Corporations, non-profits, and educational institutions will welcome this official guide that shows how to establish and maintain a successful virtual presence in Second Life. Written with the full support of Linden Lab, this is the perfect resource for organizations entering Second Life.

Topics discussed include: the technical and social issues of participating in Second Life, including integrating corporate culture into Second Life; in-world marketing techniques; selecting a solution provider; and how to conduct real-world business in Second Life. Plus, you’ll get hands-on solutions, smart tactics, and practical techniques, such as setting up useful meeting spaces as well as planning and moderating events. The book is filled with actual case studies of how top organizations have leveraged Second Life, and offers analysis of their SL presence.

Virtual pioneers from industry, academia, government and non-profit institutions who may be fighting an uphill battle for funding will find plenty of evidence here that others are doing cutting edge research, development, experimentation -- and even communication, collaboration and community engagement in the serious sectors known as The Second Life Grid.

Unfortunately you often see a new organization setting up in Second Life with unrealistic, uninformed project plans... and then they wonder why their wonderful creation is not living up to expectations. The best advice for anyone developing a project in SL is to get an account,  log in, and explore around. Understand the medium, if only as a semi-competent user. The book is an excellent tour guide to the interesting areas on the grid. After you've done at least that much, the fine points, funny stories and excellent practical advice will make a great deal more sense to you. It's the essential guide to making a success of your serious project.

www.amazon.com/Second-Life-Grid-Communication-Collaboration/