In today’s strained economic situation, the ability to measure the success of any new project or campaign has become mandatory, as CEO’s are now taking harder looks toward ROI. By collecting and analyzing key data, it is now possible to optimize user experiences, thereby improving overall performance. Companies expanding into Virtual Worlds need to consider overall goals and determine correspondingly specific Key Performance Indicators. Once a set of measurable success metrics has been established, Virtual World Analytics platforms and tools can be evaluated and the process of Virtual World Optimization can begin.

In this article, I outline the top providers of Virtual World Analytics solutions. Whether you own a simple Second Life shop or are creating your own corporate Virtual World platform, one of the providers below can help you track and reach your goals.

Today we are very happy to share some exciting news with you: Linden Lab has acquired Xstreet SL and OnRez - the two leading Web-based marketplaces for buying and selling creations for Second Life. Over the past few months we’ve been working with the folks at Virtuatrade and the Electric Sheep Company to hammer out the details, and today is the first day that we’ve been able to talk openly about this next step in our evolution.

The Next Chapter for Xstreet SL and OnRez First off, we’d like to congratulate both teams for their vision, passion and commitment. Xstreet SL and OnRez succeeded because they provided great opportunities for merchants, built delightful experiences for shoppers, and fostered dynamic and creative communities. Hats off to them!

Below you will find a smattering of notable end-of-the-year lists and 2009 predictions that should appeal to the media, marketing and social media set.

By no means is it complete. If you know of others, please share.

"What is more pleasant than the benevolent notice other people take of us, what is more agreeable than their compassionate empathy? What inspires us more than addressing ears flushed with excitement, what captivates us more than exercising our own power o