Groundswell - why we live a second life

Second Life is a virtual plattform that claims to be a virtual life world community, but in my opinion it is more a virtual 3d world with elements of real life.

Back in 2001 there were similar apporaches usually based on Java & browserbased with virtual chatrooms and possibilities virtual rooms (in 3d!) in which you could meet friends and strangers. It was a fun experience yet there was always a lack of content and limitations set by the environment. That also applies to environments such as world of warcraft or the mentioned second life.

Trying to get deeper into social marketing I came across this video on TED

It shows why the groundswell - a synonym spreaded by Forester for a movement in the internet ("independent" movement without the direct control by a few - ) is successful. Humans like to connect and share - especially when it is different from the general public or people will show you appreciation for sharing it.

For me this whole issue is more like living a second life - on the the web - not limited by frameworks but as the ability to access information, connect with people and manage virtual identities but with the direct life connection rather than playing and imitating a different environment.