It appears that the first entrants to the heaven had established a new system. First they gave themselves new odd sounding names like Dibbell, Hidelketa and Penligero. They called themselves “avatars” and established a new currency called “Linden” and made it fully convertible. The latest exchange rate is reported to be 266 Linden dollars for a US Dollar.

Thanks to the enormous wealth brought by the new entrants the economy of the heaven is booming and an astronomical figure of $1.4 million was spent in one day. The growth rate is expected to be in high two digits. Sensing the business opportunities Reebok and Nike have already opened their retail outlets. Coke has installed vending machines and IBM has set up a business centre. Some famous universities it seems are looking for land to start the virtual campuses. A host of companies are giving out franchises, and are ready to establish a chain of retail stores to sell all goods. The mortals on earth have been advised to purchase the new currency in abundance using their credit cards before emplaning for their heavenly abodes.

Watching all the sensational happenings, Reuters has already established an office with two experienced editorial staff to provide continuous news feed to the earthlings. The other agencies are likely to follow soon.

The Second Life, as the new heaven is now called is the third dimension of the virtual world, and is buzzing with activity. A strong “Wow factor”, a factor far superior to feel good factor, is reported to be growing rapidly over there. Our universe has expanded to include this new “metaverse.”

Leading the pack of celebrities in this new metaverse is our own Laxmi Mittal the steel Tycoon who has held the first AGM of the shareholders of the Arcelor-Mittal company. The company achieved the distinction of being the first listed company to hold its AGM that too an interactive AGM in the Second Life or metaverse as you prefer to call it. The other first 100 Fortune companies are expected to join the fray for a piece of action in the growing markets.

Mr Mittal is reported to be looking for virtual investors and “wants to tap a younger generation of investors to broaden its base of about 80K retail shareholders, who are mostly pensioners.” His company it seems is targeting 20 to 40 years olds who take keen interest and active part in the activities of the virtual reality of the Second Life. Further details are available in Mittal’s website.

Although people are signing up to join the Second Life in hordes, they are wary that they would use their credit cards and end up in a perpetual debt trap or broke.

Second life is not without its stock of doubting Thomasses, who think that the commercial potential of the 3-D world is exaggerated. They are citing the example of Mercedes Benz pulling out as an example in support of their argument.  They are hesitating to take their new “avatars”and give themselves new names. Those with a leftist mindset are calling it as merely notional and far removed from reality.

John Gullion, not related to bullion, the investment guru who originally conceived the idea is not at all sceptical. On the contrary he is bullish. He is reported to have said “two hundred would be great but 10 people would be fine.” He also thinks that the mission has already been accomplished.

The only problem envisaged is if the investors buy the real shares with their virtual money in Linden dollars.

Finally, since I had already booked my space and reservation for my journey to heaven and Second Life, I have decided to be a Good Samaritan and help all the Sulekhites when they arrive in their new “avatars” there. All I am going to charge is a mere $5 of real money for registration for a comprehensive package of all services including publishing their books and finishing their half written blogs/books.

Since I’ve a limited staff, I advise early registration before I close the registers. The registration will be transparent and strictly on a ‘first come first served’ basis.