From the perspective of someone working for a non-profit how would you like to see these types of platforms develop in order to more effectively utilize them to further your missions?

With all this talk about the development of the "Metaverse" or "3d Web," what do you think would need to occur developmentally before operating within the Metaverse becomes a necessary part of every non-profit organizations strategy and vision?

Beyond philanthropy, what are the opportunities and advantages of using a medium such as Second Life for social good, and how does setting up office in a virtual community existing within a 3d virtual world different from within more 'traditional' virtual communities (such as forums)?

Seth - good question, and I know it's been very controversial. Let's talk about that more tomorrow, and I hope I can answer some of your questions.

I'm really excited about this session. A few weeks ago, Ethan Zuckerman blogged about how he was unhappy about Camp Darfur in Second Life. The comments were fascinating. Do you have any thoughts about Camp Darfur and similar efforts?

What level of time and energy should resource-strapped organizations NGOs devote to projects like Second Life in order to be as realistic as possible? Do imperfect attempts do more harm than good? Have their been other backlashes? What advice would you give to a smaller NGO that wants to reach a broader audience but doesn't know which tools to engage and what level of involvement is necessary? Randy, I'm especially curious to hear how you decide which tools/sites/technologies are worth ACS's time and/or money investment, and which are not.

I am glad to see all the attention about social networking.I found the BEBO site very intutive and "additive"
also, which makes you click through to find interesting connections.
Here on the east coast I discovered another social networking site which I bloged on yesterday.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Social Networking - Just Got Better!
Yesterday I discovered what I had been searching for in article in the Baltimore Business Journal!
http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/
I had attended the Syndicate conference in NY looking for it. http://www.syndicateconference.com I had thought that the Google calendar or the Yahoo calendar, both of which I use would do it. Both Yahoo & Google came close, but close only counts in horseshoes. The genius for a great social networking site is Clarence Wooten of CollectiveX. com.
https://www.collectivex.com/#
It does everything any group needs to commuicate
and stay abreast of events. The great thing I like is that
it is ORGANIC! IT GROWS! Your list of contacts or other groups can exchange information, discuss projects and so much more! I just created site for my church and already I've told 4 people about using it for their ministries or groups! I must admit that the founder and president Clarence Wooten , is the nephew of my best childhood friend, whose family I've known for many, many years.