The sales pitch worked like a charm.

Instead of simply being broadcast to or monologed at, denizens of the virtual world are creating conversations and “hive minds” that produce truly collaborative experiences.

the hotel exterior is ringed by a giant neon solar system. Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and that goofy little outer quasi-planet, Pluto, shine luminescent red, blue, green, pink, white, and yellow.

And that this demission of our royal authority may have the more full and solemn effect, and none pretend ignorance, we give [our cousins authority] ... in our name and behalf, publicly, and in their presence, to renounce the Crown, guidance, and government of this our kingdom of Scotland.