We hear all the time about how real emotions and feeling can be in SL. Oh the drama... it wouldn't really exist if it weren't for those 'real' feelings and emotions. And that's just because of the interaction between people. Yes, some of our avatars can look pretty damned good. But that will change.

Let's face it, our representations in SL are still a bit cartoonist. Even if you have the best kick-ass video and computer hardware and have your WindLight settings cranked to maximum, as good as it all looks, there's still that 'artificial' element in there.

But computer-generated art and graphics are improving all the time. What will happen when the imagery we see on screen become so realistic, so beautiful that it literally mimics real life? Holy shit, I can see everything that happens now - real lives blossoming... and getting hurt - all happening at ten-fold more intensity.

There is a really good article at FT.com by Alan Cane that asks "will we be able to tell reality from artificial imagery?" That day is probably not too far off. Computer-generated imagery is already being used in Hollywood movies and so effective at fooling the eye that you likely could never spot it, except for some the impossible feats these characters are accomplishing.

It won't be long before places like Second Life will really be a lot more interesting; compelling than first life. Fasten your seatbelts. folks. It's going to be an interesting ride!

Read the full article here.

So, finally,some really good advice on how to bring your company into a virtual world, what to do and how to do it. Yes, I know, there are (by now) dozens of good advice blogs about this. But this one is concise and to the point and offers many external sources. Check it out.

Quote from the site:

Recommended Links - Do better business, virtually: “Regardless, virtual worlds are guaranteed to have widespread business impacts, if for no other reason than that U.S. video game sales soared to $17.9-billion (U.S.) last year,” he said. “That’s a lot of kids spending a lot of time kung-fuing and shooting each other’s avatars. When they eventually enter the business world, the only unusual thing about a virtual trade conference will be the lack of gunfire.”