A non-commercial foresight study run on behalf of the European Commission raises several claims also to the future of virtual worlds like for example "Virtual visits to museums over the internet are more popular than physical visits." One of these claims should be especially interesting for you: "A tax on transactions in virtual worlds (like SL) be raised?" We ask you as experts on this topic to reveal your opinion on when you think this claim will become true. The results will be considered in the European research project. Hence, your opinion will influence European political decision-making. You participate by registering at
Moderator: This is definitely tax-related and an interesting claim. My speculation is that people not inclined to foreign travel will certainly use these virtual tours. But those inclined will go there anyway. Also the wealthy may be less inclined to use virtual tours. Thus, this would be a tax on the poor, the middle class, and on students.