"these parcels will be unlike normal land in that they will be restricted in various ways; the house cannot be removed and the parcels cannot be sold, joined, terraformed or divided. Events and classifieds cannot be created for these parcels; only Premium Members can own them, and only one per account." Jack Linden, Second Life BlogI'm far past the point where such a deal would be of remote interest. The first 512 land fee is worthwhile - as it enables you to build, create and play with terraforming, etc...
I'd much prefer incentives for premium accounts such as extra group slots or maybe even discounts on tiers every X months (even once a year).
At the moment, I have two premium accounts and I'm beginning to rethink them - but won't make any decisions until next year. You can rent almost as cheaply as you can buy - sometimes cheaper! It feels to me as though we are constantly having fees raised and paying out more and more while having extra restrictions added to what we can do and where we can go in the environment.
I looked at a lot of OpenSim/alternative grids in July 2008 and I'm keeping an eye on what others are saying at the moment. I haven't found any that would lure me away from SL at the moment and I would probably keep at least a free account there but the costs are starting to outweigh the joy so it's time to do some thinking.
I have been away from SL a lot this year for personal reasons and due to work being chaotic so perhaps it's the distance that has caused my recent rethink. Looking around at friends who have remained constant on the grid, though, I'm not so sure. Many of them are starting to explore alternative grids again and are also feeling underwhelmed at some of the changes (fees, restrictions).
I love so many things about Second Life and in particular the community... it's an amazing space full of art, learning, amazing people and the ability to create, explore (yourself and the environment). I'm forever talking about it to others and often they join as a result of my passionate ravings.
We are at a point where there may be comparable environments that offer the things we love (or loved!) about SL too - so perhaps it's time to look at some of these spaces a little more seriously. I feel that I have created substantial links with the community that I won't lose them regardless of what I choose to do in the future - and let's face it, the community that was created in Second Life extends way beyond the constraints of the grid and Linden Lab, it doesn't rely on the grid to continue... so... hmmm...
Back to the point.. a house/land that you can't modify or change or replace isn't really incentive, except perhaps for a period of time where you are getting your bearings in SL... and there's plenty of places that offer free or low cost services to newbies to help them through this period. I have longed for a private island of my own (but can't justify it) due to the mainland restrictions (terraforming, land textures/environment). To have a space with even less freedoms? No thank you.
At least on mainland you have the freedome to build, buy or borrow what you like in the way of a house (if you even want one - I think I may have had a house for a week or so once upon a time!). You can also take your build or purchase back into your inventory and replace it at your whim (this often coincides with new found skills, knowledge or taste!).
On mainland when you are ready to move on, you can sell your land and become a wanderer or find something that suits your current needs. Why on earth would I want something with even more restrictions?!
See also:
- Home is where you hand your avatar's hat on Second Life Blogs by Jack Linden on 04-Dec-2009, 10:43:03
- Linden Lab to test new house/land incentive for premium Second Life accounts on Massively by Tateru Nino Dec 4th 2009, 3:00PM.
- ReactionGrid
- OpenSim - a whole list of OpenSim grids is available for you to explore
