Why aren’t Caribbean brands getting a “Second Life”?
by Susan LeeQuee
Jamaica - In the Caribbean, we have unique and successful brands, not to mention the seasonal sold out music events and parties, that keep visitors clamouring to come hang out with us. Now why don’t we take all this Caribbean brand currency that we have regionally and globally and take one giant step further. Caribbean brands should be looking to get a “Second Life” – get into the building their virtual brands or metabrand experiences in Second Life.
Some of the biggest brands across the globe have entered the Second Life space, according to Steve O’Hear’s post on ZDNET. There is Sony-Bmg, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Addidas, Reebok, Calvin Klein, MTV, Philips, Microsoft, Vodafone, Aveda, NBA that’s right, NBA, AOL, Laguna Beach and get this, Visit Mexico.
No, I’m not making this up. See for yourself, check out the Second Life Brand Map - The (virtually) world famous brand map, creation of Nic Mitham, K Zero Ltd. an accredited Second Life consultancy providing end-to-end consulting and implementation for companies and brands requiring a virtual world presence.
What is Second Life?
Second Life, is the future of virtual reality for the web. It’s a revolutionary 3-D world imagined and built entirely by its residents. Second Life, has a rapidly growing population of 9,487,217 residents from over 200 countries across the globe. The company Linden Lab that built is worth billions.
Second Life is a vast digital continent, with people, entertainment, experiences and even opportunity. Everything in Second Life is created by its residents, from the actual 3D representations of themselves to the strobe lights in the nightclubs to the car in your driveway. It’s virtual space dedicated to your creativity. You dream of something one minute and in Second Life you can bring it to life. The Second Life world holds limitless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.
Caribbean brands perfect for Second Life
Now you see, what the future can hold for Caribbean retail brands, from music, culture, travel and entertainment on Second Life. I can see it now - Branded signature events - think Appleton Rum or Carib Beer, Red Stripe Beer or Kingston beer sponsored parties, in Second Life. How about recreating a reggae dancehall or carnival experience. Reggae Superstar Shaggy became the first Caribbean artiste to get a ‘Second Life’ this week.There is just so much to do, so much to create. Get crackin’.
Links to check out:
Second Life
Second Life virtual brand map
Steve O’hear’s, Image gallery of brands in Second Life
Buzz Stuff
MetaBrand - According to KZERO, a Metabrand is a brand that is created to exist solely in a virtual space. A Metabrand satisfies a demand that exists purely on a virtual basis.’ Metabrands are the next commercial opportunity for companies made possible by the growing popularity of virtual worlds such as Second Life.
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this is quite interesting
There are Jamaican brands that have started feeling out Second Life. Though they aren’t t ehe mainstream Appleton, Caribe Rum they will eventually make a big effect. My advice is keep a eye out for JamaicaLive! and World Famous Jerk
Why are’nt Caribbean brands getting a:
“Second Life”?
Well first of all most fortune 500 companies involved who took the big “Metaverse” step into this virtual world must still learn how to function almost like a new born baby. You must live it in order to preach it. Most majors have no experience in the virtual market because they do not live or work in the communities. In order to understand the psychology of this world it’s best you live in it.
Mark, you are right, it is pretty much new ground for some and also for some of these high profile brands and they are pretty much testing and watching, feeling it out. What’s been interesting to watch are the variety of business opportunities, that have emerged from the Second Life experience. It’s a trend worth watching, I think.