Massively^™

There are two basic pieces to Linden Lab's virtual world. There's Second Life Grid, which recently got a name of its very own, which is essentially the platform, technology and company behind it.

Then there's the other bit. The part where Linden Lab so often says the real value is. Second Life, says the Lab, is the community, the content. All those people. That's the real value, it says.

So, if so many users (the exact number isn't important here) are what is described by the marks SL and Second Life (as distinct from Second Life Grid, which describes the underlying platform) -- if that endless creation of and remixing of content and communities is called Second Life -- why don't the people who Second Life actually are get equal time with what is, essentially, their own collective name?

Millions of Us and Crayon recently held a contest for Coca Cola Virtual Thirst in Second Life. Entrants were asked to submit their ideas for an innovative vending machine. The grand prize, won by Emerie May, consisted of a trip to San Francisco to collaborate with Millions of Us on their idea, plus 500,000L to spend inside SL.

The Machinima for the winning idea was created by Aren Mandala, otherwise known as Michael Verdi, vlogger extraordinaire. It explains what the contest was about and showcases the winning entry. Among the features you'll discover are puzzle bottles, a snowglobe photobooth, a giant bubble ride, and a snowball vending machine. You can start your Coke puzzle by heading to Style today!

[Via Millions of Us]