You can find real life information and resources, too. I have "notecards" full of information on there about Native American tribes, and quite a few other topics, too. There's a lot of non-profits and resources centers represented there also.

I wouldn't bother trying to go on there to make money... though it actually could be used to advertise real life items for sale, and I think people have found that useful. Writers and artists may be able to get their material out there that way. But it's worth trying to make some $L (Lindens) to pay for stuff you want to buy there. You can do this just by being in the right place at the right time, or by putting more effort in.

I spend a little real money for it, because I consider it an entertainment and socializing expense - I don't buy music, movies, or go out places (don't have anyone to go with) - so this works for me.

I think it has a lot of potential, too... I'd like to look into using it for classes in Native languages, because it would allow people from all over to listen to a teacher by streaming audio while communicating with one another in chat, practicing in voice chat, and receiving typed notecards or visual aids within the "classroom". I get excited about that idea, lol.