PROTEST - SECOND LIFE

Protesters over the increased cost of open space sims

"Avoid the Voids" - Accepting the things I cannot change

It's been a few days since the initial shock of the Openspace (VOID) Sims Controversy.

Linden Labs will do as they please. It's their company and they have every right to raise prices as they see fit.

I cannot fight political and economic battles both in SL and in RL. I simply do not have the energy or funds to do either of them well. One of them must take precedence. I choose RL.

For every ailment under the sun
There is a remedy, or there is none;
If there be one, try to find it;
If there be none, never mind it.

Life goes on, even Second Life goes on.... after all... as LL continuously reminds us....

We're not really residents in a virtual world as they once claimed....we're just players in an elaborate game.

"Avoid the Voids" - Lessons in Lindenomics

I shook my head when I read news of Linden Labs Openspace Pricing and Policy Changes (and a few reactions I've read)....

Most people know I do NOT like to discuss politics or economics openly. In RL I have a particular worldview that was once shaped by family (Democrat), then college (Republican), then work experience (Libertarian), as well as a circle of friends, books, periodicals, podcasts (the list goes on and on).

I love history, political science, and economics. I consider myself a liberal in a classical sense. To put it another way, I'm a libertarian with a small "l" ... not affiliated with the Libertarian Party, yet sharing in political and economic philosophy. So in the interest of full-disclosure, I look at this announcement with a certain "free-minds and free markets" worldview.

A few points as I see it...

First, on a real world level, LL is a private company and can raise prices as they see fit. LL must spend USD on wages/salaries, electricity, and infrastructure, so that we may all enjoy using Second Life. LL like any RL company, faces increased costs, economic uncertainty, and must act accordingly.

Second, as a RL worker and consumer, I also face economic uncertainty and must make economic choices based on my own needs and wants. My work salary has a certain amount of disposable income that - although not a fixed amount, is only elastic at the margins. My discretionary income can only go so far until I hit the wall of fixed RL expenses. Other than a few generous tips I receive from 2 tip jars and 20 % receipts from aviation-related vendors placed at my aerodrome, I don't make much money from SL, and although I'm very interested in business within the metaverse, I consider myself a hobbyist and social networker. Unless hired by a company doing business here, I'll remain so throughout my time on the grid.

Obviously, all spending within SL must be far behind RL shelter, food, transportation, utilities, medicines, savings for retirement, etc. Personally, I've cut back on certain things (some RL entertainment spending and a 2nd VoIP line) in order to pay for other RL and SL expenses. It's very likely more family budget cuts are in store in the near future.

Avoid The Voids!

My hope was to obtain land-rights to an Openspace sim during the very month that this increase is to take effect. Obviously, that's shot to hell. How many others will "avoid the voids?"

Costs (Taxes) and Discretionary Income

If you consider us all citizens of this virtual world, what is happening is a virtual property tax increase. Uncle M will raise your property values (and taxes)!

Higher costs for land-rights and higher tier fees. Just like a tax.

But remember that taxes control market incentives. And as you raise costs on already burdened individuals and families, only the wealthier among us can afford such things within our ever tightening discretionary income. I don't think the federal government will enact a bailout plan for Void sims. Heehee!

Like many taxes, the likely effect of this will slow down the inworld economy. For many like me who were strongly considering the acquisition of one or more Openspace sims for SL aviation, the decision has now been made. Avoid the Voids!

I do hope that others have enough discretionary income to continue. As an aviatrix in SL, I would hate to see a decline in Openspace sims, but I definitely understand their hardships.

The Big Question:

Is LL still friendly toward hobbyists within the grid? Will aviation in SL be encouraged?

Or perhaps it's their intention that the only aviation-related activity allowed to flourish will be Boeing and Airbus business meetings?

UPDATE: Vint Falken has an excellent roundup of the SLBlogosphere reaction.

I'll have another Starbucks or Tim Horton's please...

High-caffeine venting...

I know I'm sounding too emotional about this, but I'm sick and tired of this new policy shit and disregard for the real frustrations from user/residents. Ok yeah it started with ageplay...yadda yadda yadda...I hate it too. So, with that disclaimer out of the way...

LL is too preoccupied with political correctness when they should be improving technology. If they pretend they're something else LL may well be sued out of existence. Or more likely, it will be purchased by a far more strict company. It will mean the Disneyfication of SL and we will likely lose everything we've built here. Imagine a strict Human Resources controlled workplace. Do you want to come home from work and login to a virtual world that reminds you of the office?

If things don't improve I'm likely to leave SL...and yes I'm drinking lots of coffee today and yes I reserve the right to change my mind!

» LAG fights Lag! M is for Myg

» LAG fights Lag! M is for Myg

"...Thanks to concerned bloggers, Topgol Citizens and friends, the Lag Annihilation Group (LAG) was formed. (IM Alex in-world to get in the group). We started with the logos and the T-shirts made by Codie. Then Wrath made us some signs. And Vint went and spoke with the owner of the 12 Monkey casino chain, and sweetly clued him in to what can happen when a bunch of bloggers get passionate about an issue.

And my god, we’ve hardly started..."

» LAG fights Lag! M is for Myg