Just my 2 cents...
Posted by MelissaAnn Majestic on March 12th, 2007
I realize that some in Second Life pay their monthly fees to play the game and take full advantage of all they offer. Premium account holders enjoy weekly stipends and land ownership. They get the full benefits of Second Life. I wish I could afford the monthly fees involved with a premium account and a nice piece of land to have my home on. I’m envious of those that afford that small luxury or, even better, can afford an entire island.
Over the last several months, I’ve noticed a growing hatred of what are being called “free accounts”. There is never much clarity of this term. Does it mean anyone who signed up as a free basic account? Or is it strictly those with a free basic account that have no payment info on file? I would personally like some details but know that I’ll probably be left in the dark on this.
You see, I’m a free account. I signed up in September of 2005 with a basic account. When I signed up, I had to provide payment information and a valid email address. So Linden Labs has a way to bill me for any currency I buy. But onward to my point…
Along with my longtime friend, we ventured into this brave new world of virtual reality. We both enjoyed the creative freedom Second Life gave us. I was hooked. I quickly found an apartment complex that offered free boarding to residents. My partner and I shared a room where we were allowed 50 prims. Then Linden Labs decided to do away with Dwell stipends. With that disappearing, our landlord would not be able to continue the service nor hold onto his land.
I began searching for some place that would be affordable for 2 basics accounts. I was fortunate to meet a most charitable and beautiful person. She became my new landlady. She rented me a large penthouse for a very affordable rate. I learned alot from our friendship. When she passed away suddenly this past June, our community was shattered. Many quickly moved to other rental places. I and a few others remained on the parcel to continue her vision until her family made a decision on its future.
For the last 9 months, I’ve watched over her remaining main land property. Since her account has not been closed to facilitate a future auction, her tenants have been working to better our existence in Second Life. We’ve setup our homes, businesses, etc., on a parcel of land that may be auctioned off any day now. We paid our weekly rent.
Speaking for myself, I recently started a club. It’s nothing fancy or raunchy, just a quiet place for sitting with friends. I used some lindens to upload my favorite movie posters. I offer them for a very low price, too. The funds I make go into my Ginko Financial account to be used in the eventual auction. You see, I’m one part of a group hoping to buy this plot of land and carry on in our friend’s absence.
I also help those new residents that visit our area. I offer them a friendly face and a helping hand. I can only hope to do some good in this ‘Verse. After all, I had a wonderful friend show me the way. It’s only right that I pay it forward.
I guess that’s why I’m bewildered by all the anger. I understand that those who pay their monthly fees have every right to be upset by the constant grid closures. I am sort of thankful that I don’t have more of my limited income invested. Also, why is it that everyone assumes that all “free accounts” are slackers, moochers and griefers? I work very hard for the things I have. I’ve never begged for lindens. I never attacked anyone just for fun.
In my year and a half in Second Life, I’ve been attacked and harassed countless times. I’ve had my stalker move in next door, countless strangers breaking into my home, shot at, orbited out of the region and invaded by a military group. I’ve asked for help from the Lindens and some are helpful doing what they can.
So I guess my question for those premium account residents is this: Do you see all basic accounts as vile? Is there a difference? And if there are so many “free accounts”, wouldn’t their purging from the grid severely decrease the consumer base; thus damaging Second Life’s future economic stability?
Just some food for thought.
Stay Shiny!
March 12th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Melissa… I was once a “paying” member of SL, as well. I even owned a small parcel of land. It didn’t benefit me in any way to do so. I sold it. I dropped my tier down to a free account. Like you, I’m a “verified” member with my information on file, my payment info on record, and my involvement at a peak. I’m a very active SL participant and contributor. I am a live music performer in Second Life.
I hope no one thinks I’m less than credible because I chose to rent from others, buy from others, and participate in entertaining others with what little skills I have.
You’re a contributing member in my book.
March 13th, 2007 at 7:58 am
I think when people talk about those with “free accounts,” they’re talking about people with no payment information on file. From day 1, I had payment information on file with Linden Labs. However, many people would rather check out SL for a little while before handing over that information. That’s understandable. There are those who never hand over that information because they don’t want to invest in SL as a member of the community — they’re just there to cause trouble. I also suspect that some who aren’t able to put down credit card information because they’re too young to have a credit card — those people belong on the teen grid!
I don’t have a premium account, but I will be upgrading within the next few days. Though Linden Labs has done away with first land — a major perk for premium account holders — I do see an advantage to having a premium account. Frankly, I’m afraid that as the number of SL residents approaches 5 million, there will be times that the Lindens restrict access to the grid to those with payment information on file, and then only to those with premium accounts.
I understand that not everyone who wants to be a permanent community member wants to give Linden Labs their credit card information, but to some, having that information on file with Linden Labs does signal a desire to be a part of a community as opposed to someone who gets off on disrupting that community.
March 14th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Lindens slowing down new signups: http://secondlife.reuters.com/stories/2007/03/14/breaking-news-linden-limits-new-second-life-signups/
A trend that will be expanded, or just a stopgap measure to get the regulars in the gate before letting anyone else on?
March 14th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
M:
Just my 1/2 cent….
I believe that unverified accounts should only be allowed for a limited time. I know, I know, the savy griefers will get past this, but it will help in preventing minors from being on the grid.
As for the debate of being a premium verus a verified account, as long as there is some verification, it helps prevent stupidity and helps stop minors.
My personal belief is that I make my living from SL, so I have the responsiblity to have a premium account, plus major expenses in term of monthly land tier and private sims rental. I do so for both work and as a way to “support” Linden Labs. The good news for me is that this all a business expense. (Yes, my CPA did laugh at first but it was one hell of a deduction - lol).
I do believe that anyone who makes money off of SL (takes it out of the SL economy for hard cash), should be a premium member. It is just a way of helping the Lindens be profitable.
But if you are not here to “make cash” then you have no obligation to give the Lindens your cash.
Just my 1/2 cent, now back to SL…..