What is THERE ? While that questions is adequately answered on its official site (check out What is There? ). We wanted to learn more about this destination that looks like a massively multiplayer game world. To do that we talked with Betsy Book, Director of Product Management at THERE to learn more about this virtual world and how it works. Read on below:

GameShark: What exactly is There.com?

THERE: THERE is the largest 3D social virtual world which combines an immersive digital environment and expressive 3D avatars with web-based tools for socializing such as IM, buddy lists, clubs and profiles. Unlike most MMOGs, THERE's focus is primarily on social interaction and online community.

THERE offers two levels of membership: Basic (free) and Premium (costs a one-time fee of $9.95). Basic Membership includes text chat, IM, shopping, a customizable 3D avatar, streamed radio, and the ability to join up to 20 clubs. Premium benefits include Voice Chat, the ability to save favorite places, the ability to sell items in the auctions, join up to 50 clubs, host events and own a neighborhood.

GameShark: How long has There.com been running and what is its current state of development?

THERE: THERE has been in development since 1998 and officially opened to the public in October of 2003. Makena Technologies acquired exclusive rights to THERE in April 2005.

GameShark: What kinds of activities can you do in There.com?

THERE: In addition to shopping for avatar clothing and other items for use in THERE, our members enjoy playing and competing in races, paintball games, fashion shows, card games, trivia contests, and more. Members can also join themed clubs, attend and host parties, and participate in special community events like this summer’s There Fashion Challenge (http://www.therefashionchallenge.com) and the “There Summer Games”, an Olympic-style team competition.

While there are a variety of large-scale events that are organized and hosted by THERE staff, the majority of activities and events in THERE are entirely member created. “Fun Zones” provide venues for hosting events and competitions. Members can also design, build, and own their own neighborhood, house, or clubhouse. THERE’s Developer Program even allows members to design items and sell them in to other members through an auction system.

GameShark: Tell us about the cash system in this virtual world. How does it work, how do you get more and how much does it cost?

THERE: There has a real economy, with an in-world currency called "Therebucks". One US dollar equals 1,800 Therebucks. In other words, a shirt with a price of 1,000T really costs 55 cents.

Therebucks can be purchased with a credit card or Paypal. You can also earn Therebucks by becoming an entrepreneur. You can either host events (such as buggy races or trivia contests) and sell tickets, or design your own clothing, vehicles, furniture and other objects and sell them to other members in the auctions.

GameShark: How many subscribers does There.com currently have?

THERE: THERE currently has over 450,000 registered users.

GameShark: What's the target demographic for this world?

THERE: THERE is designed for users aged 13 and up. Approximately two-thirds of our members are between the ages of 13 and 26.

GameShark: What's the percentage of female vs. male subscribers?

THERE: With an approximately 50% male / 50% female membership split, THERE has a higher percentage of female members than most other virtual worlds.

GameShark: What are some new innovations that are being planned for There.com?

THERE: We have many new and exciting developments in the works, but just a few of the things we’re focusing on right now include an improved “first visit” experience, better tools for our member Developers, and we will continue to refine and expand our real estate offerings.

There.com caters to individuals that want to take the time to create things. What kinds of things can be created in this world and how difficult is the process? Do you need to have a basic understanding of programming or 3D art creation to build something in this world?

THERE’s Developer Program offers great opportunities for both new and experienced designers. Member developers can create everything from avatar clothing items to entire buildings for use in the virtual environment. THERE offers three different kinds of Developer Tools that cater to users with different levels of experience:

• StyleMaker: Lets users easily create custom clothing, even if they have little or no design experience.
• Painter ToolKit: Using this tool with a paint program (like Photoshop), users can create new paintjobs for existing objects (like furniture, HoverBoards and Buggies).
• Builder ToolKit: More advanced Developers can use this tool with gmax to make brand new 3D models.

Once an item has been approved through our submissions process, the developer can list it in the auction system and sell it to other members for Therebucks.

GameShark: Final question - what's the most popular feature or activity in there.com?

THERE: Because user created content is so heavily emphasized in THERE, shopping is by far the most popular activity. Our members love to customize their avatars and their homes, clubhouses and Fun Zones in There. Customization of the world in this way sets the stage for all other events and activities.