Working in SL

I've noticed a curiosity in SL, and I'd like to get some feedback on it. First, a little history.

I've been working online since 1986. I ran the Guide program on Q-Link, which was AOL's predecessor. I've also worked on AOL itself, and with many different MUDs over the years. The point of all that, is that I've had a lot of experience with actually working online, and handling staff online.

Recently we've hired folks for a project we're doing. Most of them are great, and working their little av's off. But 3 of them, after asking for the job, hearing all about the job, and accepting the job, have since never shown up for a single shift in 2-3 weeks. In each case, I had to go to the person and ask why, rather than them coming to me and telling me something was up.

That's a really high percentage, especially considering the short length of time we've been open. One would be nothing at all, two would be curious - but three, wow, something is going on here. I've honestly never run into anything like this before outside of SL.

Has anyone else experienced this? And if so, what do you think the reasons are? Why is it happening in SL, and not other places? I have my suspicions, but I don't want to skew anyone's views right now, I'd like to hear what you all think. Thanks, very much.

Most people still consider this just a game. SL is a pretty different experiance than any other online enviorement (see, I didn't use the word 'game' there) and it's natural to think, 'I need a job to make money' when in fact, they don't.

I'd say the idea of a 'job' in SL just isn't a very serious one. It's just a game after all.

Honestly, my best guess is that it has a lot to do with compensation & how people value their time. If I remember right you were recently advertising to hire people for L$50/hr for one job. Perhaps when new they think..."I've no desire to invest RL money into this game....$50 for just an hour...I'm on a basic account! That's what I get in a week! Good deal!"
Then perhaps they explore a bit more and realize that there are sites such as GOM where the average 1K goes for $4. Suddenly you realize that you could either spend 20 real life hours earning $1k (a signifigant amount of time for only US$4!) or just plunk down the money and buy it for themselves.
As to why people may not tell you...I met you some time ago and you were very nice. Telling a nice person that you crunched the numbers and can't justify working for 20 cents an hour is a bit more "real" & "confrontational" then some people like to be. You never know how someone you don't know is going to take your truth and react.
Heck, I was barely brave enough to answer this honestly and I've nothing to do with it.

-Sun

Torley, I've heard the same about it being hard to get a team together, maybe that is indeed part of it.

Red - I think you brought up a good point too, maybe it's the whole "game" atmosphere, though MUDs are games too, and I never had this happen on one of those. SL is a unique type of "game" though (yes, I really hate calling it that, to be honest) - and I know that everyone looks at it differently.

Sun - lol, ty for saying I'm nice! Yes, you were right about the amount of the pay, it's not a whole lot. But that's why I posted the pay in the message, so folks knew what it was before even enquiring further. You've hit it closest to what I think myself, they take the job and then for whatever reasons, just don't *want* to say, "Hey, I changed my mind."

Thanks for the input guys, keep it coming - I really do find this curious.

-Claire

Wow..I met my wife (soon-to-be-ex) on Q-Link! Good to see I'm not the only one left alive that's used and/or heard of it. I tell folks that it was AOL before AOL, and they just look at me blankly. See..yet another innovation brought on by those lovable C=64's and 128's.

I think there's an opportunity here for a third party to provide a "bidders bond" service.

To demonstrate commitment, candidates would put a small sum of money in trust in order to be considered for the work. To prevent scams, a trusted third party holds the money.

This might be a good opportunity for GOM. They could take a small commission from each bond.

If the candidate fails to perform the services (they don't show up), the money goes to the employer. Otherwise, the money is returned to the candidate.

In fact, third party bonds could be used for all sorts of contracts, eliminating the need for more specific dispute resolution from LL.

Want a contract? Both parties go to GOM and deposit some amount of money. Upon breach of contract, a hearing is conducted and the money is awarded to the winner.

-WW

Yep, I get those blank looks all the time, and I strongly suspect they think I'm making it up, lol lol. Ahh, the good old days!