name when I became a member if it was a choice. But, looking back, the initial ‘birth’ experience into SL adds to ones own profound potential shift in who we are being. This can be correlated to moving to another town, for the most part, and it affords an opportunity to be something that was very difficult in our “old” environment. This is the CORE of all this, some aren’t conscious of this process, others are. The magic of life is the ability to change. We all know that change happens around us without much control on our parts. Others that have come to know us in RL put us in a box, and efforts to be different are often met with disdain.

As of late, I’ve thought hard on how I can UNLINK my RL with my avatar. Why? Well, there are 2 sides, at least, to all of us, I recognize that and embrace it. Some just don’t get it, others won’t want to, and still others I don’t want or choose not to expose that “personal” side of my life. Although, that’s probably too late for me anyway. Not like I have something to hide, it’s the dilemma of free expression and acceptance.

I could list the many..many benefits of being a part of a virtual community. I could also dwell in its faults. I choose to try and keep my virtual world one of fun and creativity.

So, is there really an NPIRL experience that we should embrace? Should we make it known who we really are? As others point out, this is all a matter of choice. The difficulty is in tapping into methods that enable this “connectedness” in a Network sense. I prefer the ‘connectedness’ that I’ve experienced without even trying in SL.

So, is Twitter NPRIL? It can be, of sorts, if we have a username that’s anonymous, I suppose? I have 2 now, my problem is logging in to which when I want to. The auto login, or recall of my log in UID and password are a real effort to stay on top of. The problem is its not readily apparent which you are logged in as. Especially on a Smartphone or whatever. So, the challenge remains. Be true to yourself is all that really matters, in doing so, this will make its presence the factor of acceptance. (oops an unintentional rhyme, Im a poet..what can I say? LOL

presentation layer maybe, but not API (imho)

Just pay at the door.;)

Your blog, HyperGrid Business is badly researched and misleading. Which is not your fault, as I think the blame is with Linden Lab. It’s like the solution providers, suddenly jumping into being “experts” on training, corporate use etc. From a recent conversation with one provider, they pointed out that 99% of the, so called, Solution Providers, don’t have any experience or clients in the corporate arena.

IF you’re such a guru, why have you neglected to mention companies being able to acquire their own surname? Which matches the email system in most companies e.g.

My work Avatar in Second Life:

David.Stephens (firstname) Verizon (surname)

My work email:

david.stephens@verizon.com

Shock! Horror! this option has been available for years. The problem is, most solution providers and so called business experts, don’t have the revenues to buy their own business surname. Which is another issue all in itself.

If I’m attending a business meeting, it’s on my company’s dime, not my own personal play time. Therefore, I would expect to represent that company, not me. Use your alternative name for your own privacy, on your own personal time. The split between personal and business works well. I do it, what’s the issue? I have a business email account and a hotmail account for personal stuff.

The interesting thing, it looks like this is an alternative option, not a requirement.

The problem I see, Linden Lab are not communicating the difference between companies using the SL platform for their own private meetings and projects VS people who have set up business in SL for personal gain and social interaction.

Mark Wallace has stirred up a hornets nest, or was that the plan all along?