Virtual goods, virtual gifts 101

I just did a ton of reading about virtual goods. I made quite a leap in understanding about this space, something that now is obvious I had little of. When I first thought of virtual goods, I would think of little virtual thingies people exchanged on Facebook. Through the reading I did, I learned that a whole economy could be augmented by utilizing this medium, and my little mind thinks that only the sky is the limit for coming up with creative ideas to enable people and businesses to further their interests in this new arena. This is the type of problem space that is really interesting to develop technical solutions for, because it is new and interesting, and so you get not only to discover interesting problems but also contribute with creative ideas for better technical solutions.

Backing up a little, I think little virtual thingies are silly. And I think it is okay to think so. Although I have never paid for one, I don't, however, dis-merit them, because it is there for anyone to see that a lot of people do. Where I get really excited about is when we start talking branding though. I do have a business mentality and I love to think about solutions that more directly help businesses succeed (in reaching customers, increasing roi, etc). On a personal level, I totally get the appeal for virtual goods like avatar accessories. I loooove Second Life, so much so that I am never there. Whenever I get in I don't care about getting out, and because I also have many Real Life interests and commitments and it... just not good. Anyway, I totally get it because if I had more time (or less outside commitments, I don't know) I would want to... really, have an empire, nothing short of it. I'm talking, buying land, building a business, etc, and, of course, having the coolest looking avatar. I would painlessly pay for it. Although I also get excited about doing my own technical development but, like I said, I can't really go there... Anyway, another thing that gets me really excited about this business is the gift giving part of it. And this brings me back to the little virtual thingies, I know, but it is that now I see and understand a purpose that I didn't see before. What appeals to me the most in this aspect is that I am sick and tired of stuff: I don't want to give them, and I don't want to receive them. Really, in x-mas and b-days about 50% of gifts are good ones, but the other 50% is such a burden that it is just not worth it. I started trying to give people certificate for services (like massages from local businesses), but they don't have/make time to go! Still, we do want to give. And I think virtual gifts are an excellent alternative. Obviously, they are constrained to only being relevant to people who actively participate in virtual spaces (and none of my family is there and only few of my friends are). But it is something to look forward to.