Thanks for the great explanation and info Bobbi. I really appreciate you educating us about this. I appreciate everyone filling in a little piece of this mysterious virtual world for me.

I haven't read the links in the forum as I didn't know they were there. I will now though. I did think I could understand a bit how this virtual environment could add an important social dimension for those with AS or autism, my questions arose from people who do not suffer from these conditions and why anyone would spend real money on virtual "things" with no stable after market. I can't quite grasp that. And I guess I had a worry that those with social difficulties might be taken advantage of by others trying to sell them virtual things that may not be 'worth' anything and couldn't be sold again. My questions are truly out of ignorance, but sincere interest to learn so I hope if I put my foot in my mouth you understand that it was unintentional. I am sincere and not judging, just not understanding a new concept.

Has anyone at Second Life who is a member of BT been able to discuss this forum issue with JL? Is that a way that people have been able to reach him, in this virtual world?

I think I understand how a virtual world could connect people with AS or autism in a way that the real world was unable to facilitate. I would hope though that a virtual world wouldn't come to REPLACE efforts for those with AS or autism from working to develop as much potential as exists for real world live contact. I just am not sure cyberworlds can be substituted for some of those intangible aspects of human contact that are so important to living. But I'm not an expert, maybe that's not true. I plead my ignorance here but will read more to learn more. Thanks to those who are enlightening me.