I read the Second Life story in this week'sRolling Stone (Sept. 7th issue) and I saw a new value to the community.

More than just its' own economy, with users spending real money on virtual purchases for their avatars, it's become a music experience. Real artists have created avatars for themselves and are using the site to play "live" concerts. This is great news for musicians and music lovers.

After living through the corporate rock 80's and the manufactured pop late-90's, it seemed like never again could someone like Bob Dylan break unless he looked like Justin Timberlake and had the backing of Clear Channel. Second Life has the potentional to change that.

As artists reach consumers virtually, it will mean less for them to look like Jessica Simpson and mean more for them to have substance, sound and talent.

As a music lover, and sometimes an admitted music snob, I couldn't be more thrilled.