I was recently forwarded something regarding There.com and it billed itself as a “a virtual community giving users an online getaway where they can hang out with friends and meet new ones - all in a lush 3D environment“. I figured that I would check it out, and that is pretty much an accurate description. Basically, users download the program and register themselves in the virtual world, and then they are free to roam around and explore and chat and interact with other users. The download did take quite long, but once your in the world it is pretty cool. Users create “avatars” which are basically online personas that offline users take to represent themselves, and they are free to alter them in any way they choose. They can also play games, and a number of other activities throughout the program.
As soon as I was placed into the 3-D world there was another user beside me and she began chatting with me. Its pretty intuitive, where all you have to do is type back, and then press enter, and your instantly in a conversation. I didnt chat too long, because I wanted to roam around a bit, but it definitly seems like a unique way to connect and meet people as opposed to other social networking sites where you’re looking at pages, or pictures of someone. This is much more interactive and closer to the real thing where people look at each other and introduce themselves, etc… The 3-D world is pretty cool, but pretty basic. I roamed around for about 5 minutes, and got a little bored… but I think thats really because I’m not that into the whole social networking thing anyways. I can see kids loving this though, and I think its got more appeal than sites like myspace and facebook, especially for a younger demographic.
Something else I found interesting is the opportunity to shop while in the virtual world. A virtual currency called Therebucks is used as a means to upgrade the Avatar’s clothing, accesories, living quarters, etc. A user can purchase Therebucks directly through There.com or by using a 3rd party online bank to transfer the funds. This also opens up the opportunity for real world retailers to consider selling their clothes virtually… because who wouldn’t want their Avatar running around without an American Apparel t-shirt?? Seriously, how else are they gonna pick up virtual babes?
All to say, this is an interesting and different spin on Social Networking and if you’re into that sort of thing then check out There.com.
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June 29th, 2006 at 2:40 pm
This is the first time I have read this blog but i’m glad I found your entrie about There. In a sense There is about social networking and finding friends online, but in my eyes it is more then that really. There has an aim to build the Metaverse and to build a platform where almost anything is possible online. I was wondering if you had seen any of the AMAZING user created content inside There? I’m guessing not. But basically I have been in There since April of 2004 and all I can say is that There is amazing. The things you can create and do are mind blowing, and it will only get better. I think things like scripting will actually be arriving soon, basically that is the capability to have objects running programs. However… I see There becoming more and more known soon, it is a pretty amazing place and There will catch the mainstream’s eye soon.