Airborne penises this week attacked CNET reporter and Second Life publicist Daniel Sadville, causing an unprecedented although not insurmountable interview interruption.

Daniel Sadville looked to continue his groundbreaking work hyping the Second Life online game by interviewing alleged virtual millionaire Ailin Graef (aka Anshe Chung). Sadville had invited Graef to CNET's Second Life office - a building Sadville convinced CNET to purchase by writing a flood of stories about Second Life - when all hell broke loose. We'll let the publicist explain.

On Monday, Graef visited CNET's Second Life bureau for a discussion about her business, how best to set up businesses in Second Life and the nature of competition there.

Unfortunately, as the interview was commencing, the event was attacked by a "griefer," someone intent on disrupting the proceedings. The griefer managed to assault the CNET theater for 15 minutes with--well, there's no way to say this delicately--animated flying penises.

Chung refused to continue the interview in the CNET theater but agreed to go on in her own space. Once restarted, the interview was attacked again, and the protester even managed to crash the entire server on which Chung's theater is held.

But after restarting and bringing back the audience, Chung talked with CNET News.com for nearly three hours.

Noble perseverance and excellent follow through.

Of course, Sadville could have saved some time and avoided the penis assault by, say, picking up a phone. But maybe he's not into phones.

We're still waiting for some reporter to document Second Life's Molestation Grove. Won't it be something when an IBM virtual event is crippled by these sick creatures. ®