A proposal for a strike: changing the way people think about events

Yes I am on a crusade. Thank you so much for asking. A crusade is needed.

So I'm noticing some trends. There seems to be a large group of people who think events are all *.*ingo or that its not worth going to events. To reiterate a post I made in General, if people treated shopping like they treat events:

1. Most folks would get free stuff at Yadni's and never shop. After all, why should we pay for stuff over and above what we give to LL?
   
2. People would say "I don't ever shop because its too hard to find the good shops with all the crap that's out there"
   
3. People wouldn't read the new product forums and classified because "its all junked up with the *.*slutwear" and script stuff that I can't really use because I don't have land
   
4. People would never go see your fantastic new build because "it takes too much time flying around and looking at ugly stuff before you find something that's really cool"
   

What is needed, clearly, for us event producers to survive in a world with no DI, is that events need to have the same value that 'content' has and right now, they don't. Regardless of whether your event actually is an *.*ingo event, or a nightclub event or something more varied, it is considered by many to be valueless. We, the event producers, need to change that. We need to change the perceptions of people.

So....

What if we stopped producing events for, say, a week. How about two? What if we all just stopped? Let that event list dry the hell on up? Would that change perceptions?

Because lets face it, regardless of what you, personally, think of *.*ingo -- an awful lot of people like to play those games. And people go to the *best of* dances. These events are successful -- if they were not, then no one would go to them and they would have dried up long ago. The different events I put on are also successful. If they weren't, if no one showed up, I wouldn't do them. So clearly, we are doing something right, clearly we are adding value, clearly we are providing a welcome service and I'm tired of being beaten up for it.

Furthermore, we don't get paid for it. I'm going to posit, yet again, that we provide content. Our content is no less tangible than any person who works with prims or photoshop. I mean, its not like you can put your hands on a dress and feel that texture. Yet Neph gets 500L for that outfit and Perse gets nothing for an event. Why is that? Its because people do not see the value in events.

So what do you think? Should we strike? Would the absence of events change the way people think about them?

Probably. I like the idea, but you know it isn't feasible. It would be impossible to get enough buy in from event hosts to make it work. There would be scab hosts that would go right out and host an event, knowing that with little competition, the event would be a success.

Unfortunately a majority of SL won't even see this post because they don't visit the forums in the first place so its doubtfull if you could even cut the events list by 25% with this little movement you wanna start. Besides, all because you don't make money off your events doesn't mean no one does. Alot of those *ingo and club events do draw in business for other things at that location and not just to generate dwell. Did you know Tringo has an option for the owner to take a percentage of the pot? Thats right, Tringo is also a source of income as well as traffic. Many other games do the same. As much as I'd love the events list to be filled with with more actually content instead of ads and *ingo-esk games it ain't gonna happen. Many people here are capitolist minded about SL and are trying to make a buck.

Unfortunately, Gabe is right.

Not to mention - I run a venue that is by design, free (Offering a social atmosphere for new folks that have no cash).

I'd support your cause in spirit, but I'm trying to find other ways to fund our expenses rather than charging the new residents that come visit us. Maybe I'll fail - but I'm going to try & hang on until the final hour.

One thing I think you might do that we've been doing for a while - is making use of sponsors. You have a captive audience in front of signage for the duration of an event. I'd think a smart content creator would find money spent on that sort of targeted advertisement a greater value than a classified ad.

I guess you could say that instead of going after the new residents, I'm going after the content creators to help fund the Shelter. Someone has to pay in the end - I just don't think admission is the only way.

We do have sponsors Travis. But thank you. I'm really not so much just wanting to strike as I am wanting to try to change the way people think about events. Somehow, there must be a way to make them acknowledge the value in the events. Clearly the value is there -- or we wouldn't have attendees.

Travis, check out Foundation for Rich Content:

/110/ab/58103/1.html

I don't think the issue is neccesarily changing the way people think about events - as you said, clearly the value is there, or you wouldn't have attendees.

I'd make a guess that your visitor makeup is similar to mine in this one regard: the vast majority of folks who visit the Shelter don't read the forums.

However, the majority of well-known content creators do read the forums. And the forums is where this perception problem in regards to events is most pervasive.

The Challenge: Convincing content creators and other buisness owners that its money well spent to sponsor an event. That'll be an uphill battle - but if we can succeed, there's a possible win/win for everyone.

When I think about events in SL, I equate them to the broadcast television industry in the US. You don't pay to watch: sponsors do. Yet the big networks still profit, and even non-profits like PBS survive as well.

I know, I know. You're like the 8th person that's suggested that I probably will end up throwing my name into the hat for the game shows at least

We're pushers, Trav! Seriously, this is just another aspect of the issue. FFRC is having a hard time GIVING MONEY AWAY. Is the 4 question application too difficult? Is the free money tainted? Are all the FFRC pleas for event hosts to grab the cash falling on deaf ears? If Gabe screams in the forest and only Furries hear him, did he really scream at all? I just don't know.

I had never even heard of it until just now. I'll try to remember to contact you tonight. I think maybe I can help. Or you can help me. Or something.

No strike would work, you wouldn't get enough support in the first place combined with several factors.

1. producers would still work, with little competition

No they aren't 'scabs' as they belong to a union. Wasn't a point made about free enterprise?

2. more people would rise

People would, given the lowered competition, have more traffic to their events and become more well known. Clubs would have an easier time.

3. greed never works

You want money? Charge to host the event. I am one of many people who won't go to an event I have to pay for unless I know its worth it. How do I know that if I've never been to your events because you always charge?

4. the movement wouldn't get far

Its on the forums..and only a low percentage of sl reads them, much less this thread alone.

Yes, this is a dissent, but it is in no way an attack on event producers. Do what you love her on sl, but don't pretend everyone is unionized or after the same goal you are. I'm pragmatic, and this is an extension of that.

A very small group of telehub land owners got together, chose a leader and asked for a sit-down with the Lindens concerning the end of telehubs. The Lindens met with us and we came away from that meeting with the Telehub Land Buy Back program. A DI Development Group should definitely be formed immediately. With enough involvement from SL Content providers we could come up with a solution before the beginning of The End of DI.

if you want to start a crusade like this, get a group of big time event hosts together and charge admission for events! Ultimately, if you are providing something of value, people will pay for it. we need to change the perception against charging admission, especially as developer incentives go away. Travis' sponsored host model is a good one as well. No reason both business models can't co-exist.

IMHO...as always...I know some club owners hosting the same old events (best in <insert color> who complain they don't have enough participation and when they do try something unique, no one comes. Hard as it may be to believe, perhaps the problem is a lack of imagination. I have started a weekly gallery tour. Free to attend and I pay the event host. Basically, a group of folks meet up and explore an art gallery together. It has been successful beyond my hopes and is branching out to two tours per week to accomodate all the interest.

I think people might exercise some choice, if they have it. But it takes work for event planners to put something together and even more work to make it something different.

BTW Gabe....I looked at the FFRC app. as a possibility to assist in compensating hosts for additional tours, but it appears FFRC sponsors single events only, and this is a series.

That was something LL could control, land buyback, and telehubs. Events at clubs and the like are soemthing that are user created completely. That is a major difference in if anything can be done. The motion proposed would require all hosts and producers to agree to it. if even one dissented, he could have so much work it wasn't funny. That coupled with the complete user-created situation is what makes the strike proposed impractical , bulky, and completely disconnected with the feasible.

It has always been that a bunch of people with the same concerns get together, organize themselves and agree on some ground rules and then effect some sort of change. Never say never Jonas - every proposal depends on the people dedicated to making it happen.

I went to an event of the quiz-show type the other night. It was well attended, well hosted, and well enjoyed.

Since the day that event hosts were no longer compensated by LL, I have been an patron of good entertainment and educational events. I think LL might have recently reinstated some host compensation but I'm not sure. I haven't changed my patronage, regardless.

As people were gathering for the event, I made an off-hand remark about the donation box in the corner of the room (while anonymously donating). As it happened, I paid the facility's coffer, not the host's which didn't trouble me. My statement caused the person underwriting the prize money to put out her tip jar. I contributed to that as well.

About 3/4 of the way through the game, I tried to entice people to also add to the prize pot by making a L$5 donation - which the pot thanked me for in open chat - and then remarking to no one in particular that L$5 was roughly equal to US$0.02.

As I was not trying to be irritating about it, I added a couple more small donations. In the end, I think about a handful of attendees actually donated.

I'm not sure if there is a point to this. But at least in this one example, people really don't seem inclined to lay down 2 cents for an hour's entertainment. I would like to think that all of the attendees could have and would have tossed L$5 in to the pot if pressed, but this is just not the SL social norm presently.

How do you change an entrenched social norm?

I hosted the unveiling of Jefferson Gould's new steampunk invention this past weekend and there were a good dozen people in attendance, and another ten or so dropped by the castle over the two days following, looking for the event. We had no tringo or sex dancers.

So there's one entirely RP-based event that was a success!

Pym

The problem here is the vast numbers of event hosts and producers. More rise up everyday..what happens when half of a populace doesn't go along with the other half's idea?

If hosts and producers want to make money, its their own responsibility to negotiate pay or a cut of the profits. Not a vast organizations.

Free enterprise vs monopolization

1. Vivi: how cool are you? Very. (for those who don't know it, Vivianne is an Awesome events manager and a pretty decent mudwrestler also! lol) I appreciate your posting and even more, your dedication to the cause of a livelier and more interesting SL.

2. We do need to charge for events and to that end the FFRC is hosting a Box Office Contest so let your scripter buddies know we're offering biggish Linden Bucks to get it done. (See Products Wanted Forum.) People should be paying something for the benefit they receive by having a place to go to chat up chicks or be creative or have fun. SL is the platform. It isn't (aside from occasional Linden sponsored events) the fun itself. Not for socializers at any rate, or people burnt out from hours of building who need a break and a boogie (the dance kind).

3. Horus! Hit us up with an application! We will sponsor series events or even really nifty builds for up to $2000L per month. And you can apply again for additional funding once that month is over. I'll look to see what made you think your series event would be excluded and see if I can clarify that in the application.

4. People paying for events will not be, likely, enough to cover costs of most venues. Venues will need to rely on rentals also most likely and possibly sponsorships as well, though Travis you seem to have been exceptionally lucky in terms of garnering cash sponsorships. At present, our sponsorships are all prizes (granted they are Really Kewl prizes from top designers! yay and ty to Munch and Bare Rose!) In any case, we will be entering a new phase of SL soon with a dramatically changing landscape. I don't think it will all be for the worse, but admittedly, many places rely on dwell for helping to cover costs, the spa being one of them. I hope that people will pay admission, as well as shop, game, and rent housing, at the places that bring them entertainment. We'll see!

Cheers and happy Monday everyone. ~Perse

1. Vivi: how cool are you? Very. (for those who don't know it, Vivianne is an Awesome events manager and a pretty decent mudwrestler also! lol) I appreciate your posting and even more, your dedication to the cause of a livelier and more interesting SL.

2. We do need to charge for events and to that end the FFRC is hosting a Box Office Contest so let your scripter buddies know we're offering biggish Linden Bucks to get it done. (See Products Wanted Forum.) People should be paying something for the benefit they receive by having a place to go to chat up chicks or be creative or have fun. SL is the platform. It isn't (aside from occasional Linden sponsored events) the fun itself. Not for socializers at any rate, or people burnt out from hours of building who need a break and a boogie.

3. Horus! Hit us up with an application! We will sponsor series events or even really nifty builds for up to $2000L per month. And you can apply again for additional funding once that month is over. I'll look to see what made you think your series event would be excluded and see if I can clarify that in the application.

4. People paying for events will not be, likely, enough to cover costs of most venues. Venues will need to rely on rentals also most likely and possibly sponsorships as well, though Travis you seem to have been exceptionally lucky in terms of garnering cash sponsorships. At present, our sponsorships are all prizes (granted they are Really Kewl prizes from top designers! yay and ty to Munch and Bare Rose!) In any case, we will be entering a new phase of SL soon with a dramatically changing landscape. I don't think it will all be for the worse, but admittedly, many places rely on dwell for helping to cover costs, the spa being one of them. I hope that people will pay admission, as well as shop, game, and rent housing, at the places that bring them entertainment. We'll see!

Cheers and happy Monday everyone. ~Perse

Thank you Persephone. I will submit an application. Here is the part of the application that led to my confusion:

"By one-time funding, we mean that a person may be able to access the funding stream with a different application, but that an approved application is for up to $2000 only, not continuing support week after week. "

These people are paying - its called PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP charges and TIER. And for those basic account holders - Linden Labs gets to boast that they have 100,000 members. LL used to know that CONTENT was worth money and those providing it needed to get compensated by the company reaping the financial benefits. All of a sudden everyone is taking crazy pills and has jumped on this bandwagon to have content providers pay huge tier fees, staff salaries and (since the end of telehubs) increased marketing fees while LL keeps all of the profits created by folks that log into SL for Tringo and Naked Dance Parties.



"The fun itself" comes from the content providers - once LL realizes that (once again) there will be more opportunities to engage in some great activities - and the continued opportunity to dance naked at a nightclub for free.

bladyblue, I hear your frustration and your concern about the future for events makers and venues. All of us reap benefits of events and other content providers making an interesting world. There is no doubt about the fact that having something for social players to do is important; however not everyone goes to tringo or naked dance parties. In fact, in the 15 months I've been a resident, I've never been to a game of tringo and have attended only one naked dance party (at Club Fur and it was fun!) Instead, I have gone to other kinds of events that, unlike tringo, generally have no mechanism for making money. I have tipped virtual bartenders, musicians and DJs because they made my life fun. IRL I buy a beer (supporting the club) but also tip the bartender (ensuring timely delivery of future beers).

I'm not saying that LL shouldn't be supporting events. I believe they should. In fact, if you look at my posts over the last year, you'll see that dozens if not hundreds of them have involved concern for events funding. However, LL shouldn't just be giving away money through camping chairs and moneyballs, IMO. I understand why people did that, but this is why DI is over. What remains is the fact that other kinds of content makers are compensated by the folks who benefit from the content. If residents want something to do, they will need to either make it happen as volunteers, or support those things (at least in part) just as they pay for clothing, cars, houses, and talking body parts. I also expect that, as in RL, some rich content makers will need other kinds of support (in RL public/private partnerships make arts and culture happen and I think there is a place for that in LL also).

Let me try to illustrate why it was that DI didn't work. Imagine that you owned a mall and the mall charged for parking if people chose to use the parking lot. It would make sense to reward people who brought people to the parking lot (the shop owners) and to encourage people who don't have cars yet, but hopefully will some day, to come to the mall by providing bus service as well. Maybe you decide that the shop owners who provide the most traffic should get a cash bonus based on the traffic they generate. THEN much to your chagrin, you find out that some shop owners are giving people money just to show up, making up for the thin profit margin through sheer volume. The bonus that used to cost you 8 thousand now costs you 20 thousand, rising monthly, with the people intended to be rewarded for content no longer making content but just giving away money. Some of the shop owners have caught wise to the fact that they no longer need to run stores, or movie theaters, or restaurants so long as they just give away a share of the bonus they get from you. The mall is filled with people, but none of them are spending money. The mall is filled with merchants, but fewer and fewer of them are providing content; they are, instead, busy handing out your money. Suddenly 85% of the people who come to your mall are riding the bus rather than parking their cars, and you are paying for the shop owners per head, not a percentage of your actual profits. Do you see the problem? The percentage of profit that you pay to the shop owners is increasing, even though your profits are not. It looks great to see all these people around, except for one thing: they are MOSTLY riding the bus. AND the shops where things are still being sold or food is being served or movies are being run, are seeing their bonuses decrease rather than increase because their patrons are hanging around waiting for your money to be given to them. The people you hoped would generate revenue for you are now, in fact, expecting revenue FROM you rather than providing it TO you. How can you afford to sustain your mall on that model? You can't! It's insanity.

It cost me personally to no longer get the DI incentive. Not tons, but a significant amount. I am now paying out of pocket to entertain people. I like entertaining people and I was willing to let all of my sl profits (enough to pay a couple of bills) subsidize that building of community. I was also happy to put in 10 or more hours per week into the effort of entertaining people and building community in SL. Paying out of pocket in addition to donating time and all of my sl earnings to do that is another matter. I need to find a way to make the events venue I run break even, and have been working steadily to do this.

EVEN SO, I understand why DI had to end. It was not a sustainable model. It would have led to the death of LL at the point when the bus rider head count exceeded the profit margin's ability to pay bonuses to the shop-keepers-turned-money-sieves. I am sincere in my hope that LL, business owners, and residents will pitch in to support events producers and venues. I am so sincere about this, in fact, that I donated $10,000L to the FFRC when it started up and spend many hours a week (as do lots of other folks, I'm FAR from alone in this) to help event hosts continue to make fun stuff for us to do. I say all this because I don't want to convey the wrong impression. I'm all about supporting event hosts. Nonetheless, DI is unworkable as it is currently structured and instead of pretending otherwise, we need to find workable solutions to keep events from disappearing.

We all reap benefits and the monthly tier fees many of us pay is quite enough to cover the costs for LL to maintain the servers and compensate their unofficial 'partners' for providing content.



"Having something to do" is why there are 100,000 subscribers. Standing in a sandbox is not entertainment and most would'nt pay fees to do so. Basic members would'nt bother to log on to stand in a desert.



Ask any venue owner; Tringo is not a money making mechanism. People pay the pot and the winnings are distributed to the players. Perhaps enough funds are generated to comepnstate the Tringo Host - but the venue owner is only compensated from daily traffic bonuses and DI.



Tipping has always been in place in SL. Tipping from satisfied customers isn't the same thing as content providers being compensated by the company that reaps the benefits of work of the content providers.



This is where it gets confusing: LL should support events but they will no longer support events and thats just fine with you. The bandwagon rolls forward with this FFRC group supposedly covering LLs ass and slowly metering out funds for what theyTHEY feel is valuable content. The Censorhip-with-dollars program has now begun.



The folks that benefit from the content are LL. The content makes the empty world LL provides a platform worth visiting and paying tier for. I really don't understand: If several hundred LL customers want to attend the events offerred why won't LL continue to support these content providers financially? Instead of the FFRC attacking the current offering of events to justify their existence they could use that energy to ADD to the event choices. Then the 'high-brows' and the 'regular guy' will both be happy with what is offerred in SL.



Then LL is obligated to develop a new system to compensate Second Life content providers. Leaving these folks without the funds to cover the costs of supporting large tier fees and paying other player's salaries will definitely have a negative impact on SL. Basic players with no source of income won't be tipping or buying cars, planes or boats.



And without compensation from LL many content providers will sell off their land holdings and call it a day. Then LL will see the vast wasteland created from such a 'bottomline' move as this. No compensation for content providers=less content providers=less salaries paid to players=less sales for designers=less stores=less players.



A new compensation program for content providers is the only solution. If LL does not want to continue to make moves that negatively impact the economy they will work on getting a new compensation system in place ASAP. The impact from the announcement of the end of DI (no content providers were spoken to about this prior to the decision becoming final) has already negatively impacted event venues and the salaries of the folks working at these places.

The majority of people that join SL these days don't expect to be beta testers of a vast wasteland. They expect to go to nightclubs, play Tringo, skydive, spend earned Lindens and just socialize in a eclectic online community. If LL wants something for nothing that is exactly what they will end up with.