John Edwards’ campaign enters Second Life

What: John Edwards was the first presidential candidate to set up shop in Second Life.
When: 02/14/07
Link: http://blogs.zdnet.com/social/?p=91

Reading Notes:

• Jerimee Richir, whose avatar is called Jose Rote, paid-for and developed Edwards' virtual headquarters, and is managing the in-world campaign. He says he is in regular contact with the Edwards campaign and has their full support.
• Rote, who is not paid for his services, sees the Second Life presence as a "scouting mission" where they hope to learn things that will be helpful to the campaign without spending money.
• Rote explained the connection he feels exists between Second Life and politics by saying that Second Life is a place where people come to be social and to engage in an interactive environment, both of which provide a jumping off point for social discourse.
• Rote also suggested that Second Life has the power to bring together voters from all around the world under one umbrella. Many of these voters may be U.S. citizens residing abroad who are able to vote absentee.
• Rote said that while Second Life is a smaller community than MySpace, it is a more vocal community and therefore potentially more influential community.
• In the early stages of the campaign season a Second Life presence may be more important in winning volunteers and supporters than gaining votes, and may be more effectively used as a "community building" tool than a vote-turner.