There
Not that I'm dissatisfied with Second Life, but I thought I'd check out There (as Elsie_Broek).
Very odd. After 2nd Life this seemed amazingly simple. Just like in SL, the key to this is the interface. Unlike SL it's much web based with streamlined graphics. The controls take a little getting used to unlike SL, you can't pan vertically (though you do have views from above and from in front). Also unlike SL, everything you need to do (other than just wandering around) costs internal currency.
You get a first make-over free (haven't had one yet), but there after it costs. One of the great things about SL is the ability to change the appearance of your avatar easily. Part of that is the fact that there's heaps of free clothes and other items (ok, a lot of it's duplicated) out there, so you can mix and match and play with things pretty much as much as you like.
Very odd - it's like using a vector graphics editor after only using bitmap editors - neither is "better", just focussed on different ways of doing things. There seems to be for folk who have disposable income ($US 5 = $T 1800) and don't want to "fiddle" much with their stuff - could be wrong here, as all this is from two sessions totalling not more than 45 minutes (including a visit to Coca Cola Metro!).
Probably won't go There much, just went for curiosity. Whereas with SL, well I'm off there in a few moments - I have friends there.
Kevin also pointed out something called IMVU which apparently is an avatar instant messaging system. Looks like an even simpler thing again.