My 'magnum opus' on things (LONG)

The ultimate goal of this post is to operate both as an exercise in contemplation for its author, as well as the final and complete attempt of said author to set her interest in the matter one way or the other to a full and final rest. WARNING -- THIS WILL BE A LONG POST, AND LIKELY WILL NOT BE ENJOYABLE FOR ANYONE WHO IN ANY MANNER CHOOSES TO IDENTIFY WITH ANYTHING SAID WITHIN THE BELOW....you have been warned.

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Main Entry: elite
Pronunciation: A-'lEt, i-, E-
Function: noun
Etymology: French élite, from Old French eslite, from feminine of eslit, past participle of eslire to choose, from Latin eligere

1) a singular or plural in construction : the choice part : CREAM <the elite of the entertainment world>

2) a singular or plural in construction : the best of a class <superachievers who dominate the computer elite -- Marilyn Chase>

3) a singular or plural in construction : the socially superior part of society <how the elite live -- A P World> <how the F.-speaking elite ... was changing -- Economist>

4) a group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence <members of the ruling elite> <the intellectual elites of the country> e : a member of such an elite -- usually used in plural <the elites ..., pursuing their studies in Europe -- Robert Wernick>

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There has been much push and pull thoughout the history of this product with regard to whether or not there is an elite community, whether or not such a presence actively influences decisions made by Linden Labs with regard to their product offering, and whether or not such things, if present, actively pose a detrimental effect upon the product's marketability and/or otherwise 'not elite' customer base.

In reviewing the history available through these forum archives, the author finds there are roughly three schools of thought set forth by those who spend any degree of time contemplating or remotely caring about the matter, each supported by a loyal and relatively consistant segment of the small segment of customers who voice themselves upon this set of forums:

1) Those who believe there is an elite community, and who further believe their presence is detrimental to the product offering as well as to the openness of the developer/owners toward input outside that grouping. For purposes of discussion and reference, this will be referred to as 'item #1'.

2) Those who believe that there may or may not be an elite community who gains greater access to Linden Labs than anyone else, but if there is, their existance has, at best, small influential effect and that is balanced or countered in large part by the greater interest of Linden Labs in its own behalf. For purposes of discussion and reference, this will be referred to as 'item #2'.

3) Those who believe that not only is there no elite community, but that the presentation of it is a deliberate ruse on the part of customers who feel disenfranchised and disgruntled -- the sole objective of which being to present the threat of elitism as an agent of force against Linden Labs for purposes that are generally to gain consideration of ideas that have not garnered Linden Labs support on their own merit. For purposes of discussion and reference, this will be referred to as 'item #3'.

This post is intended to address each school of thought in its turn and, in the doing, debunk the position set forth in item #1, consider the possiblity of the position set forth in item #2, and further investigate the possibility of the position presented in item #3.

The following are assumed to be true for the discussion at hand:

1) Linden Labs always attempts to act in their best interests as a corporation.

2) Linden Labs always attempts to reconcile their best interests with customer interests, but when faced with choosing one or the other, will choose in their best interests as a corporation.

3) Linden Labs does hold long-time customers in a position of high appreciation.

4) Linden Labs does reward long-time customers for their loyalty to and support of the product.

5) Linden Labs does consider constructive criticism of their product, even if they do not ultimately agree or act upon it.

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Debunking Item #1
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To effectively debunk the position of item #1, there need be only one statement of fact presented -- control of the product offering rests with Linden Labs, not with any segment of their customer base. The author thinks this point stands upon its own with no requirement of 'proof', as it is the literal state of affairs... Linden Labs is, in fact, in full control of their product.

However, there have been numerous assertions this is not the case with the crux of the position being that certain of the customer base have managed to insinuate themselves so well into the workings of Linden Labs that they actually have control of the company's decision making, or that, less malevolently, bring to bear undue influence. "Undue" being generally defined as 'influence beyond that which the average customer may hold'.

So then -- how to 'prove' to those who disagree that Linden Labs is not detrimentally influenced by some elite sub-segment of the customer base?

As one cannot prove a negative, this author finds the most expedient means of rebutting the assertion is to insist those who make it first deliver empirical evidence in support of it. Without such demonstration of proof, the only rational course is to underscore the assumptions given (above), which are not only reasonable within the context of the industry (gaming, MMOs, etc.) but also demonstrated to be true by both Linden Labs commentary as well as evidence to date that is easily available upon review of their web site and these forums.

In the end, until such time as any of the assumptions given above may be demonstrated empirically to be untrue, they must stand as true. Until such time as this detrimental effect be quantified by those who support this position, this entire assertion fails on face value.

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Considering Item #2
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When considering item #2, the first hurdle comes in determining what, exactly, are the criteria used to identify one customer over another as 'elite'. This in itself would likely embroil most forum participants in a huge festival of flames.

Rather than make the question an open one, this author chooses to point out that as a natural result of the preceding (Debunking Item #1), one must conclude there is no 'elite', however there is a strong and vocal segment of veteran customers who have utilized their long-term loyalty to open dialogue with Linden Labs, and who have deliberately taken up interest in the product above and beyond that which one might normally find in this industry.

These veterans are generally vocal in their interests and decidedly honest about their agendas, despite the ire it has earned them from some corners of the community. From all accounts upon these forums, they have traded the relative anonymity of 'just being a customer' for the opportunity to have more than a strictly monetary contribution to the product.

This is a relationship that is actively promoted by Linden Labs for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that, in these veterans, they have a confirmed resource of both context as well as creativity. Such a resource would cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars over time, were they to pursue them through traditional channels (e.g., focus groups, testing groups, etc.).

In accord with the assumptions provided above, Linden Labs rewards this interest and contribution of customer time and effort in a number of ways. Some of these ways have been documented in these forums, others are unknown but to the customers themselves. But any of which are strictly Linden Lab's right and choice to indulge and this author cannot find fault in it, especially as she does not and cannot afford the time or effort to do so herself and create the ground from which to host any other opinion with validity.

It is documented fact that these veteran players have the ear of Linden Labs in a way many who play never will. However it is also documented fact that this is far from a random or unearned access. I encourage anyone who is reading this to do your own research in these forums alone on matters of improved scripting, better means of supporting content creation, and related items on how to more effectively provide all customers with tools and technology to enjoy the product.

The last two weeks of my own reading has demonstrated to me that yes, there is a veteran community who is very strongly active in this product and yes, that veteran community has over time earned the respect and a relatively open door to Linden Labs to discuss any number of concerns.

It is worth noting however, that such access is available to anyone willing to open an IM window to a Linden... and that where it goes from there depends strictly upon where your head is when you begin talking and whether or not you can discuss concerns maturely and without undue emotion.

Whether or not this constitutes 'a good thing' or 'a bad thing' insofar as the rest of the customer base is concerned depends upon whether or not you see any input that is not your own or with which you may not agree as detrimental... which leads us to item #3.

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Investigating Item #3
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In investigating item #3, I have reviewed posts dealing with accusations of favoritism made by various customers over the time the product's forums document. It is worth noting that I do not assume this is the entire history of such accusations, but for purposes of the matter at hand, this author believes there is enough archived discussion to support her conclusions.

In considering the existance of whether or not there is a deliberate ruse in play, one designed to utilize a threat of elitism as means to have one's suggestion given consideration beyond its merit (as determined by response or lack thereof by Linden Labs) one must consider both the accusations made by participants of the forum and whether or not such accusations have occurred independantly of suggestions made by those participants.

Above this, whether or not the accusations take place in conjunction with the advancement of alternate suggestions and/or whether or not the accusations occur only upon apparent disinterest in said alternate suggestions.

Finally, one must consider whether or not these alternative suggestions were set forth only within the context of debate/argument/discussion in the forum, or whether they were actively pursued by the proposal system Linden Labs has created for such things.

My review of the forums and archived threads very clearly demonstrates a pattern of behavior undertaken by some customers in which a threat of favoritism and elitism is utilized as a tool of force, intended to bully their ideas into consideration.

There is a distinct segment of persons active upon the forums who seem to believe they are being deprived of their right to be heard as a customer simply by virtue of the existance of others who pursue their concerns more proactively and who, from all accounts, have made a point of interacting professionally with Linden Labs.

These individuals operate under a series of apparent misconceptions that ultimately result in their own frustration:

1) Linden Labs reads every thread in the forums.
2) Linden Labs has a responsibility to personally notify everyone of everything they are doing.
3) Linden Labs only listens/reads items presented by veteran players.
4) Linden Labs only supports ideas that are endorsed by veteran players.

Even though every one of these misconceptions may be handily disproved by the archived threads themselves, this perception persists and seems to be actively nutured, often in the face of directly contradictory responses on the part of Linden Labs themselves or even, in some cases, veteran players supporting the suggeston presented.

Any attempt to mitigate or reconcile matters inevitably results in further accusations of ulterior motivation or maliciousness, until most everyone involved loses interest... at which point the aggressor resolutely points to the lack of interest as indicative of some nefarious scheme to deprive them of their right to be heard.

In actuality, it is a combination of assumed intent and refusal to submit to the process that consistantly brings frustration and failure to these individuals with regard to gaining the attention they desire from Linden Labs.

Convinced they are being sabotaged by veteran players insures their inability to progress (resentment is a powerful stultifying force), and anger at Linden Labs for not magically sensing and responding to their feelings of impotence keeps them from ever so much as considering utilizing the proposal system or simply using the IM system or email as so many players do to communicate directly with Linden Labs themselves.

Instead, day after day, they fester and reaffirm to themselves all the ways they are denied and on occasion, post to the forums when it overwhelms them... often only to the end of setting the entire cycle on another revolution.

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Personal Thoughts
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I had intended to include a ton of links and references, but in the end the only people who will grant them validity already do and the only ones who will not already do not, so it seems rather a pointless padding and I resist the urge.

This item was written primarily to set forth what I see upon my own review of the threads archived here. I'm not interested in convincing or converting anyone (see previous paragraph), but only in setting forth my own opinion for whatever posterity it may or may not achieve.

I am, in the end, content to see that veteran players receive benefit for being veteran. I am equally content to know that when I have made comments or concerns known to Linden Labs, I have received, if not the response I desired, at least a professional and thoughtful response. I regret others have not had the same experience, but believe that must be due, in large part, to their means of presentation.

With this rather lumpy post complete, I wash my hands of the entire matter of contention/discussion/argument and happily so.

I believe those who are aggressively disruptive will continue to be so, those who are worried over it will continue to do so, and those who have sense will eventually conclude it is not something to fret over, as, more than anything, it is a competition of ego and hardly worth even the interest and vague concern I have given it to date.

Thank you for reading.

HEAD SPLODES!


Very good read actually.. I hearby award you with a Phd on the F.I.C.


And here is my Magnificent Octopus:

Once upon a time there was a little AV named Siggy.
And he lived happily ever after.


Siggy.

So does this mean you won't fret over it, anymore?

It's Second Life. Like a lot of other people, I get to say and do things differently here. Not that I behave differently, just that normal restrictions or patterns only apply if I want them to. I've had fun with the concept of an SL elite because I'm a political animal at heart, and it's been fascinating to imagine the sorts of groups, movements, and ideas that might arise here.

But I don't think the majority of steady commentators on these forums take such things too-too seriously. I know some do. I know others have been sucked into it a little too deeply, as well. (I've heard a sucking sound once or twice, myself.)

It's Second Life. A fine experiment in fun and interest and creativity, way too much drama, and an occasional good debate.

Cienna,

I admire the time and effort you put into this post. It was very well written. And it was easy to read. You thought it out well and you didn't name names, which is always a pleasure.

It doesn't matter if I agree or disagree. It is how you feel. Thank you for sharing.

Why must we always be talking about contentious issues?

Can't we just talk about what a great place SecondLife is and how wonderful the players are?

Ask yourself that blaze, for once.

I did just that. Great read Thank you, Cienna.

i think it's a tribute to sl that it can inspire people to think and write about it in this manner.

Oh, I dunno.

Elite, anti-elite.. Can't we all just get along?

is this why i cant marry a linden?

I bagsy'd Jack....

OMG how was it?





Yep.

Yah know, why are we dredging this up when nobody really cares anymore?

That forum flame war is so.. May-June 2005.

Kinda like an old post eh Blaze?

More to the point, it's why a Linden can't marry you.

It seems to me that the "elite" label is generally applied to anyone who contributes money or effort to the continued support and development of the project. It's not a closed, exclusive society as evidenced by its continual growth. So far there have been, at least, the elite group of beta contributors in 2003, the larger pre1.2 group in 2004, and the vast techiwiki group of 2005.

The fact of the matter is that most of our population couldn't care less about contributing anything to LL until they have a problem or decide that they need a nonexisting feature. That's okay. They're here to relax and play and that's what SL is all about in its current state. But it's only the tip of the iceberg. LL are devicing software, marketing strategies and management techniques that will be textbook material for w3b developers over the next few decades. It's a daunting task considering that they're making all of this up on the fly.

Any help, including constructive criticism, that a concerned segment of the population can offer is obviously appreciated. To call those people "elite" in terms of influence is fair. Using the term as an insult only backfires on the poster making them appear either childishly jealous or just too stupid to realize what's happening.

Any decision, direction, feature or whatever LL pursues, we ALL are free to use or prosper from. FIC or not, we all have the same toolset. Summary: Who cares.

Nice post Cienna! Well thought out and very interesting to read! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

WOW! Page 2 of a thread and no personal attacks. We CAN do it

Thanks Cienna, great read.

Thanks, folks.

Very interesting post, Cienna.

There's 2 points you made that stand out to me:


-and-



I tend to agree with your assumptions, and I believe that the misconceptions you outline are a somewhat common one.

The post is a little long to expect it to reach a wide audience - but I felt it was a worthwhile read. Thanks for putting this together!

Well done Cienna. I think you did an excellent job of evaluating the various mindsets related to this issue and I agree with your conclusions. I think Khamon's post was excellent as well, and pretty much spot on.

I'm willing to bet you haven't even read the post in its entirety.

Excellent post, Cienna. It's rare in any Internet forum to see such a well-organized, logical analysis. Thanks for injecting a bit of sanity into the forums.

Cienna,

At the risk of helping to beat the dead horse, and although your post is very well written, I don't think you have been very specific. You are absolutely right that nobody can prove a negative, but that doesn't refute any argument. "You can't prove anything" -- while it may be true, it isn't a credibility-building argument, ask any inmate.

There IS an "elite" segment of Second Life population, because there is always an elite segment of subscribers for any service. There couldn't possibly NOT be an elite. (examples: if you write a letter to the editor of the New York Times, does your letter have exactly the same chance to get published as, say, Colin Powel's letter? Does the president of Hertz get special treatment from Ford? Does a million mile traveler get special treatment from American Airlines?)

I don't think the question should be whether there's an "elite" or not, of course there is. The question is, do the elite have advantages that are somehow unfair. (We can leave it to pundits past to harp on whether such advantages are deserved.)

Here are some examples of alleged unfair advantages:

- Some forum posters can get away with saying things that other forum posters would be banned for
- Linden prominently mentions or shows certain resident products on the web site or elsewhere
- Some residents can get away with behavior that other residents can't (such as deploying spybots all over the grid)
- Some residents have lifetime accounts and/or lifetime tier allocations
- Some residents have inside contacts and benefit from insider information

With the exception of the first item (which I think is nonsense), these are all true.

My answer to that is, and always has been, "SO WHAT!" Yes there is an elite, yes to some extent connected to "veteran-ness" or "connected-ness". How could there not be?

Anyway, I don't think anybody left here cares very much. I sure don't.

Buster

Well, I think the core of the matter is that most who choose the term 'elite' choose it with a distinct connotation that something 'bad', 'wrong', or 'nefarious' is happening. I also think, as I stated in the original post, that any 'benefit' is one that could reasonably be had by any customer willing to invest the time and effort to obtain it. This is, I think, demonstrable simply by the number of people who have done so over time.

The problem for some lies both in resentment that they do not have such access or benefit and in frustration with their seeming inability to reconcile their posture/presentation with that result.

Rather than accept the unfortunate reality that they, more often than not, alienate Linden Labs by persisting in the accusations of favoritism instead of accepting the reality that, in most cases, it is more a reward for effort made than reward for popularity, many seem to subscribe to the belief that if only they yell loudly enough, long enough, everyone will magically agree with them that they should reap all the benefits of making that extra effort without actually having to do so.

Pretty unrealistic, I'd say. But there you have it.