Mercedes Benz Island (128,128,0)
If you want to see how to do a corporate presence in Second Life well, look at Mercedes Benz Island. This is going to sound like I work for Mercedes or something, but I don't. I don't even own a Mercedes automobile; I have no affiliation with Mercedes. I'm reviewing this Second Life spot only on its merits. It just so happens the merits in this case are excellent!

This was one of the most fun and well done sims I've visited, ever. It has some key ingredients that every company should consider building into their own sim for a popular and successful presence in Second Life:

1) A fun activity that has challenge but that is easy to use. On Mercedes Benz Island, you can test drive the new model Mercedes sports car, and it rocks. You can rez a test drive car in one click. Not only does it operate like a car (you can't turn unless you are moving), but it moves like a car with power. I went right off the road several times learning to drive. The track both goes under the showroom (glass floors let you watch the cars drive by), as well as a high-jump. You won't make the jump the first couple of times, but by the end of the free 15-minute demo drive, you'll be jumping that sports car like James Bond. It's a blast to do in Mouseview, and it's halarious to watch the other test drivers jumping and driving all over the grass.

2) The activity has different views and options. I can drive the car from Mouseview (and steer with the mouse), or I can use the usual behind-me-and above-me view. Both are challenging and fun. The free HUD lets me change the color of my car, the rims, or jump to the web site to learn about the real-life vehicle.

3) An island tour that is fun for even an ADD person on Red Bull. A simple click teleports me from place to place, each place has a sign explaining what's at this stop. I can click through all the stops in about 30 seconds, or I can stop and linger at any stop I like.

4) Freebies. Yep, they have a free racing jumpsuit you can get on the tour (or just in the showroom).

5) Classy take-away materials. A free all-digital press kit. A free music mix tape. Nice.

6) Lounge and entertainment. Comfy leather sofas, movies, refeshments.

7) Museum. See the models of Mercedes from almost a century ago to today.

8) Live greeter. There was an official Mercedes Benz person there - that spoke both fluent English and German - to greet everyone and answer any questions.

Mercedes has really done this right. Go have some fun!