About v-Fluence

Virtual Gatherings

One of the fundamental challenges of working for a virtual company is learning how to socialize primarily through computer-mediated communications (CMC). The potential for misunderstandings to arise, particularly when dealing with individuals of varying cultures and ages, is great. One of our rules of thumb is at the first sign of miscommunication, to pick up the phone. Another challenge concerns the issue of negotiating social capital in virtual companies - in other words, how do we replicate, or at least do a better job of simulating the "water cooler conversation" through CMC, and the positive social values attributes to this type of activity?

When checking out Joi Ito's blog several days ago, I noticed a back posting titled, "Second Life party yesterday." Apparently, Ito attended a fund raiser for Creative Commons in the Second Life virtual world. The event was attended by Stanford law professor Lawrence Lessig, as well as several other notable guests, who all enjoyed a traditional Scottish "meal" that included fresh Haggis.

I thought the concept of holding a social event in a virtual world, where you can actually see the other attendees and "physically" interact with them is pretty fascinating. With v-Fluence employees scattered throughout North America and Europe, maybe we should consider holding a social event in a virtual world.