SL Republic? Unions in SL???

What is going on here???

There is a community in SL based on the proposal that SL needs a 'republic':

"The Metaverse Republic, currently work in progress, will be a legal system for Second Life, with real powers of enforcement originating in user-created tools, and a democratic parliament.

There are many disputes and potential disputes in SecondLife that could benefit from formal resolution: disputes about broken agreements, land use, alleged griefing, extortion, etc. The Metaverse Republic aims to provide an effective and fair system for resolving such disputes."

An now unions are organising in SL!!!

"A number of trade union organisations from around the world are coming together to set up a home for unionists and union issues in the virtual world Second Life.

We’re planning to launch it later in 2008, but in the meantime want to hear from anyone with an interest in unions and virtual worlds."

Q1. Are these developments appropriate for virtual worlds?
Q2. What are the economic and legal issues?
Q3. What impact could these developments have on marketing in SL?

Businesses in Second Life

There is a Second Life Wiki (if you don't know what a Wiki is, this is a good time to find out) that provides a lot of information about Second Life:

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Main_Page

On this wiki there is a Marketing page:

https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Marketing

This page has a wide range of information both about the marketing of SL and marketing within SL. One of the resources is a PowerPoint presentation on business in SL. It is best viewed as slide notes as the slides themselves are not very informative. There is a pdf version as well, but get the notes document as well as the presentation:

"An introduction to Second Life for those interested in bringing external business into Second Life. Includes history, core principles, uses of Second Life for the business community, and how to enter Second Life (includes notes)"

http://s3.amazonaws.com/linden-presentations/SLBizU_Public_0705.ppt

Q1. Why is ownership of intellectual property important?
Q2. What are the opportunities for market research?
Q3. What are the limitations for marketing in SL?

'Banks' Banned in Second Life

Linden Labs has released a policy banning 'banks' in Second Life. This follows on a recent policy of banning gambling.

"As of January 22, 2008, it will be prohibited to offer interest or any direct return on an investment (whether in L$ or other currency) from any object, such as an ATM, located in Second Life, without proof of an applicable government registration statement or financial institution charter. We’re implementing this policy after reviewing Resident complaints, banking activities, and the law, and we’re doing it to protect our Residents and the integrity of our economy."

The announcement and comments are on the SL Blog. Most comments appear to be in favour, but there are some strong objections:
http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/01/08/new-policy-regarding-in-world-banks/

This raises some fascinating issues!

1. Does SL have a real economy?
2. How can businesses make money in SL?
3. Is regulation of the SL economy necessary?
4. Caveat emptor?
5. Is Ken D Linden God?
6. Will there be a 'run' on SL 'banks' and cause the economy to collapse?

The (short) History of Youtube

Q1. What is the appeal?
Q2. What is the relevance to marketing?
Q3. What is tne next 'killer application'?