After attending a Second Life, metaverse, or virtual world convention, I normally write up a brief summary of the experience. Last week, I was at the Virtual Worlds Conference in New York. However, as an exhibitor, I quickly realized that my time is 100% absorbed with manning the booth and answering questions. Hence, there was barely any chance to stick my head in a workshop or session. So this time, I would gladly defer to other attendees who have had ample time to critically evaluate the whole event. Below are some of the blogs on the VWC 2008 that I have evaluated…followed by a short summary of its content and a link to the full article:

1. Cory Ondrejka’s Blog

For those who don’t know, Cory used to be the CTO at Linden Labs before the separation (left the company, got fired…who knows really?). He considers the Linden Lab/IBM announcement of a distributed version of their Second Life simulator as the most interesting news that came out of the event. He also commented on the lack of originality and innovativeness in the new platforms that were introduced during the convention.
(Full article here.)

2. Reuters in Second Life

Reuters thought that the convention can easily be mistaken for a toy fair with its overwhelming focus on the virtual arena for kids.
(Full article here.)

3. B.L. Ochman’s What’s Next Blog

A humorous take on the VWC experience. His analysis goes something like this…[The freebie giveaways at the convention are paltry. Therefore, the industry in general must not be doing very well]. I’m not sure I agree. But, he did aptly criticize many of the companies present at the event for not being able to communicate better what they do. Techno-jargon was pervasive at the conference.
(Full article here.)

4. Techno//Marketer

This blog I agree with the least. But, all points of view must be heard.
(Full article here.)

5. New World Notes

Hamlet Au does not really have a hashed out blog about the VWC. This might be surprising since New World Notes is probably the most widely read blog in SL and the metaverse. But, I can attest (being next door to his booth) that he was busy signing his book to roam around much. His blog has reference links to other VWC evaluations though.
(Full article here.)

6. Dusan Writer’s Metaverse Blog

Dusan’s observations are keen and precise. He didn’t only describe what happened at the event. But, he analyzed it as well. Maybe Barbie Dolls were de-constructed a little bit too much in the beginning. But there was a point to it (i.e., companies who understand their brand and audience are more likely to succeed in their expansions to the metaverse). And keep reading, it gets even better towards the end. He has the most appropriate last name…the guy can definitely write. Make sure that you read both blogs.
(Full article here followed by another one here.)

7. Aldon Huffhines of SLNN.com

Aldon’s write up of the VWC is the most comprehensive of all. He focused on the most promising offerings of some metaverse platforms at the event. And, he described the technology behind the platforms (both software and hardware) in a highly digestible manner.
(Full article here.)

8. VWC Dash Around

Not so much a blog but a video recorded dash around the exhibit floor of the VWC. It’s the next best thing to being there.
(Full video here.)

Matt Dickmann interviews Dennis Bacsafra at the Avatrian booth