The emergence of computer generated imagery (CGI) as a viable production alternative for very flexible creative platforms has been proven to me as I’ve used it as an alternative for traditional photography in both on-line and off-line marketing components.  I know most photographers no longer use film as the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of digital photography have taken hold.  I wonder if someday the photo shoot will become obsolete and creative production will occur only on high-performance workstations.  After seeing this article   http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article5404384.ece  another dimension emerges.  Will a computer generated shopping world be a viable alternative channel now that it’s moving from a gimmick in Second Life to a stand-alone replication of a world-class shopping different.  My retail marketing experience has taught me the importance of the “last 3 feet”, the moment of truth when final purchase decision re made.  The retail sales representative continues to have significant influence on this moment of truth.  I wonder if Artificial Intelligence-based sales avatars are in development to help close the sale in the virtual world?