The sex is less satisfying, the money meaningless, but in one regard, at least, Second Life has matched the real world. Political events in Linden Lab's overblown virtual environment are carefully controlled, lacking in authenticity, and mind-numbingly tedious. Valleywag sent along a video reporter to the opening session of Congress, or rather an online discussion of the day's momentous events in the virtual world. The event, sponsored by marketing consultancy, Clear Ink, and has-been computer maker, Sun Microsystems, was as sparsely attended as a New Hampshire at-home with a no-hope candidate. Those attendees not from the press were Second Life publicists making sure the participants stayed in their seats. So much like the meatworld. It's uncanny. Valleywag's reporter ran into trouble with the virtual world's flacks after he floated up and spoiled the photo-op by getting into the frame. "They were really freaking out. Dude, I was laughing so hard I was crying when they finally kicked me out." Well, at least someone enjoyed themselves. The clip, heavily edited — trust us, you want it heavily edited — after the jump.

> —-—-—-- Forwarded message —-—-—--
> From: jessica@jessicaswitzer.com < jessica@jessicaswitzer.com >
> Date: Jan 3, 2007 10:25 AM
> Subject: Virtual Capitol Hill event-Exclusive invite to working
> press SL residents
> To: jessica@bluepractice.com
> Cc: tim@bluepractice.com, blake@bluepractice.com, Alex Yenni from
> LEWIS < alexy@lewispr.com >, andrew michael baron
> <andrew@rocketboom.com>, Jon Brouchoud <
> jon.brouchoud@clearink.com>, Steve Nelson < steve.nelson@clearink.com>
>
> If you receive this invitation, this only applies to you:
>
>
>
> MEDIA ADVISORY - INVITATION ONLY EVENT
>
>
>
> Virtual Capitol Hill Established To Usher In 110th Congress
>
>
>
> Clear Ink and Sun Microsystems co-sponsor first Congressional
> presence in a virtual world, extending access and discussion for
> nearly
>
> 1 million "residents" of Second Life
>
> —-
>
> Rep. George Miller (D - 7th District, CA), Chairman of the
> Democratic Policy Committee, spearheading real-time forum
>
>
> WHEN: Thursday, January 4, 2007, 2:00-3:00 pm ET (event interaction
> follows the official ceremony begins which begins at12 Noon ET)
>
>
> WHERE: A virtual Capitol Hill region in the online 3D world Second
> Life ( http://www.clearink.com/capitolhill)
>
>
> WHO: Participants include:
>
> PENDING: Representative George Miller (D - 7th District, CA)
> Joanne Colan, Anchor of Rocketboom videoblog
> Sponsors: Clear Ink (http:// www.clearink.com/)
>
> Clear Ink, a firm devoted to transforming Internet marketing, has
> developed a virtual Capitol Hill, a stylized model of the House of
> Representatives on an island in Second Life, to open the doors of
> Congress and extend the democratic process with discussion of the
> legislative agenda for the first 100 hours of the 110 th U.S.
> Congress. Clear Ink is the sponsor of this event.
>
>
> The virtual Capitol Hill will be the site of an invitation-only
> event on January 4th and stream the swearing in of Nancy Pelosi and
> the 110 th Congress. Following the ceremony, Representative
> Miller, in his Second Life avatar form, may lead a discussion of
> the Congressional legislative agenda in the House chamber of the
> virtual Capitol Hill.
>
>
> Beginning on January 5th, the virtual Capitol Hill will be open to
> the general public, and will be the site of ongoing discussion and
> meetings. Information and discussion will be offered in six
> pavilions on the virtual Capitol Hill, each devoted to one of the
> six Democratic initiatives outlined by Speaker-to-be Pelosi on
> January 4 th. These initiatives include the following:
>
>
> Raising the minimum wage
> Affordable health care
> National security
> College access for all
> Energy independence
> Retirement security
>
> Members of Congress, policymakers, press and the public can
> participate in these ongoing discussions, which are limited by
> technology to 50 people at any given time.
>
>
>
> TO BE INVITED TO THE EVENT JAN. 4 YOU MUST REGISTER AVATAR AND
> CONTACT WITH Clear Ink PR CONTACTS or EVENT PRODUCER:
>
>
> For Clear Ink
>
> Jessica Switzer, jessica@bluepractice.com or Tim Gnatek at
> tim@bluepractice.com 415-272-3944;
>
>
> Clear Ink Spokesperson: Steve Nelson, EVP, Chief Strategy Officer
> at Clear Ink steve.nelson@clearink.com and 925-788-0366
>
>
> Clear Ink Event Producer: Jon Brouchard (can assist with tech and
> avatars) jon.brouchoud@clearink.com and (510) 549-4200 ext 245
>
>
> For Linden Lab (Second Life) general PR inquiries:
>
> Alex Yenni, alexy@lewispr.com and 415-992-4400
>
>
>
>
> Jessica Switzer
>
> Communications for a Sustainable World
>
> jessica@bluepractice.com
>
> 415-272-3944