links for 2008-08-17

"Social-networking sites may be nearing a plateau in North America, but they’re hiking diligently upward abroad. Worldwide usage of social- networking sites has grown by 25 percent in the last year, according to a new study from comScore. That’s more than double the 9 percent growth seen in North America."

"A Nashville blues musician named Von Johin has been signed to a record label, thanks to his free performances on alternate computer universe Second Life. Von Johin is believed to be the first artist signed to a contract thanks to performances in a virtual world. Aside from his steady schedule of touring small real-life venues, Von Johin also plays a weekly virtual concert on Second Life, which brought him to the attention of scouts from Reality Entertainment, who signed the bluesman after seeing his following online."