Here's a cool release from Google, called "Lively". The premise is that a user creates their own "room" - yes with furniture, TVs (that can play YouTube videos, no kidding) and decor -- and you invite friends to visit.

You have to download their software (sorta the way you do with Google Earth) to get started. Go to www.lively.com for all the info.

Easy steps to follow:

1. Choose a room (from templates)
2. Choose the avatar to depict yourself
3. Change the avatar's clothes
4. Create a room
5. Select the name for your room ("Margaritaville")
6. Give your room a description ("this is where all the margarita parties take place!")
7. Select your sharing options (is it public or private)
8. Web setup - get code to embed your room in your blog
9. Sounds - would you like music to play in the background?
10. Shells - select the shape and floorplan for your room
11. Furnish your room
12. Start exploring!

Interesting to see how this takes off. I know when IM got started few people could conjure up a business use, and now IM is commonplace. Will Lively find its place in the business world? Virtual meetings, trade shows, planning for trade shows....?