My first step is to pick an “avatar” – I go for “girl next door” – and a name. RuthGledhill Godenot is born and within minutes flying out of control.

Another newcomer accosts me. “We heard you were coming. You were part of the prophecy,” he said. Perhaps my choice of name was not wise after all.

Before heading to the island, I have to customise my appearance. I was born white, slim-hipped with dark hair. But thanks possibly to an early childhood in Jamaica, there surfaces an overwhelming desire to be black, buxom and blonde.

I still can’t work out how to get to the island, but start talking to its creator, Andrew Down, known as Lewis Nerd in the virtual world. He teleports me there instantly.

My real-life family watch in bafflement as I giggle and chat apparent nonsense into the computer, such as: “Why do I crash to the floor in disarray whenever I stop flying?”

I must confess that it was fun. I can see how these things are addictive.