As Akela previously indicated, a new book on Second Life's virtual community is scheduled to be published in the spring by Princeton University Press. U.C. Irvine Professor Tom Boellstorff presents "Coming of Age in Second Life: An Anthropologist Explores the Virtually Human". His experience in SL as avatar Tom Bukowski has culminated in a promising introduction to the culture developed in this novel space. Through the involvement of the community in preparing his book for print, he has shown an appreciation for the creativity of Second Life residents and displayed a deep respect for the existing social guidelines.

Read on to find out how the cover art for the book was chosen.In a considerate gesture, the presentation of Bukowski's work was outsourced to the community. Through a book cover contest, Bukowski offered people a chance to define for themselves the idea of "coming of age". Artists embraced his approach and nearly 200 entered the challenge. Linden dollar prizes were awarded to a popular vote choice, Morgan Kincess, and to the final winner, Aino Korhonen.

"Everyone agrees that there are subcultures, but people often hesitate to talk about cultures as a whole. Indonesia is so diverse, America is so diverse, etc., and it's true you have to be more humble and hesitant, but there are some common issues and overarching patterns too (alts, chat, IMs, land, community)", explains Bukowski. And perhaps this is exactly where Krohonen's visualization is key - coming of age is a process, an awareness of experience. The female avatar in her photo is captured undergoing a moment of clear reflection on the past and the future.

For those interested, there is a great interview with Tom, offered by the Second Life Herald.