You know, I don’t consider myself a stuffy traditionalist. I like the new new thing. I like� the sense of unease and excitement� that� accompanies� new technology. But I can’t help being skeptical about the hype surrounding� Second Life.

Yes, it’s an innovative community that draws inhabitants from around the world.� After tasting the unique lifestyle and sometimes startling vistas, many visitors make a conscious decision to invest in property and visit more often.� It may� be a respite from everyday life, or a home base for a new life in a vibrant and developing community. Sure, some conflict has emerged as the original settlers have been confronted with accelerating� plans for development and the raised expectations of new arrivals. There are some calls for a more representative government. They’re all the issues that normally face a growing community … in Central Florida.

That’s right. There are some striking similarities between� Second Life and Celebration, Florida – the� Disney-planned and built community� based on the principles of New Urbanism.�

Think about the hype surrounding Second Life.� Remember that there are several online communities (gaming, role playing or otherwise) with similar or larger subscriber bases. The recent spate of “online firsts” are only� somewhat noteworthy� because they� were staffed by avatars.� How about these headlines instead:

• American Apparel opens first outlet in Celebration
• Starwood Hotels premieres new design in Celebration
• Original Settlers Disturbed by Rampant Commercialism
• Reuters Reports on Hedonist Lifestyle
• Local Chamber of Commerce welcomes new integrated marketing company
• Horny Husbands Willing to Exchange Custom-Designed Shoes and Blouses for Mildly Racy Chat

[tags] Second Life, SL, in-world [/tags]