Flying is senior Kris Rudeegraap's favorite thing to do - in his second life that is. But Rudeegraap's second life isn't in the real world, it's virtual.
SecondLife.com is a popular Web site where users create avatars, virtual characters, eat, go on dates with other avatars and even have sex.
The creation has led to more than just social advantages, including business and marketing opportunities.
Second Life has created an entire business industry within its virtual world that is open to businesses that are already on their feet and to ordinary avatars whose creators want to make some dough.
A "think tank" for ideas, Second Life is a great starting ground for those who are interested in starting an online business and want to bounce ideas off other people with similar interests, Rudeegraap said.
Second Life has a lot of potential for virtual conferences and focus groups, he said.
Businesses in Second Life are available for users to buy everyday items for their avatars, but it's not necessary to buy anything, Rudeegraap said.
"I haven't bought anything for my avatar," he said. "I wasn't sure if I wanted to spend money on a fake world."
But some people are spending money in Second Life, and there are a lot of ways people are reaping the benefits, said Timothy Heinze, a marketing professor.
People who create identities on the Web site can buy and sell land, own shops or stores and sponsor events, Heinze said.
Businesses that are already up and running, such as Ben & Jerry's and Pontiac can also make money simply by supporting the site, Heinze said.
"The money they make on the site is minimal," he said. "But the money they make from consumer goodwill is the goal of these companies."
Users are more likely to support companies in the real world that are supporting their Second Life lives, Heinze said.
But it's not just businesses that are taking advantage of Second Life as an advertising forum. Bands are doing it, too.
Pet Shop Boys, a British pop band, was one of the first to have a concert on the site, Heinze said.
Other bands, including U2, are also featured in a virtual concert for Second Life characters to enjoy.
Along with the music and business industry, universities around the country are also getting into the site, Heinze said.
It offers courses from universities such as Harvard University, Columbia University, Cal Poly Pomona and community colleges such as Fullerton College.
According to the site, students and educators can work together from anywhere in the world as a virtual classroom environment.
Joe Wills, director of Public Affairs and Publications, hasn't heard of Chico State classes being on the site, he said. But if faculty or departments want to offer classes to their students, it would be an interesting idea and something that would require permission from the university, Wills said.
If the classes were available at Chico State, Rudeegraap would take them, he said.
"I'd love to sit at home and take classes, instead of having to go to school every day," he said.
Ashley Marshall can be reached at amarshall@theorion.com
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