I’m currently *reading “Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson. I was sparked into reading it after entering the metaverse (metaphorical universe) of Second Life. The Book has in turn sparked me to re-enter the metaverse of second life to explore even more.

For those not familiar with the Second Life phenomenon, just be aware that it’s free, and why not try something new on the forefront of social networking? This picture of LA’s subway terminal reminds me of the incredibly pleasing ability to fly within the online world. Pleasing in that it feels just like the flying dreams I (and many other people i’ve spoken to about flying) used to have.

I’m still not sure what to make of the virtual world. I’ve attending one public speech, the economy is pretty darn fascinating, and more recently, Linden Labs has refused to enforce intellectual property in the same fashion reality has, making for an interesting testing ground for alternate forms of “ownership”. I see this rabbit hole of a world as the next step in social networking, moving beyond the ugly html of myspace. I’m only hesitant because… well, i have no complaints thus far. That’s not the norm for my critical self.

*Reading in my case usually means listening to Audiobooks on my commute to work.  Don’t knock it.  Audible.com freaking Pwns