An interesting contest is underway on the role-playing world Second Life - they have been supplied with an ASCII text version of sci-fi writer Cory Doctorow's new novel, and users have the challenge of creating the best in-game representation of it:
I didn't want this version to be just a very long text file on a notecard, so I challenged Residents to come up with a way to turn Cory's entire 320 page tome into an actual, three-dimensional book in-world-- a book with text transposed to a readable typefont, on 3D pages that you can actually turn, in a physical form you can set down and open in front of your avatar.
The word made real
The objects in Second Life are mostly all created by players, who are supplied with a 3D modeling program, and for a small fee players can also upload sounds and images for use in the environment - this is an example in a good intro video on C|Net, where music is uploaded to the world for use in a virtual disco.
Another interesting aspect is the currency used in-game, which players get in weekly allowances; this money can be traded for real US dollars with the blessing of Linden Labs, the creators of the world, and in the video we hear of players who earn $1000's per month selling land from Second Life.
A 7-day free trial of Second Life is available with a credit card, the game costs a one-time fee of $10 to play without limitations.
More info:
Second Life
Second Life FAQ
"At the end of seven days, Everquest 2 is off my subscription list and Second Life is on."
5 Things You Should Know about Getting a Second Life
Virtual world teaches real-world skills
About Cory Doctorow
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