Second Life Avatars Take 5

Normally, anyone can log on to Second Life through the Internet at any time and create 3-D computer-generated identities. These avatars are then free to explore the massive multiplayer online world that San Francisco-based Linden Lab has synthetically created.

But on Wednesday, a giant black curtain was drawn on the virtual Internet marketplace as Second Life was taken off line from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT for scheduled maintenance. When the servers are brought back online, users will be required to download the newest version of the SL software in order to have their avatars return to the so-called metaverse.

Linden Lab did not respond to a request for comment.

While the five hours of downtime may be necessary, Linden Lab may have missed an opportunity to add subscribers, while virtual business owners may have lost -- albeit temporarily -- the chance to add the currency of Second Life, Lindens, to their coffers.

Purchases can be made using the Linden currency for virtual land space to build on, different clothing for their avatars, or even (ahem) adult-related content. Members can enter their real-world credit-card information and get a number of Linden dollars for every U.S. dollar.

Sure, it may sound frivolous, but last month there were 10,356 profitable SL business owners. That number has been rising by an average of 12% over the previous five months. In addition, major corporations such as Sun Microsystems(SUNW Quote), Toyota(TM Quote) and Nike(NKE Quote) have set up shop in SL and are selling virtual products.