Interestingly enough, as stated in your article, most of the marketing in Second Life (SL) has not been done it a way that convinces the people of use SL that the marketing represents a legitimate investment in the SL community. Some larger stores pruchaces land, created stores in SL and sit empty. Others just appear to be a sign or branding oppertunity.
However, some of the candidates for President seem to be taking it more seriously. You can find campain headquarters for several of the people running for office on SL. Just like in RL, they have supporters hanging around helping as they can. John Edwards is a good example.
Ginthian Source is my avatar name in SL.