Just an hour or so after joining, "you'll notice that several residents approach you and introduce themselves," the website promises. "Within this vibrant society of people, it's easy to find people with similar interests.... Once you meet people you like, you find it's easy to communicate and stay in touch."

In the context of this universe, communicating and staying in touch have decidedly nontraditional meanings. You can link with your online associates to hang out at a nightclub, take in a fashion show, attend an art opening, or play games. It could be the start of a virtual friendship. The gift of virtual chicken soup delivered by a friendly avatar, though, won't go down like the real thing.