Second Life is the name of one such virtual world.

The online 3D environment not only has the ability to make money for the originators, but for enterprising individuals. How viable is it? How much recognition does it receive? And to top it all off, can it be taxed?

National Public Radio (NPR) is where I learned about it. Apparently Reuters has dedicated a news correspondant to cover in-game events and to do some real-time stories based upon the various individuals that participate within that framework. And yes, the U.S. government is trying to discern how best to tax the monies that change hands. While it isn't calculated how much tax revenue they are losing that isn't spent in salaries or purchases, they know they are losing some because of this Internet technology that enables some individuals to earn into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Yes, that's right. Supposedly an online real-estate developer is turning quite a profit.

Am I jumping on this band-wagon? Hell no!!! Online gambling makes record profits for the low-cost overhead. So does porn sites. But that doesn't mean I am going to rush out to make my livlihood off of such things... because in a virtual world... what tangible benefit would I be creating??

I always found it kinda interesting. Especially the online real estate.