What is the name of your avatar on Second Life (SL), does it look like you?
My avatar is called Ikarus Santos. Its virtual body is custom-made and looks a lot like me but is a bit slimmer than my real figure.

When did you think of bringing the AvaStar, the SL version of Bild-Zeitung, into virtual being?
Bild.T-Online constantly observes and rates new trends on the web and major developments. This includes the 3D Internet, a central topic for the Internet of the future. We created the AvaStar project in late 2006 to research the implications of these 3D worlds.

How are your editorial board meetings, are they efficient?
We invite all Avastar staff members world-wide to the editorial meetings. We talk about and distribute the central themes for the next edition.
Basically, this virtual meeting is the best and fastest way to co-ordinate and discuss relevant topics with all staff members.Distances and time differences are unimportant and members can read their tasks again in the chat, if need be. Additionally, they can all see each other and this creates a good team spirit. Once voice chat has been introduced, it will be used as a further communication tool.

Have you thought of AvaStar events? How would they be?
We organised a huge launch party with lots of SL VIPs for The AvaStar. The audience, the music and the venue were excellent and set standards for further AvaStar events.

How many events have you already attended on SL, which was the best?
30 to 50 events. The best events definitely were the AvaStar launch party, the Christmas parties of the Swedish community and the opening party of the Virtual Museum of Modern Art.

Maurizio Barucca joined Bild.T-online Berlin two and a half years ago. He started heading the Innovation Lab in May 2007. www.the-avastar.com