Get a Life!
An outfit called Vertis Communications is touting its “Decade of Data,” which is supposed to be a tool marketers can use “for integrating trusted print media into their multi-channel marketing campaigns.” Naturally, I’m all for that.
The mention of multi-channel marketing reminded me of an after-hours trade show event last year in which a major vendor of digital printing equipment was touting the virtual experience of Second Life. I couldn’t quite figure out why a print vendor would be doing such a thing but that’s their business.
As I understand it, Second Life gives participants the chance to construct a new reality in which to hang out. Meeting avatar-to-avatar instead of face-to-face probably is more sanitary but not as much fun – unless the process involves that “Feelie-Vision”, which was featured in 1950s Sci-Fi story I recall.
I hadn’t given Second Life much thought since the event until I ran across the website http://www.getafirstlife.com/. It touts First Life as “a 3D analog world where server lag does not exist” and advises members to “Go outside! Membership is free! Find out where you actually live!” Under an FAQ section the site poses these deep questions: “Are five senses enough? Why can’t I build a dirigible with my mind? Penguins, spoons and you – what’s life like among the flightless?” There’s also a Teen First Life where young people can “Hang out at the mall! Embarrass yourself in gym class! Get acne!”
Considering that the Vertis data shows that young adults are spending three times as much time in front of computers than they did 10 years ago, maybe we should invite them to join First Life. We could send a printed invitation.
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