Join us at 6 p.m. Pacific time/Second Life Time today for our regular InformationWeek/Dr. Dobb's Journal kaffeeklatsch, where we discuss technology and business issues in Second Life and real life.

This could be the last time we have a voiceless discussion; Linden Lab has said it plans to activate voice on the main Second Life service -- known as the "main grid" in Second Life jargon -- tomorrow. It's being a bit coy; today's notice of upcoming downtime on the Second Life blog includes no mention of voice, and the usually reliable blog Metaversed says it ain't gonna happen. I have a call in to Linden Lab to find out.

But let's be optimistic and drink a champagne toast to the end of a Second Life era and start of a new one.

Um, somebody bring virtual champagne, 'kay?

Usual location: Dr. Dobb's Island. The meeting is open to everyone -- come when you can, stay as long as you like. Join the InformationWeek group in Second Life for notification of future meetings; we meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. and Fridays at noon. Send me an instant message this evening if you need a teleport to the meeting; my Second Life name is Ziggy Figaro.