I’m pretty sure Zach Wise just called me a bigger geek than him.

Although, the truth is, you don’t have to be particularly geeky to enjoy the virtual trip, the alternative world, the parallel universe that is Second Life. With Ohio University leading the nation’s universities in development and design in Second Life, it’s natural that the Soul of Athens team would want to delve deeper into the newest wave in the realm of online communities.

Student organizations, community programs and Athens residents can now engage on OU’s virtual campus, where the picturesque environment, from the gate to the bricks, has been re-imagined in a world where anyone can explore it and learn about everything that OU and Athens has to offer.

While I didn’t exactly convey the perks of Second Life to Zach or Ryan Navaroli, it didn’t matter, they were already convinced. Before I knew it Zach was pulling out a notepad and asking for my name. But he didn’t want my First Life name.

“My Second Life name is Meghan Gildea.” I proceeded to spell it out.

As Zach was writing, Ryan chimed in, “My name is Blargo Swindlehurst.” He said it with a smirk, prompting me to explain my lack of creativity.

“I didn’t realize you could pick a fun name when I chose it!”

If most of this post has sounded like complete gibberish, then clearly Second Life needs some explaining.

Simply put, it’s The Sims on crack.

It’s also a little bit of Athens: uninhibited, unpredictable, a place where there are no limits to your imagination, even if it is a tad creepy, at least at first.

Ryan sat back, relaxed, as we discussed ideas for exactly how to approach this project, in a realm almost unknown to most of Athens’ population. Yet, it’s one that would infect them soon enough, we just didn’t know how. As I left, however, I was sure Blargo would come up with an answer.

To learn more about Second Life and how to sign up for a free account go to http://secondlife.com. Just remember, once you pick a name, it’s yours forever. See you in World.