thinking long from Second Life

Via the Long Now SALT list (subscribe), a very promising talk by Philip Rosedale, founder of Linden Labs and Second Life happening this Thursday night in SF. I can't go, but maybe you should.

The online substitute reality called "Second Life" now has over a million residents, growing by some 30% a month. It has a vast token economy which intersects with the real-world economy (the rate varies around 300 Linden Dollars to 1 US dollar). Real universities teach courses within "Second Life" and real corporations sell goods there, joining no end of businesses that exist solely within that alternate world. It is a teeming place, celebrating unfettered creativity.

Thursday evening, the founder and CEO of "Second Life," Philip Rosedale, will explore some of the early lessons about long-term thinking (and everything else) to be gleaned from the emergent behaviors of massive multi-player world building...

"'Second Life:' What Do We Learn If We Digitize EVERYTHING?" Philip Rosedale, Cowell Theater, Fort Mason, San Francisco, 7pm, Thursday, November 30. The lecture starts promptly at 7:30pm. Admission is free (a $10 donation is welcome, not required).

5w33t!