"Leading a Double Life," by Irene Sege

This article was very weird. Rather, it was about a very weird topic. It talks of the next potential cyber phenomenon called Second Life. "Second Life is a website where users create animated cartoon avatars to represent themselves - usually as humans...and sometimes as fanciful or furry creatures. They role play, gamble, teach classes, make music, open restaurants, push politics..." Weird. I'm not into it. Some guy even has a vitual wedding business, and when a woman behind his avatar friend died, he "typed words of comfort to her son's avatar and was comforted himself by his avatar friends. He conducted her virtual funeral." I think this is bizarre! I can't even understand it. And apparently people sell things and money changes hands, but I don't understand, is that Second Life money or real money? I don't get what the appeal or the fun is here, it just is too weird for me. But to each his own I guess!