Have you every just wanted to take a break? Maybe have a Second Life? You can! Many of you may have already heard of the metaverse being built by Linden Labs. Second Life may have been a social outlet years ago, but its quickly growing to be a medium for all things artistic, including the art of making money. Big names like IBM and CNN have stepped into the virtual world lugging their brands along behind them. What if your blog brand was to find its way into the virtual world?

First Chance at a Second Life
I’ve explored Second Life in the past. However, I haven’t logged on since they were around 100 thousand users. The numbers today are closer to half a million users. And why not? To begin using Second Life, you only need to be 18 years old and have a computer with an internet connection.

Marketing your blog in Second Life is not something that would be a breeze. It would require lots of communication just like any other social networking site.

To know what it would take to market your blog in Second Life, I conducted an interview with a well known Second Lifer - Kabalyero. He runs a blog that offers news and information on Second Life.

Can you describe to my readers, who may not be familiar with Second Life, what it is?

At first, I also didn’t understand what Second Life really is and different people have different definition of what it is. What I am sure about is that, Second Life is not a game. It’s a world of its own. A virtual world where you shape your own existence. A place to learn, build and meet different personalities. A place where you can become what you are not in real life. Real Life businesses like IBM, Sony & BMG and others use Second Life as a new medium to promote and market themselves. The possibilities are many and what you make out of it is really up to you.

Do you actively promote your blog inside the virtual world?

Unfortunately, NO! I do my marketing on the web through Second Life related blogs, websites, forums and social networks.

Do you see a chance for bloggers or affiliates to make money in Second Life?

Yes! Actually, I make some money in Second Life through affiliates and referral programs. I blog about opportunities that comes along then earn from people who sign up.

Have you seen active campaigns in the virtual world for websites and the like?

CNN actively promotes their in-world media bureau in Second Life. Evian water uses their virtual water dispenser to direct Second Life residents to their website. At my place, residents who visit can touch or click some of the displays which opens in a web browser.

What’s the best way to get started in Second Life? Does it take money, friends, experience, a good computer?

Just sign-up and have an open mind about what it is. Newbies tend to get frustrated easy. I know I did! It’s not a game and will take some learning. Spend some time in the Orientation and Help Islands and don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are Helpers or Mentors around the newbie islands to help newbies. You don’t have to pay anything to enjoy Second Life but a good computer with a decent connection is recommended. You see, in Second Life, the world is downloaded into your computer.

Anything else you liked to share about promoting a site, blog, or service in Second Life?

You can definitely gain some following by promoting through Second Life but like with everything else you’ll have to do some work. I suggest that you join various business groups and network with the many personalities within Second Life. Honestly, I haven’t done many of that since I’m always caught up with my real life responsibilities.

Thanks to Kabalyero for his insightful answers. Everyone should go read his blog to get a better perspective on what Second Life is all about.

Conclusion
From what I know of Second Life, you can pay a small monthly fee to own land in the world. You then buy the plot and use the tools of the world to create a house, shop, artistic spire to the gods, or whatever you like. Then, like Kabalyero, you script into the experience your own blog. This can be a boom for many bloggers, introducing the right service or blog through the Second Life experience may net several hundred RSS subscribers. It may even result in sales.

Whatever the case, it appears like it would be a fun experience, and I’m sure it would be one worth having.