While parts of the city flourish and other parts continue to struggle, Cleveland now has a second incarnation in Second Life—thanks in large measure to Case Western Reserve’s Lev Gonick and a host of other dedicated souls who have created a virtual Cleveland in this rapidly growing online environment. As scenarists, we can’t help but be pleased by the possibilities a virtual Cleveland holds for testing and playing “What If?” with a variety of possible futures for our city. It’s much more than a game–it’s a way to test real ideas and see how well they play out with other online residents.

According to PD reporter Tom Feran, “You don’t have to dream to visit a Cleveland where University Circle is on the lakefront next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum; where the Cleveland Clinic opens operating rooms to students from Case Western Reserve University; where Millionaires’ Row is preserved intact along Euclid Avenue; where a new convention center can be built in weeks; and where — by the way — the weather is always perfect.

“You will find it and more in the virtual world of Cleveland 2.0, a colorful, three-dimensional cyber city that is more ambitious in scale and range of participation than anything previously built for the 3-D Internet.”

To learn more, read Lev’s post about Cleveland 2.0, then join in the fun for yourself. See you in Cleveland 2.0!