But this time I let the community know who I was and that I was researching for a column. In the past, I've slipped into virtual environments incognito. Like most newbies, I found my way to the clubs and started clicking the dance animations, developing my own signature fusion of ballet, hip-hop and the funky chicken. Once I started talking with other people and finding out where they like to go, I began to relax and get into the scene. Certainly it needs male pole dancers, and more 'working boys' to balance the working girls. It's not that the world is unwelcoming or that women wouldn't enjoy it as it is - but after all the build-up, I was expecting something more balanced. 'With trees and little rabbits running around.' 'It's in a very serene, comfortable, outdoorsy setting,' says Ray. Next up, also by female request, is a spa where you can get massages, pedicures and mud baths. And there's a pirate ship.' Also, female VIPs will be able to slip into mermaid avatars here. 'We have caves to explore, and one of the caves has a clamshell bed where people can have sex if they want. Until now, the lagoon has been purely for decoration. 'The lagoon is opening, and you'll be able to swim in it,' he says.

Along the way I passed a gentleman's club, a bordello and several storefronts that launch websites where you can buy real-world lingerie, porn and toys. I wandered through an erotic art gallery, watched a porn video and ran through the public sex hall before I realized where I was. Men's chests swelled against painted-on T-shirts the occasional nudist sprinted past, penis conspicuously dangling halfway down his thighs. I managed to clothe my avatar somewhat modestly - she has pants - and yet the available bodies, skin colors and facial shapes are still woefully limited.Īll around me, female avatars minced by in stilettos, breasts bobbing gently in bras and corsets. I finally entered Red Light Center last week, wondering how much had changed since my helpers first saw it. 'As for the porn available, there are easier ways to surf for naughty bits.' 'It struck me as a very guy ideal,' said another, who admits that she found the virtual environment difficult and distracting in general. 'Do they seriously think this is women-friendly?' 'My biggest gripe is that the guys have actual clothes and women have to walk around in itty bitty slutty underwear and teeny tiny strappy high heels,' wrote one.

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